Patrick Cook faced his fiercest rival Jamie Brotheridge in a key match-up. White dared to venture his favourite Larsen’s Opening and after a tense Opening phase an unusual position, typical of the opening, was reached. Black proved over anxious to build an attack and simply blundered a piece. White made sure of the full point from there.

Michael Schreenan versus John Abson was a King’s Gambit! Declined! White dropped a piece in the opening and in fighting to regain it dropped too many pawns. Black made no mistake in finishing off his opponent.

Chris Segrave faced the new club top seed, Rob Loveband in a Queen’s Gambit Declined. Black secured a pawn from the opening and in a long manoeuvring game gradually increased his advantage. White played on longer than necessary, but was persuaded to resign shortly after Black added a second Queen to his arsenal.

Bill Coutts took on tournament sleeper Joel Beggs and played the Scotch! In a sharp opening phase, Black won a piece, but found himself having to deal with a dangerous attack. White regained the piece at the price of an awkward position and Black cleverly exploited the situation to reach a winning position which he finished off with precise play.

Peter Miitel lined up against Kevin Perrin in their round 10 game. A strange Grunfeld Defence, characterised by slow manoeuvring, White quickly and safely built up considerable pressure against the Black King. Black somehow conspired to drop a piece, handing White a winning position. White then lost focus and suddenly found himself the exchange down. Black made the most of his gift and secured the full point.