Rob Loveband faced veteran Boris Skontra in a Queen’s Gambit Accepted. White won a piece for 2 pawns plus tripled isolani very early and rapidly increased his advantage. White finished off the game with efficient technique from there.

Jamie Brotheridge versus Chris Segrave was a Dutch Defence. White went for piece pressure against the Black King, as usual, and won the exchange in the early middle game. Black was unable to find any counterplay and White traded down to a winning endgame to pick up the full point.

John Abson took on the defending champion Patrick Cook in a French Defence, Advance variation. White kept it relatively even into the middle game before dropping a piece for no compensation. Black quickly overwhelmed his opponent from there.

Kevin Perrin met Bill Coutts in an English Opening. White opted for a positional build-up, winning a pawn and gaining the two bishops in the process. White then finished off the game with a crisp mating attack beginning with a lovely piece sacrifice.

Joel Beggs waited for Michael Schreenan who failed to show, so White was awarded the full point.

Peter Miitel had the bye.