19-03-2013, 10:12 PM
Craig, who had previously scored 2.5/3 against GM opponents to claim second place, had to play two more in rounds 7 and 8 and lost to both Tseitlin and Pushkov. However a win in round 9 took him back up to 12th place (ahead of his seeding) and a money prize.
Phil, having recovered to 4.5/8, agreed a quick draw in round 9, with his IM opponent having stated that he wished to leave early to be with his sick wife, leaving him little option. Final score 5/9.
After a couple of lucky wins, I also agreed a quick draw with White against a Russian FM in the final round in a slightly better position to ensure a plus score (also 5/9) and a 43rd place (3 up from my seeding). On paper a decent result but not a good rating performance.
Douglas played very well but had a very tough draw, playing 7 titled players including 5 Russians. He won in the last round and he can consider himself unlucky to have scored just 4.5/9, including a first round win against prizewinner Karasev. A fine rating performance and 46th place was well above his seeding. His rating perfomance was better than both Phil's and my own.
Alan's "results" were below par but he had some very good games where he might easily have scored better.
The closing ceremony and Prize-giving was much enhanced at various points by the presence of 3 very talented young ladies, the 'Three Sopranos' who sang many classical and traditional tunes and made for a very enjoyable evening. Unusually for such occasions the Russian National Anthem was not heard, with an Israeli (Mark Tseitslin) winnng the Mens tournament and a Bulgarian winning the Women's. Placings 1st GM Tseitslin, 2nd GM Shveshnijov, 3rd GM Pushkov. Craig was the only non-East European Prizewinner.
All in all I felt the Scottish contingent acquitted themselves well (as always). Tonight we hit the town and had a very pleasant meal with our friend Belgian FM Jan Rooze. Excellent food (3 courses), wine (3 bottles) and live piano at 'Memories Wine and Dine' for less than £25 per head.
Phil, having recovered to 4.5/8, agreed a quick draw in round 9, with his IM opponent having stated that he wished to leave early to be with his sick wife, leaving him little option. Final score 5/9.
After a couple of lucky wins, I also agreed a quick draw with White against a Russian FM in the final round in a slightly better position to ensure a plus score (also 5/9) and a 43rd place (3 up from my seeding). On paper a decent result but not a good rating performance.
Douglas played very well but had a very tough draw, playing 7 titled players including 5 Russians. He won in the last round and he can consider himself unlucky to have scored just 4.5/9, including a first round win against prizewinner Karasev. A fine rating performance and 46th place was well above his seeding. His rating perfomance was better than both Phil's and my own.
Alan's "results" were below par but he had some very good games where he might easily have scored better.
The closing ceremony and Prize-giving was much enhanced at various points by the presence of 3 very talented young ladies, the 'Three Sopranos' who sang many classical and traditional tunes and made for a very enjoyable evening. Unusually for such occasions the Russian National Anthem was not heard, with an Israeli (Mark Tseitslin) winnng the Mens tournament and a Bulgarian winning the Women's. Placings 1st GM Tseitslin, 2nd GM Shveshnijov, 3rd GM Pushkov. Craig was the only non-East European Prizewinner.
All in all I felt the Scottish contingent acquitted themselves well (as always). Tonight we hit the town and had a very pleasant meal with our friend Belgian FM Jan Rooze. Excellent food (3 courses), wine (3 bottles) and live piano at 'Memories Wine and Dine' for less than £25 per head.