03-04-2012, 09:23 PM
Round 8
Against Finland 1, Phil had possibly the better of a comfortable draw against GM Heikki Westerinen. At this stage things looked good with Peter and Alan both the exchange to the good (although both opponents had some initiative) and Gerald too putting considerable pressure on his opponent.
However Alan didn't find a satisfactory defence and suddenly we were one down. Peter's game came down to a drawn rook ending and now we were dependent on Gerald to salvage the match. Although he eventually won two pawns, his opponent's active pieces forced a repetition of moves. Final score 1½-2½ – a case of what might have been. Only a convincing win tomorrow will enable us to reach our seeded position.
For the second team (against Helsinki) Gerorge was happy to take a draw with the other boards looking good. Steve put us ahead with a good win. However an uncharacteristic lapse by Douglas meant that match too was all down to the last game. Ian eventually scored the full point to give his team a good victory and a leap up the standings. Final score 2½-1½.
Against Finland 1, Phil had possibly the better of a comfortable draw against GM Heikki Westerinen. At this stage things looked good with Peter and Alan both the exchange to the good (although both opponents had some initiative) and Gerald too putting considerable pressure on his opponent.
However Alan didn't find a satisfactory defence and suddenly we were one down. Peter's game came down to a drawn rook ending and now we were dependent on Gerald to salvage the match. Although he eventually won two pawns, his opponent's active pieces forced a repetition of moves. Final score 1½-2½ – a case of what might have been. Only a convincing win tomorrow will enable us to reach our seeded position.
For the second team (against Helsinki) Gerorge was happy to take a draw with the other boards looking good. Steve put us ahead with a good win. However an uncharacteristic lapse by Douglas meant that match too was all down to the last game. Ian eventually scored the full point to give his team a good victory and a leap up the standings. Final score 2½-1½.