Friday: August 10. John
Shaw's valiant quest for a GM norm may have been in vain despite a final round
win today. Shaw's score of 7/11 may not be quite sufficient for his first norm.
Official confirmation will follow from the organisers. The rest of the Scottish
contingent finished as follows. Jonathan Rowson 7/11; Neil Berry 5.5, Elaine
Rutherford 4. GM Joe Gallagher took outright first after a five (!) move draw
in the final round - and none of the other contenders were able to catch
up.
Thursday: August 9. Well we
all already knew chess was a cruel game. Today John Shaw faced John Emms, his
eighth successive GM opponent. As in yesterday's loss to Gallagher an
uncomfortable position gradually worsened. We understand that John has not made
a GM norm with his scores over 9 or 10 rounds - tomorrow's last round would be
a good time to rediscover the earlier fine form.
Wednesday: August 8. John
Shaw's magnificent run was halted by GM Joe Gallagher of Switzerland (I thought
they were neutral - how come he gets to play in the British anyway - WE NEED TO
KNOW). John was never completely comfortable out of yet another Rossolimo
Sicilian and GM Joe wrapped up the point well. John may have achieved a GM norm
even after this loss - the arithmetic will need to be checked. Gallagher leads
on his own with two rounds to go - but it's still possible for several players
to win.
Tuesday: August 7. John
Shaw continues his terrific run with a comfortable draw as black against GM
Peter Wells. However this has allowed GM Joe Gallagher (I thought he was Swiss
now) and more ominously multi-Brit winner GM Julian Hodgson to catch up. There
is now a three way tie on 6/8. The top three prizes are £10,000;
£2500 and £1500.
Monday: August 6. John Shaw
of Kilmarnock has taken the outright lead in the British Championship currently
underway in Scarborough. He defeated former champion Chris Ward in fine style
in today's 7th round. His score of 5.5/7 is half a point clear of the trailing
GM pack.
A GM norm may now be a minor ambition
compared to the chance of becoming the first Scot to secure British triumph
since R.F.Combe in 1946
The British Championships, sponsored by
Smith & Williamson, take place at The Spa Centre, Scarborough, from Sunday
29th July to Saturday 11th August.
GM Jonathan Rowson, IM John Shaw,
Neil Berry and Elaine Rutherford head the Scottish
challenge.
Live coverage of top board games
is available at Live Brit
2001 Coverage
Photos below from Scarborough by
JBH |
