The last two days of the 2018 NZ Chess Champs have been a mixed bag for our two entrants. Round 3 Saw Ross gain his first win. Playing White against Nicole Qin of Auckland. Though Miss Qin put up a good fight, Ross seemed to have control of the game.
A good Round for Alan who was drawn against one of the two Australians in the tournament, Bevan Clouston. Alan didn’t disappoint and came away with a good win. Playing black with the Sicilian Defence he had a little luck when his opponent missed a good sacrifice on f7 and shortly after made an error in trying the move when Alan was in a better position to defend, by exchanging his Queen for two Rooks.
Round 4 Saw Ross also playing an overseas visitor playing White against a German WFM Manuetta Schmitz. Unfortunately the tournament has not published this game. From viewing the Board it was a fairly even contest and eventually both agreed to a draw. This result gave Ross 2 pts from 4 and places him =17th. Not a good Round for Alan who was drawn against one of the top seeds in the tournament, Martin Post of Wanganui. With both players on 3 pts, the winner would lead the tournament outright. Playing his Favourite London System opening, Alan got off to a good start and held the initiative all through the game, culminating in a break through after 23 moves. However, after all his hard work, and in a complete control of the game, made one of the most basic errors in chess. Moving on impulse without considering his opponents reply he lost a piece to check.!!