|
|
Liverpool |
|
|
|
Atticus |
|
1 |
b |
Jack Erskine |
1916 |
0 |
1 |
Charles Kennaugh |
2126 |
2 |
w |
Isidro Cruz Gomez |
2081 |
1 |
0 |
Steve Kee |
2088 |
3 |
b |
Marek Korsinkij |
1867 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
Andrei Stancak |
2114 |
4 |
w |
Jamie Kumar |
1776 |
0 |
1 |
Dave Lawson |
2166 |
5 |
b |
Ian Stephens |
1804 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
David James |
2126 |
6 |
w |
Stephen Lloyd |
1788 |
1 |
0 |
Luke Boumphrey |
2051 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
Atticus win on board count |
|
The Vines ('The Big House') set the scene for what was truly a big match! Surrounded by distinguished-looking gentlemen, who seemed fascinated by the drama of chess - I am referring to the surrounding portraits of course.
The results began and ended with drawn games, with the finale on board 3 becoming the focus of all. On route we had Dave James' advantage gradually slipping away as Ian reached equality to draw. Then Dave Lawson demonstrated his often astonishing theoretical knowledge with a little-known gambit to land his opponent's king in difficulties which proved fatal. Then board 1, which seemed on the surface to be heading for a draw, saw Charlie capitalise on a queen exchange to simplify to a won endgame. Next was a fine victory for Steve Lloyd over Luke Boumphrey, who seemed to run out of ideas at some point. My game on board 2 seemed to be progressing nicely until I tried to make one pawn ahead become two, and in short order fell for the sharp awakening of a rook sac to force instant resignation! Ouch.
So, we were left with a penalty shootout on board 3 - if Andrej drew we would go through on board count, but did Andrej know this? Marek gained a pawn, but there was some overloading of his major pieces which enabled Andrej to win it back. As the spectators circled in closer to the board and the players became painfully aware of the clocks of doom, a draw was agreed, and a fitting result for both players under great pressure. In fact, a fine performance by all concerned on both teams, .
Don't be misled by their grades, these Liverpool youngsters are proving to be a match for anyone. Report by Steve Kee