Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Allegro for Alastair at Last

Alastair won his first BCC Allegro with 15.5 points with one loss to Nigel, a draw and 15 wins! Nigel had his best tournament of 2009 as desperately unlucky not to finish in the medals. A win against an out of form Carey on the last night was all that was needed. Carey didn't oblige and Nigel was lucky to force a draw in losing position with 3x repetition.
As usual, the final night of Allegro (quick play 15 minutes/player) produced its run of escapologists and could have beens! Kevin was winner on the board against Neville who managed a perpetual check with seconds remaining. Sewer Rat (David) traded off all pawns to leave Neville to check mate him with Knight and Bishop in 3 minutes- DRAW!! Kevin losing 5 pawns down, boxed his king in and tried to give his rook away for a draw against Russell, but missed once to narrowly lose on time. David missed an in between move on a sacrifice against Russell to lose a piece and later an exchange to be looking sad until Russell traded a Rook for a pawn to everyone's amazement. Some scrambling form Russell scored a draw. Dylan got caught up worrying time away about possible attack and wen into a pawn and bishop ending without enough time to get checkmate after queening.
Meanwhile Reg was using his wisdom to quietly move through the field.
Final draft standings from 17 games - David hopefully will update.
Alastair 15.5, Vincent 14, Reg 13, Nigel 12.5, Russell 11.5.