What an absolutely exciting tenth round it was yesterday. In the U18 Juniors, Sydney's Angela Song accomplished an almighty win against Canberra's Junta Ikeda. The game had everybody on the edges of their thongs and shoes. Some folks watched the game live on the viewing monitor, while others watched in the playing hall. Even grandmaster Ian Rogers appeared to be completely absorbed by it - banging out his verbal analysis. While Dr Zworestine and Gary Wastell debated over the correct approach for Angela. The good doctor was pretty certain the win was a certainty. He was right.
With that victory, Angela is now on full point ahead, on 8.5, going into the last round. So all she needs is a GM draw.
Over on board 2, Huang - Ly was in progress. When I glanced over to check this game, I was stunned to see that white was winning! I almost could not believe it. The Merciless Moulthun Ly drops another game. We can only surmise that his 2-game per day schedule must have tired him out. A great win for Justin Huang who promptly received a kiss and a hug from mother.
In the Championships section, Rogers' determination served him well yesterday as he downed fellow legend, Daryl Johansen. And on board one, Smerdon won against Wohl's cute opening system, 1. a3. Therefore, both Rogers and Smerdon move into today's last round still on the same score. The problem for Smerdon is that he has a much tougher assignment against FM Goldenberg while Rogers will front up against the much outclassed junior, Raymond Song.
No doubt Rogers will win against Song. But the GM will be praying that Goldenberg's illness yesterday will have already disappeared to at least secure a draw against David Smerdon. Whatever happens, this has been a truly exciting tournament!
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2 comments:
When you blogged "In the Championships section, Therefore, both Rogers and Smerdon move into today's last round still on the same score. The problem for Smerdon is that he has a much tougher assignment against FM Goldenberg while Rogers will front up against the much outclassed junior, Raymond Song."
You were on the spot physically. Were you aware that the last round pairings were changed even though the initial pairing Smerdon v Song came out of the computer. This was certainly easier than Smerdon v Igor.
Can you describe the chain of suggestions that got this changed? Cathy to Charles to Bekker.
Is the matter at rest we ask the Closet GM.
Was the debate about pairing the highest perfomed player first or pairing the highest rated player first.
Well, you know something I don't and that no one else has been talking about. Maybe I just missed it. The only pairing problem I am aware of was earlier in the event.
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