Suffolk Chess

The popular e2e4 congress at Bedford last weekend attracted a host of Suffolk players.   In the Open section, headed by four Grandmasters (Arkell, Williams, Gormally, Wells), Suffolk were represented by IM Adam Hunt and FM Justin Tan (Woodbridge School), FM Alan Merry, Ed Player and Somton Ukken (Bury St Edmunds) and Nick Savage (Ipswich).

There was a major upset in the first round, when after an extraordinary series of exchanges, Nick Savage (Black) reached this position against Alan Merry:

Alan now played 22. Bf5?, when Bd3 was necessary to stop the Black rook from gaining control of the d-file.   The game continued:
22.... Rd8
23.   Nf3    Nc3+
24.   Ka1    Rd5
25.   Rb1    Ra5
26.   Rxb3    Bc1+
0 - 1

Unfortunately, this was the highlight of Nick's weekend, as he only managed a further half-point from his remaining four games.

Ed Player started well, with 2½/3 at close of play on Saturday.   But he faced GM Keith Arkell on Sunday morning, with the expected result.   His final round was against London-based WIM Sue Maroroa (ECF 200).   Ed should have drawn this game, but played the wrong move in the endgame. In this position he played 54. Kd3 instead of c4, and quickly lost.

The £500 first prize was won outright with 4½ points by FM David Eggleston, ahead of two GMs on 4 points.

Suffolk scores were:
Adam Hunt, Justin Tan, Alan Merry - 3
Ed Player - 2½
Nick Savage, Somton Ukken - 1½

The only Suffolk player in the Under 2000 section was 9-year old Anita Somton, gaining some useful high-level experience prior to her imminent triip to Montenegro to represent England in the European Youth Championships (more on this tomorrow).

After taking a half-point bye on Friday night, she lost two, drew one and won one, to finish on a creditable 2 points.   Her win featured a strange blunder by her 144-graded opponent.   In this position he played 19... h6, clearly fearing that Anita was about to play h6 herself.   Of course, Anita played 20. Qxf6, forcing immediate resignation.