Today was a depressing day for the coach. At first it seemed that both teams were winning, but because of unexpected losses only one matchpoint was scored. In the men’s game, Johannes lost quickly with white, while Daniel made a quick draw with black. Since Kenny was winning, everything depended on Watu. After the opening it looked like he was winning with three strong pawns for a piece. But then he started to play carelessly and totally spoilt his position, so that both he and the team lost.
Melissa had a very quick win today in a Sozin open Sicilian. After sacrificing a knight on d5 and a pawn on e5 she got a rook on d8 and a queen on g8. With black’s king on e7 mate was unavoidable. Carmen quickly blundered a pawn in the opening and lost, but Monique seemed to be winning with a piece more. She needed to play some defensive moves though and instead permitted mate in two. Fortunately Anzel turned an rook endgame with a pawn down in one with two pawns up.
Congrats to the ladies, chin up to the men!
One of The marks of greatness is the ability to laugh in adverse situations, no matter how depressing they are!
C’mon boys, it was one of ‘those’ rounds, you play well the previous rounds and expect to UP the ante when it matters. Maar toe maar…
It’s on to the next challenge. Back home we are still cheering for you guys.
Don’t get tired now guys! Keep fighting!
Currently the ladies are first and the men second in Africa. The team is also first in the Gaprindashvilicup standings!
Well done so far. Maybe we can be first in Africa with everything!