The men team didn’t have a strong opponent today, and so Watu sat out. However, Mozambique put up a lot on resistance. Not on board 4 however, where Mabu won a pawn, another pawn and easily the rook endgame. But on board 2 Henry was happy to get a draw after being worse after the opening, while Daniel reacted violently on a dubious move of his opponent, where a quiet approach would have been better. The resulting position was not winnable for him. On board 1 Kenny was a little better during the whole game, and by pushing and pulling he got a winning rook endgame, with a strong king on c7. Taking the b-pawn would have won, but he decided not too and with a pawn down was even in danger. A timely draw offer secured the match-win.
The ladies were first in category D before this round, but had to defend their place against another contender, Scotland. Anzel with black played a passive opening and noticed too late that she was in danger. Her opponent played well though. Melissa on board two got a very good position from the opening, but after a wrong exchange she was worse and perhaps even losing. Her opponent accepted her draw-offer on move 40, which was a big relief for Melissa. Carmen got a closed position with black from the opening, where both players couldn’t really do anything. Carmen still did try to win but to no avail. Monique could have saved her team from a loss, when she got a very strong passed pawn on a5 supported by a rook on a1 and a knight on c7. “Passed pawns must be pushed”, my grandfather always said, but her grandfather probably never said it, since in the final drawing position the pawn was still on a5. A dissapointing loss for the team, but a 50% score is still possible.
Don’t worry guys!
The results will come. Everybody is getting tired so take your time in the last round tomorrow.
So far 2nd in Africa for men and 1st for the Ladies! Also 2nd in Gaprindashvilli Cup.
Vasbyt!