Banks V Insurance

Match report Insurance

Insurance conceded a default due to a mistake over the venue. Paul Barclay won a piece after an early misjudgment by his opponent, making the match 1-1. A stream of draws then followed, with the match in the balance. William Diffey and Anthony Kent, both playing weaker opponents on the lowest boards, really had to win for Insurance to have a decent chance. William won a pawn, and later a piece as he piled on pressure. Martin Lake wanted to swap at every opportunity against the Sicilian, so Anthony pushed his pawns and played aggressively to make things happen. Ian Reynolds then lost in a rook and pawn ending leaving Insurance ahead 5½-4½ with James Aldred and Julian Farrand still playing. James’ opponent had positional advantage, but thankfully ran out of time, giving the visitors the match. Julian’s Old Indian became very cramped and locked as his opponent sought a win with his flag approaching the horizontal. In a frantic finish, Julian got in some checks, appeared to miss winning a piece for one move, then left a piece en prise which his opponent eventually saw. Moskovic just had time to queen a pawn and deliver mate. -- Anthony Kent

Daniel Lindner