![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWscuZPjK9JGXX4Jo73UnEzD1cPhjUSPto_g1se772JK51jd8yTI_3Mz85bEnO4t0aHGqd23te2LRtpay7ELqpbC2sbbw8eXn6DOM86qBQ11tuzlKeUhNhzKLXMEKTqyW6RktmZg/s200/twotables.jpg)
The Streatham and Brixton Chess Club Championship 2008 has reached its half-way point, and has already witnessed much excitement and several surprises. Top-seed Robin Haldane has dropped a whole-point having been mated improbably in the third round by Angus French, who along with Alexey Shumay leads the field with a perfect 3/3 - whilst the second-seed and present writer alone follows them on 2½/3. Only half a point behind a group of five players have 2/3 from the field of 20, all also chasing the first prize of a year’s free membership. The same prize goes to the highest-finishing player from the second half of the draw, whilst a chess computer goes to the highest-finishing player from
Streatham Chess Club, and there are other book prizes too. The final three rounds take place Tuesday 13th May from 7.30pm.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2cRqjZHY_GPxYUMem5KSN3_L7U3gj1ggaAXltulOGJDIWmOoKTdi7QdN-2_FDbpZUy1BIumsD-Xhm1mcYY_J2dCryLrbyzNohLAsYGn2WwxlUwPByr-l51_H_TX5fUDcDFDDQA/s200/zadam.jpg)
Here's my drawn game from the second round against Barry Blackburn: an exciting battle where my opponent might have played on for a win at the end, had he not been so short of time, and another
Interesting French Exchange. 17...Ne4! is particularly noteworthy decision, obtaining black the initiative for a pawn, as is the thumping 29...Rxg2+!, a move white had entirely missed.
Finally, thanks go to Vad for the excellent photographs, which I recommend you click on in order to see full-size versions.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZT-QU55yU0-yP7ysLnPw_wJKIYegzWmv1jPzVFpbO9ccLvvGUTsPzMTHD8jZ84E3XQDicqcKPasZzbuVBpkCaePzmrj4pQB4KApTw-4hc8YUkRv-JRTj21_3uYQJzvMH5ZeM8Q/s320/dean.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KQZoqTTOVxBzXTwufaukzlKWZwCZJBSTPopgXBBn7BcjfEP_tT0DPlgdze43j5GgnSlPQcKD80Oj401RoYUBuAu9rNBoey_5L2NkBiwQxPvG9rv4NfipI68JnJs3lsatS8fPLQ/s320/chessisfunny.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzsl7fz9CpVSYDoFzhWceJ2L-HPKxzPPNC8F48QyLswhcHPTzWPveEfRJAYTqwbqpMhgv83SDVSf53Yo0NGThxlD-VVzhTzwpfIIqNM-zMNum9UT1snGBLUDJRC3VRRS3t0XOPA/s320/outside.jpg)
Considering Vad captured me the very instant after I resigned against Alexey that picture didn't come out too bad - mind you if you notice I'm about to keel over and as the full realisation of the level of my chess incompetence has just hit me.
ReplyDeletebtw:
ReplyDeletepeople should really click on the second photo in the story ...
it would make for a great caption competition.
I want to know what so surprised martin - and what's going on with Chris and Robin in the background?
although clicking for the full-size version of the ending of my game with Alexey is not recommended.
ReplyDeleteI look like a seal that's about to be clubbed to death by some Canadian fisherman.
In the second photograph, I wonder if that was the moment that Zornitza blundered her good position away to a back-rank cheapo from Adam?
ReplyDeleteI like the fact Alexey laughs in the face of your resignation!
Rothmans and a mobile phone I think.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's an invisible cigarette that Martin's got hold of?
I think the second picture down is my moment of resignation against Robin.
ReplyDeletepretty nice photos , i admit!
ReplyDelete