Gawain had a flying start with 6/6 and facing the young and talented IM Sahaj Grover in the 7th round with the white pieces. Gawain’s position looked good but Sahaj defended well and the point was split. The next 2 boards were also drawn and now Gawain is leading with 6.5/7 with four rounds to go. Next round Gawain plays GM Nigel Short -the pairings are now available here.
I’m still in London and have been trying to get as much information as I can regarding the tournament but there has been issues with the software and so the live games haven’t been on much. There aren’t any PGNs I can or tournament round updates. To be fair, Graham Jurgensen is doing an amazing job and I believe also playing – There are 400+ players just in the Open with another B section to consider. Nevertheless it can be frustrating for someone like me who’s on the sidelines waiting and texting everyone I know to get some information. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM4wNwhrEBs – Loud and 15minutes long – there are several other previous Rounds available to view!
Check out this update from GM David Smerdon about what’s happening! Next up for me is the 1st English Women’s Rapidplay this Saturday (no I’m not English..yet). Also on at the moment in the Big Slick tournament held in Croydon,London in which our flatmate Phil Makepeace is playing in the IM norm section. Pairings are updated here and occasional updates from GingerGM. On top of that, it’s Wimbeldon time and Tsonga beat Federer – I saw the first set then had to leave for work but what an amazing comeback! Look forward to a bit of sun and of course Gawain coming back home.