Newcastle Mini Congress Open and U160 sections

Round 2, from front:
Whites: Alex Cartlidge, Steve Hill, John Day, Simon Edwards, Pavel Nefyodov
Blacks: Ben Scattergood, Jon Blackburn, Malcolm Armstrong

Last year there were only six entries for these two sections combined; this year even after a couple of withdrawals there were fifteen, three for the Open, a dozen for the U160. Again the two sections were combined. Not surprisingly the Open contestants all got to play each other over the course of the weekend, and it did not take much fiddling of the draw to ensure that none of the u160s had to play more than one game against the heavy brigade.

The Three Wise Men

	Top seed for the event, the dignified professorial Malcolm Armstrong rarely rushes, being content if necessary to apply steady pressure until his opponent runs out of moves.
	Pictured in his classic jockey position, Simon Edwards is the bane of book-learners. So you've learnt all variations of your openings upto move umpteen? But with a couple of early nudges of his pawns, or piece detour, Simon will push you into lines you never dreamed existed. He'll provide anyone with an important lesson in the importance of being able to think for themself.
	The most recent recruit to the ranks of the sage, Ben Scattergood took a short time to come to terms with his new status. Now however he is in the process of developing the same fearsome reputation at this level that he previously enjoyed in lower divisions.

After two rounds easing into the weekend by playing U160s, they're all far to nice to call it bunny bopping, they got down to the serious business of playing each other. Simon toppled Malcolm in round three, then drew with Ben, leaving Ben in need of a final round win against Malcolm to tie first place, Malcolm himself needing the win to come second. All assuming that Simon won his final round game against Doug Barnett. Simon and Ben duly won to leave final scores of
Ben and Simon 4½/5, Malcolm 3.

U160 Section

The U160 players played a total of nine games against the wise men above, and emerged with nothing except memories for their efforts. In a sense this reduced the U160 event to a fiercely contested four-rounder with four joint winners finishing a mere half-point clear of a further three players. Scores
3 points: John Day, Brian Birchall, Ken McNulty, Alex Cartlidge.
2½: Pavel Nefyodov, James Rothwell
2: Doug Barnett, Jon Blackburn, Steve Hill, Francis Westfield
1½: Sandra Blackburn, Jacob Boswell.

Small margins indeed. The last round match between Jon Blackburn and Alex Cartlidge typified the action, with Alex digging in to win an opposite coloured bishop ending he had looked destined to lose.

Joint winners Brian and Ken in action Jacob concentrates hard Doug didn't quite escape the camera

Francis takes on Alex, with James playing Sandra in the background

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Joint winners Brian and Ken in action	Jacob concentrates hard	Doug didn't quite escape the camera