64 competed in this year’s Dyfed Open, held as usual at the Fishguard Bay Hotel over the weekend 24-26 February.
In the Open, Iolo Jones and Carl Strugnell won their first three games in contrasting styles to set up their encounter in Round 4 on Sunday morning. Carl quickly achieved an overwhelming position as Black, winning queen for rook and minor piece. But then he relaxed and eventually succumbed to a mating attack conjured up by his resourceful opponent. Meanwhile Tim Kett, having conceded a draw against Tony Haigh in round 1, had come through with three consecutive wins and Gerry Heap had also reached 3½/4. In the last round Carl, having to take risks to catch up his rivals, overplayed his hand against Tim and again found his king hunted down while Iolo performed another Houdini act, this time against against Gerry to secure a draw to share first prize with Tim.
In the Major the WCU’s Financial Director led from start to finish to register first prize and bank the £150. The FIDE-rated Blitz Tournament on the Saturday evening provided a little comfort to Carl Strugnell for the woes he was about to suffer next day. He won that convincingly with 6/7.
A full list of prize winners can be downloaded here.
All the games, in the Major as well as the Open, should be available with notes for download soon.
Iolo Jones Joint winner
Tim Kett Joint winner
Last Round in the Open
