The third event in the recent Dublin International Festival was the 65+ Championship. This attracted 21 players, including two from Iceland (there was a sizeable Icelandic contingent across the entire Festival), and resulted in a four-way tie for first, on 5/7, between Gerry MacElligott (first on tie-break), Pete Morriss, Tim Harding, and Tony Doyle. Congratulations to all.
Eamon Keogh was the early leader with 3/3. He won his round 2 game against Frank McMahon after an interesting struggle.
11. ?
In the diagrammed position, White would be winning after 30. Rh3!, covering the queen and threatening both Nxc2 and Nxe6. After the game’s 30. g6 Nh6, 31. Rh3! would still have been winning.
Instead after 31. Ka1 (threatening Nxc2) 31… Rc7 32. Rgh1 Rac8, Black threatened … Qxd4 followed by mate on the back rank, so White had to bring the king back with 33. Kb1, and any advantage had dissipated. Even still, White should be no worse, but in the sequel he was outplayed.
[Click to replay the full game.]
A full report has been added to the tournament pages here.