Phil’s late show clinches Division 5 win

Birmingham League Division 5

Phil Sykes built up a threatening attack but accurate defence pushed Phil into using increment time. Only seconds were left when he finally forced his opponent to resign. That was his third win in succession within a matter of days and it helped Lichfield to a 2.5 – 1.5 win over league leaders Solihull A. Lichfield are in second place and have two matches in hand over Solihull.

Albrt Chacko walked away from the board with a grin when his opponent settled for a draw in a completely winning position. Albert had defended for most of the game, finally risking a daring exchange which left his King exposed. Matt Blackwell meanwhile had a comfortable game and put pressure on a backward pawn. Errors crept in leaving Matt the winner.

On board four Rob Frost found himself in a positional bind for most of the game which was dominated by two Bishops. Eventually Rob was unable to stop an advancing pawn and lost. (Match played 29th October)