A fantastic weekend was had by all in Dieppe. Thanks to the French for their generous hospitality and wonderful good-humour over the weekend. Thanks also to John Smuts for numerous phone calls to the hotel in advance of the trip and for helping us all with translations throughout the visit.
On Saturday we played French GM Anthony Wirig 2499 who was playing on 24 boards. He won on all but two, drawing with Paul Batchelor and a young French player, Paul reaching a position that looked a lock-down of immovable pawns and frustrated bishops. Rob Counsell held out the longest before getting outmanoeuvred in the one-to-one, an exciting finish that was applauded by the mass of spectators.
On Sunday afternoon we played a twelve board match at which we were heavily outgraded. We were not hopeful and fearful of a whitewash. However determined play produced a very close match. The results are below. Particular congratulations are due to those who overcame a large grading difference to achieve their result.
We shall be going over some of the games on the analysis board this Thursday for everyone who would like to see them, hopefully with some analysis from Geoff.
EXCITING STUFF - COME AND WATCH!
| DIEPPE | BRIGHTON | |||
| YVAIN BOIZANTE | 2165 | ½-½ | GEOFF JAMES | 2210 |
| OLIVIER DELABARRE | 2018 | 1-0 | PAUL BATCHELOR | 2000 |
| ADRIEN CECCALDI | 1900 | ½-½ | MICHAEL CAIN | 1688 |
| RICHARD LEFEBVRE | 1932 | 1-0 | ARTHUR DE SILVER | 1608 |
| ARNAUD PLESSIS | 1930 | 0-1 | JOHN SMUTS | 1608 |
| JEAN-PIERRE GUILLAUMAT | 1898 | 1-0 | GRANT MINSHULL | 1592 |
| ALAIN MELIOT | 1862 | ½-½ | CARL RABEY | 1536 |
| GUILLAUME LEHANRANGER | 1797 | 0-1 | KEVIN GEE | 1536 |
| GAETAN DEREGNAUCOURT | 1631 | 0-1 | BOB DAVIES | 1512 |
| MARC ROUSSELIN | 1629 | 1-0 | ROB COUNSELL | 1464 |
| JEAN-CHARLES LANNAUD | 1541 | ½-½ | SUE CHADWICK | 1456 |
| CYRIL LEHARANGER | 1450 | 1-0 | ANDREW CASWILL | 1448 |
| 7 5 | ||||
