My campaign in the Rook this year ended with a draw against one of our most promising junior players, Lucy Bennet-Stevens. If I had won, I would have finished equal on points with Phil Stimpson, although he would have been champion in any case, because of his superior tie break. As it happens, I finished half a point behind. From Lucy’s perspective, it was essential to secure at least a draw, to avoid relegation from the top section (the Rook).
The game soon settled into a difficult maouevering battle, and both players gradually ran short of time. I made a weakening move, which allowed my opponent various combinative possibilities. Both sides made further mistakes, before Lucy seized the chance to force a draw by perpetual check.
I give the game below with some brief notes.