Tournament Controller Malcolm Gesthuysen reports on the third round of the club championship, which took place last night; "In the third round and on top board, reigning champion Helge Hjort (see below for a picture) battled against Vivian Cohen's counter gambit and won two minor pieces for a rook. He eventually came out a bishop ahead, but Black forced a draw by threefold repetition just as White's flag fell.

The outstanding performance of the round came from Graeme Lennard (pictured above), who had a very solid win with the black pieces against one of last season's best players, Jonathan Landau.

Adam Raoof was too strong for Justin Robertson, though it was a tough game for the former champion, who only just made the time-control. The two Chrises, Rogal and Jones, agreed a draw after initial skirmishes petered out.

Malcolm Gesthuysen was fortunate against Raj Bhalla in a very tactical opening, with errors on both sides.

Kishan Pattni missed a win against David Iwi and agreed a draw.

Young Frank Sabin had another fine game winning a smooth endgame and moving up to equal fifth, and Ray Pliskin scored his first win."

CURRENT STANDINGS: There are now four players leading the championship on 2.5 from three games: Adam Raoof, Hjort, Gesthuysen and Kiskin.

There are five players on 2/3: Rogal, Cohen, Graeme Lennard, Chris Jones and Frank Sabin.

Because there are a number of competitors planning to take half-point byes in the next few rounds, things could get exciting!