Battersea’s all-conquering U125 team have been crowned the London Chess League’s Minor trophy champions again after a thrilling – but controversial – title-decider against the Metropolitan Gnomes.
With the match left on a knife-edge and riding on the result of the final game, Battersea secured a dramatic victory right at the death when Martin Devenney finally overcame his opponent.
Martin had found himself facing a bishop versus knight endgame with pawns left on both sides of the board as time was running out.
His opponent, playing white, offered him a draw. But Martin, who had a time advantage and a passer on f2 holding down the white king, decided to carry on.
He pushed his bishop to g3 nudging the white king and threatening his opponent’s piece on b7. White appeared to fall for the trick and picked up Martin’s bishop to capture it with his king but then – after a delay – claimed he was adjusting the piece.
Both captains, who were keenly watching over their players’ shoulders, saw the incident and agreed the move had been made – despite continued protests from the Metro Gnomes’ board two player.
Martin’s win in the King’s Indian secured a 2.5 – 1.5 win which gives Battersea MB an unassailable lead in division 6 with one game to play.
Earlier Joel Morales had put Battersea ahead with a knockout win on board 4. Joel threw caution to the wind with a seemingly risky rook capture that left his king exposed.
It proved not to be the case – and soon after his opponent, the opposition captain, resigned.
On board one Simon Baxter-Cummings held his opponent who carved out a distinct advantage before Simon fought back and on board three your correspondent ran out of steam to lose a close, stodgy game after blundering a pawn at the end.
It means Battersea’s Minor team, which has incluced Chris Rebbeck, Tim Allen and Tim Valentine among others this season, has won a second title in three years after having been runners-up last year.
Well played all, and thank you for your efforts. Our last game is against Athenaeum at their venue next Monday. Kick off is at 6.45pm.
