Brave Battersea lose tight Alexander Cup final to Kingston

Que sera, sera. It was not to be. Blair Connell’s star-studded Battersea team – boasting two IMs and the legendary Ginger GM Simon Williams – lost out in the Alexander Cup final last week to a spirited Kingston.

The match went right down to the wire as Silverio Abasolo beat IM Chris Baker to seal a 5.5-4.5 win.

Battersea beat Surbiton, Coulsdon and Epsom on their run to the final, but could not overcome the holders.

It brought an end to Blair‘s attempt to bag a first title for Battersea in Surrey‘s premier cup competition since 1953.

So Battersea‘s seven years of hurt continue – but there is always next year.

For a full report on the night, please read Stephen Moss‘s excellent piece here.