Augsburg\Hastings

[David G Congalton]

Delighted to see Stephen playing so well and mixing it with the top players. He is the one titled player that you see at most weekend events on the Scottish circuit. The Hastings event has kept me entertained all week, with some scary games, some positional battles and one or two dubious moves thrown in.

I didn't see IM Jack Rudd's Rook capture of a pawn as being an error (but then why would I, if he didn't). Stephen completely exploited the mistake and just didn't let Jack off the hook. I found yestreday's encounter with GM Sumets unbelievably tense to watch and was relieved when it come up 1/2 - 1/2.

All our other entrants seem to be putting in solid performances, at least and Clement has already pocketed a prize from the pairs tournament.

Also nice to see Sarunas Sulskis in action and in good form. As Scotland's Olympiad team captain and coach he has to be at least an adopted Scot. Apparently a year is a long time and it does seem like a lot has happened since around this time last year when Robin Moore told me the exciting news that he had been in contact with Sarunas and the GM was interested in coming over to play at Prestwick.

Looking forward to today's action and hoping the two previous Prestwick Open winners do well. I wonder if this years Prestwick winner will be challenging at Hastings 2013 over Christmas and New Year.