Battersea 3 off to winning start despite Emil being ‘detained by police’

It was success for Battersea 3’s first match of the new season, but by a much closer margin than we would have expected given our significant grading advantage on all boards, writes ALAN PALMER.

We were off to a bad start when Emil Todorow called, with about 10 minutes to go, to say that he had been detained by the police – for reasons of work, not arrest (or so he said).

Paul Stokes had the advantage throughout most of his game, but missed a winning move in a complex endgame and sadly went down.

Tim Wells had a solid attack against a French Tarrasch, winning the exchange, and the game. Vic Rumsey has a bit of a struggle on his hands being down by a rook to a bishop and pawn, but could well get a draw.

My opponent also gave up the exchange, but battled on steadily for quite some time.

Steve Barry happily accepted a queen placed en pris while Derek Harvey, a last-minute entry to the team, played a patient game and added to our winning score.

I am grateful to Arnold Hunt for agreeing to face his disabled opponent for whom he had to move the pieces as well as his own.

Despite their lower grades, the King’s Head team all played pretty steadily.

Celebrations and commiserations were shared afterwards at the Penderels Oak.

Next match: Wednesday 13 November against Metropolitan 4 at the Citadines Hotel, followed soon after on Tuesday 19 November against Greater London 2 at their home venue.