Defending champions Ireland lead the Stokes Cup by a single point at the half-way stage.
In the main event, the Glorney, we’re in third, a point behind Scotland and three points behind England, who are less dominant than in previous years.
The Robinson had a morning to forget, going down 5-1 to Scotland while England – just a half point ahead going into round 3 – beat Wales 6-0. We’re playing for pride there, it seems. Ross and Mihailo are both on 1/3.
In the Gilbert, Anastasija had one of the results of the tournament when beating England’s 1798-rated board 2 in the first round, and followed that up with a draw with a 1590 from Scotland. We’re a point behind England at the half-way there.
In the Stokes, both Ireland and England won 6-0 today to mean this afternoon’s tie is quite possibly a straight shoot-out for the title. Alex, on board 1, had a nightmare yesterday when losing on time when B+5 v R up! He did get off the mark in curious fashion this morning, when his opponent – after saccing a piece earlier on – finally crumbled in the face of Alex’s major-piece attack and then blundered spectacularly when walking into mate in one at the same time as hanging his queen! Alex opted for the free queen, but his opponent resigned anyway.
This afternoon’s games should see Ireland v England and Scotland v Wales in all groups, so we’ll have a better feel for who’ll win what come 5:30 today.
Live games can be viewed here.