Mallorca, Alcudia - Days 7 and 8 (finale)

the past few days are a bit of a blur - Early starts, double game days and prepping non stop.

Day 7

Double game day. With only getting a few hours sleep I knew the morning game would be difficult - I did a little prep, but thought heck, ill just keep it simple and enjoy it. Half ten start, shake hands, and the guy knocks out a Muzio gambit. I've never played it over the board, and never would again! For non chess people,basically white sacrifices a knight (Thats kinda a bit deal in chess) to get a massive attack, and if you don't play really carefully you just get mauled. I managed to defend it and win, but there was errors by both sides. Had a good lunch and tea, and was back to play against an English FM Chris Duncan.

I chose an offbeat opening for the second game, and didn't really understand the position we got to. Thats the best thing about chess - You can spend weeks studying one opening, understanding its theme's and tactics, then go into a slightly different position and it all changes completely! He won convincingly and I was pretty cheesed off. 

The only funny moment was in the dinner queue, there was a family infront with two boys. The younger one was lightly kicking and punching the older one in a jokey about way, both of them laughing. The younger one must have taken it a step too far, because the older one turned round and absolutely walloped him in the face, knocking him to the ground. The parents didn't find it half as amusing as the rest of the queue.

  Day 8

The final day. A half nine start today. Didn't have time to prepare, but I managed to nip into the shop before the game and get my paprika Pringle's and chocolate chip cookies. My opening was a bit of a mess, but I liked how the game turned out. I got a good advantage and was pressing, but couldn't find the killing blow. Ended up chucking a piece in time trouble, but getting a few pawns for it and finally got a draw in a complete blunderfest. 

Me and peter stayed for the prize giving (Even though neither of us had won anything) But the whole thing was in Spanish, so it was basically smile and clap when everyone else clapped. Peter had to leave shortly after, so we said our goodbyes, agreed I was the stronger chess player, and went our seperate ways. I headed back to my balcony - The European Club Championship had just started and Scotland has two teams in it, so I watched that. 

This blog post is bit boring, I'm sure there were some funny things to report but my minds gone blank. Had a thirteen hour sleep last night and still feel tired. Overall totally fab tournament - Definitely coming back next year, I feel like my chess has improved 100% - I see the board in a whole new way! That's it really, going to go get lunch, sort out the transfer bus tomorrow then just chill on my balcony. The end of another adventure!