Round 2

Ireland Open team drew against Iran with 2½ - 2½ while Women's team had tough day losing to Hungry 1-3.

Round 2 saw both teams play with the big trams in hall1, the open team paired with a very strong opponent in Iran who played their strongest team. So clearly taking us seriously which they needed to do as we very nearly caused quite the upset.

On board 1 Alex got a glamour game against Maghsoodloo and got a lovely game in his trusted Alekhine and had good chances of a result but a small inaccuracy is all 2700s need to convert for a win.

Tom had a tough game against Idani on board 3 but playing black against a 2641 is never an easy task and Idani played a solid game.

Tarun on board 4 played a beautiful game against Mousavi rated 2530 and had a slight edge for a long time but a slight inaccuarcy relieved a bit of pressure and the game played out to a draw.

The game of the day however was played on board 2 where Conor played Tabatabaei rated 2664. Playing the white side of a Caro Kann he kept a slight edge in a fairly level position until the players approached the time control which Conor handled slightly better and managed to gain an edge leading to an ending with a better bishop and his opponent had 2 weaknesses which Conor converted very well in what is a very instructive game for anyone!

Tomorrow we go back to hall two to face an ethiopa side that we are favourites against but will not underestimate.

Open Team Performance

Womens Team Performance

Previous Articles:

• Olympiad 2022: Ireland on Day 1
• Olympiad 2022: All the best Ireland