Fast-finishing, but not enough

Quite a remarkable run home for the Koalas (after unanimously realising our ignorance of the term, we decided to drop the ‘Klang Valley’).  We even managed to finish the teams event on board one, going up against the eventual winners in the final round.

James narrowly missed out on a board prize on board two, going down against some much-fancied opposition. Domagoj finished smartly too, picking up a crucial win for the team in our penultimate match.  Justin and Emma had a tough time of it, with many of our opponents stacking their teams by putting their top players on the bottom board.  Nevertheless, both performed above their rating.  I needed a win in the final round to take out the board one prize, but couldn’t grind out an opposite bishop ending past a draw.

And thus ends the team rapid tournament, on this, Malaysian Independence Day.  It also coincides with Fi’s arrival and thus, I predict, a new wardrobe for both of us.  Did I mention it’s the once-a-year Malaysian sales at the moment?

Round one of the main event tomorrow, and our Tasma crew extends to include Tomek Rej and Helen Milligan.  Great things afoot.