Olympiad Round 8 – Friend and Foe

Australia’s had a topsy turvy tournament to date, with a couple of matches going either for or against us with the dreaded 2.5-1.5 scoreline.  We’ve also had some favourable pairings, and to be honest, with four rounds to go, our score is a little flattering considering the company we keep on the boards around us.

Aleks is having a rough time of things at the moment, but he’s in good spirits and to be fair has probably been the unluckiest in terms of the games.  Max has impressed on board five and Stephen’s had a routine performance, but Moulthun has been the real standout.  Two more good results and he can even pick up a GM norm, which hasn’t happened for an Aussie at an Olympiad in a long, long time.  Not bad for a diminutive debutant!

My performance has been slightly better than average, but nothing special.  I’m finding it a tough job on board one, and I’m feeling a lot more pressure than I expected.  I guess being out of form doesn’t help the nerves, either.  Today has its own complications, as we face Ireland and I’m pitted against my good friend Sam Collins.  Playing a mate is always tough, but especially in a team event when more is at stake and a cheeky short draw isn’t really on the cards.  Almost every conceivable outcome comes with its own little bittersweet chaser, though after ten years, Sam and I know each other well enough to understand how things work.  Still, I wouldn’t have minded a different pairing.

In other news, quickly before I get back to my preparation, the Bermuda party was a real riot.  Far better than expected, I have to say.  I brought along an inflatable kangaroo, “Roo”, who I shamelessly admit was the star of the show.  Unfortunately, she was brutally kidnapped late in the night, thus ending my vicarious party popularity.  RIP, Roo.