This game clinched the Spectrum Premier tournament at Torquay. Although I entered the Major, I had been brought into the Premier to make a six-player all-play-all. But in the last round, I found myself in the sole lead with 3/4... — DH
Pirc Defence, Byrne Variation
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Bg5 c6 5.f4 Bg7 6.Qd2
[6.e5 Nd5 Even-Stevens]
6...0–0 7.Be2 Re8
[7...b5]
8.0–0–0 Qa5 9.Kb1 e5 10.fxe5 dxe5 11.d5 Nbd7
The tension in the centre has been relieved somewhat. I was happy with my position.
12.Nh3 Qb4 13.a3?!
Not really necessary.
13...Qb6 14.Rhf1 cxd5 15.exd5 e4
Making room for my Knight on e5.
16.Be3 Qd8 17.Bg5 Qb6 18.d6?!
Needing a win White decides to play on.
18...e3 19.Qc1 Ne4 20.Nxe4 Rxe4 21.Rf3
[21.Be7 was worth a try.]
21...Bd4 22.c3?!
further weakening his Pawns.
22...Bc5 23.Bd3 Re6 24.Bc4
24...Ne5!?
This 'felt' the right move.
25.Bxe6 Bxe6 26.Rxe3 Bxe3 27.Bxe3 Qb3 28.Qd2 Qa2+ 29.Kc1 Bb3 30.Qe2 Nc4 31.Qxc4 Qa1+ 0–1
[Notes by Dan Hill]