The chess players of Groninger Combinatie still have control over enforcement in the Master Class. Photo: ANP
In the master class of chess, Groninger Combinatie still has enforcement in its own hands after a second victory in a row.
After a disastrous start with six defeats, relegation seemed inevitable. But after a victory over the already relegated Caïssa, South Limburg was put on the rack last weekend. With 7.5-2.5, the Groningers were much too strong in an exciting game in which a lot of material was sacrificed.
The strongest Groningen players had been given white to optimize the winning chances, while the black players had to hold back as much as possible. This tactical setup worked wonderfully. With white, only Iozefina Werle gave up half a point after having been very good before. Sipke Ernst and Nick Maatman won convincingly, but Julian Kramer and Martin Jogstad needed a lot of hours. Eventually, their opponents also succumbed to the pressure.
Above expectations
The black players also fulfilled their assignment. Substitute Loek van der Hagen was unable to cope with one of the strongest Limburg players and no one will have been surprised at Erik Hoeksema’s quick draw, but otherwise it went beyond expectations.
Jonas Hilwerda was under pressure when opponent Lennert Lenaerts sacrificed a queen for a rook and a bishop. Hilwerda, however, countered strongly, took over the attack and skilfully scored the full point. Jasper Geurink also played a match that will boost his self-confidence. He sacrificed a quality for a strong attack through the center and eventually the decisive promotion of one of his pawns was unavoidable.
Eternal chess
A very important half point was achieved by Machteld van Foreest, who hit the strongest player on Limburg side Daniel Hausrath on the first board. She experienced some perilous moments in the midgame, but remained very cool against all attacks on her king. In the end Hausrath had no choice but to force a draw through eternal chess.
The Groningers can now secure their stay in the master class by winning in the last round against direct competitor HMC from Den Bosch.
Chess masterclass results and standings:
Groninger Combination – South Limburg 7.5-2.5: 1. M. van Foreest (z)– Hausrath (w) 0.5-0.5; 2. Kramer – A. Suvorov 1-0; 3. Hilwerda – Lenaerts 1-0; 4. Ernst – Van Meegen 1-0; 5. Hoeksema – Wantola 0.5-0.5; 6. Jogstad – Lemmers 1-0; 7. Fragrance – Baltic 1-0; 8. Maatman – Miesen 1-0; 9. Van der Hagen – Braun 0-1; 10. I. Werle – L. Suvorov 0.5-0.5.
Other results master class: HWP Sas van Gent – En Passant 3.5-6.5; LSG – Kennemer Combination 7-3; Charlois Europoort – Caïssa 8-2; HMC Den Bosch – Apeldoorn 3.5-6.5
Standings Masterclass: 1. Apeldoorn 15; 2. Charlois Europoort 14; 3. En Passant 13; 4. LSG 12; 5. HWP Sas van Gent 7; 6. HMC Den Bosch, Kennemer Combinatie, South Limburg 5; 9. Groningen Combination 4; 10. Caïssa -2 (because of 2 penalty points deducted).