2019 Varsity Match

Information regarding live broadcasts using the ECF sensory boards.
Leonard Barden
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Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:21 am

2019 Varsity Match

Post by Leonard Barden » Sat Mar 02, 2019 10:44 am

The 2019 Oxford v Cambridge match, launched in 1873 and the longest running annual fixture in global chess, is due to start this lunchtime at its traditional venue, the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London.

Top board is Hou Yifan v Matthew Wadsworth, the world No1 and all-time No2 woman against one of England's best young talents.

Oxford should be strong favourites due to their much higher (195 to 368 points) ratings on boards 5-8.

Where can the live games be found? Nothing showing yet on chess24, which hosted them last year. Later: showing on chess24 now. Link:https://chess24.com/en/watch/live-tourn ... 2019/1/1/1

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John Saunders
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Location: Kingston-upon-Thames

Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by John Saunders » Sat Mar 02, 2019 12:28 pm

As well as the live coverage of the games, I shall be endeavouring to put up a few comments and photos here:

http://www.saund.co.uk/britbase/pgn/201 ... iewer.html

Cambridge have won the toss and opted to take Black on top board. Players are just about to start play now.
Personal Twitter @johnchess
Britbase https://www.britbase.info
(I prefer email to PM - contact me via this link - https://www.saund.org.uk/email.html)

Jim Wadsworth
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Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by Jim Wadsworth » Sat Mar 02, 2019 3:46 pm

First blood to oxford on board 8...

Nick Ivell
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Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by Nick Ivell » Sat Mar 02, 2019 3:54 pm

It doesn't look as though Hou has anything. That kind of pawn sac is not what I would call percentage chess as White, as it's going to require brilliant calculation to make anything of it.

Jim Wadsworth
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Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:40 pm

Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by Jim Wadsworth » Sat Mar 02, 2019 4:18 pm

Draw on board 1. I am biased (both family and uni allegiances) but well done matthew! V proud dad!

Jim Wadsworth
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Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by Jim Wadsworth » Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:21 pm

Now had to leave the venue. When i left, all square with 4 games still going....all three match results possible.

(Amusingly after the first result came in, a certain GM seated in the commentary room audience was forecasting an oxford whitewash*).

*should that be bluewash?

J T Melsom
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Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by J T Melsom » Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:26 pm

Delighted to see Peter Finn playing and performing creditably. Hopefully he can maintain his level of performance when turning out in the Bucks League later this month.

Leonard Barden
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Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:21 am

Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by Leonard Barden » Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:32 pm

Hou missed or funked the tactical chance 18 Nf5!? and after that it was always heading for a draw.

Advantage Cambridge now, a fine performance by them given Oxford's big rating superiority.

Jim Wadsworth
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Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by Jim Wadsworth » Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:54 pm

J T Melsom wrote:
Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:26 pm
Delighted to see Peter Finn playing and performing creditably. Hopefully he can maintain his level of performance when turning out in the Bucks League later this month.
Looks like it's all going to come down to Peter's game against Daniel! No pressure....

Jim Wadsworth
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Re: 2019 Varsity Match

Post by Jim Wadsworth » Sat Mar 02, 2019 6:33 pm

Jim Wadsworth wrote:
Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:54 pm
Looks like it's all going to come down to Peter's game against Daniel! No pressure....
All over, real shame and bad luck Peter. Congrats to Oxford, and well done Cambridge for a strong performance in the context of a big rating difference.