The Ron Banwell MSO Chess tournament is taking place in London. The top rated players include some of the top players from the recent British Championship tournament, with the champion himself, Julian Hodgson.

On round 5 there were some stirring battles and the players certainly stirred it up. There were several heterogeneous positions, reminding us of the glory days of Tal.

Danny Gormally took the clear lead, beating the Russian Cherniaev who is such a frequent visitor he has virtually made his second home in England. Now Danny probably must score 2/4 against a field including 3 gms in order to secure his first gm norm.

Jim Plaskett secured rook, bishop and knight against queen and two pawns. The obscure position eventually resulted in a draw.

Julian Hodgson expressed dismay against meeting another strong, solid player, this time with the Black pieces. He needn't have worried as he won in fine style.

Look out for Crouch v Buckley which was a torrent of ideas.

David Howell is currently heading for a good partial FIDE Rating, partly due to his having met Julian Hodgson in the second round.

Standings after round 5:

Gormally 5

Hodgson 4
Plaskett
Cherniaev
Arkell
Buckley

Summerscale 3½
Hebden
Sherwin
Sarkar
Cobb
Devereaux

Games in PGN