Sligo Spring Tournament, 29 April to 1 May 2022

[James Toon]

https://chess-results.com/tnr625880.aspx?lan=1&art=4

The top section (Master) was quite small with only 14 players. Despite the wide range of ratings there were no easy games. The Ukrainian WGM Evgeniya Doluhanova won the event with 4.5/5, ahead of the favourite GM Alexander Baburin who drew three of his games to finish on 3.5/5. One to watch: 15-year old Lara Putar, highest-placed junior on 3/5.

A well-organised FIDE-rated event, and let's hope for more players next year to match the entry in the Major (30) and Challenger (87).

[NickFaulks]

Unlucky that the top two seeds never played each other.

[James Toon]

Baburin started slowly and never caught up. It would have been an interesting clash. Dolunahova is an aggressive player. In contrast, Baburin is solid and technically strong. I expect it would have been a draw.

[Matt Mackenzie]

It would inevitably have been billed as a Russia v Ukraine clash, despite AB's residence in Ireland since the 1990s.

[NickFaulks]

I expect it would have been a draw.

Alternatively, you could expect there would have been a result one way or the other!

[James Toon]

Just my opinion seeing each of them play 5 games over the weekend. He wasn’t incisive enough to cause her problems. She wasn’t strong enough to overcome his technical ability.

Chess is full of what-if moments. I had a good position against Dolunahova. I could have simplified to a drawish ending a pawn up, but played for more and lost. Should have taken the rating points.