International update

As most people will be aware, the World Championship has reached a crucial stage, with Magnus Carlsen leading Vishy Anand 5 – 3.   With only four games remaining, Anand needs to score three points to take the match to a tie-break.   You will find good odds on Anand retaining his title.   Tomorrow (Wednesday) is a rest day.

The European Team Championships ended on Sunday, with England finishing a little below their 5th place seeding. They ended up in =7th place (10th on tie-break).   Two players disappointed: Luke McShane managed only 3/7 on Board 2, whilst David Howell scored 2½/6 on Board 4.   Micky Adams on top board had an excellent 5/8, whilst Nigel Short scored 4½/7.   Neither Adams nor Short lost a game.   The fifth player, Gawain Jones, had 5/7 after the first seven rounds, but surprisingly lost in Round 8, whereupon he was dropped for the final round!   The Championship was won by Azerbaijan on 14 points, with France, Russia and Armenia close behind on 13 points.   England scored 11 points (3 wins, 5 draws and one loss).

In the Women’s tournament, England finished 23rd, on par with their seeding.   Dagne Ciuksyte only played three games, winning just one.