Macaspac continued his winning streak to nine games. Donovan managed yet again to lose a winning advantage this time against West. I am sure he is disappointed with the outcome of this game. In a sense, he handed West a gift. His outside chances to take the 6^th spot on the team have been kept alive courtesy of Donovan’s many errors especially with his 66^th move. West’s 66…a4 is a blunder but it is hard to suggest anything better. I am not sure if either player is really aware of the truth in the position. 

 Donovan’s moves betray his grave misunderstanding of his chances. I am not sure if he knew that he had a won game since move 40. Donovan could have won with 67. Ra7 easily. In the ending, he kept giving up his passed pawns in exchange for Black’s meaningless pawns. Towards the end, he got another passed pawn on d7 but he insanely gave up that one too.

 West is facing King in round ten. If he wins here, he will have secured for himself good playoff chances. King and Duke are facing Macaspac and Drake respectively in the last round, scoring wins against the leaders are a tall order for the newcomers.

 Macaspac is not one who will surrender to King an easy draw in the last round. He believes in making you work for your own spot. So King cannot and should not expect an easy draw from Macaspac. Regardless of the result, Macaspac is assured of finishing on the top. I guarantee he is going for the Tia record of 11-0.

King must draw or win against West to guarantee himself a spot. West, on the other hand, must win against Baniel tomorrow if he loses to King this afternoon.

Round 9 Results

Donovan vs.West (0-1) 
Pitts vs. Baniel (1/2-1/2)
Drake vs.Corona (1-0)
Shepherd vs. Fissel (0-1)
Macaspac vs. Duke (1-0)
King vs. Floto (1-0)

Round 9 Standings