And then there were five …

The position at the top of the Winter League is getting even more congested.  Going into round 6 last Thursday, four players were tied in the lead: Joona Kiiski, Carlos Silva, Conall Hegarty, and Henryk Raczkowiak.  They were paired against each other, and both games were hard-fought draws; this spectator thought that white was slightly better in both, but the black players defended well and held on for their half points.  Meanwhile Felix Calleja had a fine win against Gerardo, so he now joins the leading group.  This is the closest finish there has ever been in this tournament, and it will all come down to the final round on 10 April, although a play off on a later Thursday is now probably the bookies’ favourite.