My first game in the third round of the knockout against Alex Taylor was drawn, which meant that we went to a replay with colours reversed. That game was played last night, and it resulted in another draw; this means that we will have to go to a tiebreak match at a subsequent date, probably Tuesday 5th March.
I had the White pieces and the game started with the King’s Indian Defence. Following some weak play from my opponent, I was able to establish a clear advantage out of the opening. However, over the subsequent moves, I failed to take various opportunities to establish a winning position; as we ran short of time, I allowed my opponent to equalize, then even some chances to win. Fortunately for me, I was able to wriggle out and eventually offered a draw from a position where I had a nominal advantage, but the game was clearly level.
I give the game below with some notes.