The DCU Majors 2024 was the second of three sections of the DCU Congress last weekend. A full report has been added to the Tournament pages here.
This section was the smallest of the three, with 29 players. Ruarai Goodfellow of U.C.C. took clear first with an unbeaten 4/5, ahead of six players tied for second place, half a point back.
The most interesting game available was the round 2 top board clash between Korneliusz Bartczak and Beckett Spence.
28… ?
In the diagrammed position Black could have won quickly via 28… Qxc4+! 29. Kxg2 Qxa2+ 30. Qe2 Qxe6, when after 31. Qxe6+ Rxe6 32. Rxe6 he would have four pawns for the exchange.
Instead the game continued 28… Rxh2?. Black may have anticipated only 29. Re8+? Kh7 30. Bg8+ Kg6, when White has nothing more. Instead the game continuation was 29. Rc6+! Kh7 30. Bg8+ Kxg8.
And then the players agreed a draw. I wonder if time was a factor? There is a considerable amount of play left in the position. What is the evaluation with best play? I am not certain, even after looking at this for some time, but give my answer in the playable game.
Final position; White to play