The Dublin International Festival concluded yesterday at the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan. Three seven-round events were held: the Open (77 players, 1st Stephen Jessel), the 40+ Championship (18 players, 1st John Delaney), and the 65+ Championship (21 players, 1st-4th Gerry MacElligott, Tony Doyle, Tim Harding, and Pete Morriss). There was also a Rapid event on Friday and a Blitz yesterday.
A full report for the Open has been added to the Tournament pages here, with 56 of the 255 games.
46. ?
One interesting moment came in the last round game between Oissíne Murchadha and Kris Connell. From the diagrammed position, Murchadha played 46. Kc5+, and after 46… Kg5 47. Rg6+ Kxh5 48. Rxg7 Rc3+ 49. Kb6 Rc6+! found that he could not avoid either stalemate or perpetual pursuit.
Can White win from the diagrammed position? This turns out to be quite tricky. I will leave this as an exercise; it is well worth your time.
[Click to reply the full game (with solution).]
[Update, April 3, 2024: I’ve revised and expanded the notes on the game above, after some more investigation, though the conclusions haven’t changed. In addition, the tournament report has been updated.]
[Update, April 4, 2024: Murchadha had 9 minutes, 16 seconds on his clock when he faced the diagrammed position, per the Lichess game file.]