10/06/2006
Sharks fall 3.5-0.5 to the Sluggers
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by FM Marcel Martinez
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It was a rough week for the Sharks. What else can I
say, and it
was even tougher watching it without playing and not being
able to do
anything for my team. (Though I have not done much when I could!).
Well... we lost 3.5-0.5 vs Seattle. For a minute today I was
happy to
see the allegations of Seattle using computers in the match against
us... only to find out later it was a joke (just kidding... once I read
about the bathroom issue I knew it was a joke all along but still
called Greg Shahade right away to make sure this dark humour joke
was
taking place). We of course are hurting with this defeat but are
looking forward to Monday's match vs Dallas in what could be crucial
towards determining the wild card slot. We are looking forward to it.
Like I've said before... don't expect anything but a fight from
the
Sharks... even if sometimes the score might be against us... we will
always try.... and keep trying....
fierceful fighters like one of my favorites Mirko
Cro-Cop (from Pride
Fighting Championships).
Anyways going into the games:
On board 1 Strong GM
Serper was able to pick his opening in a very subtle way
against Becerra, taking him into unexpected waters. Becerra used to
play the Caro-Kann earlier in his career but it was not his
cup of tea,
and they went into a line in which White keeps an isolated queen
pawn
but has lots of dynamic chances. I believe Becerra played some
dubious
moves early in the opening Nf6 and also b6 which allowed d5 for White
with a much better game. Serper was able to take two minor pieces for a
Rook and even though Becerra put up fierce resistance... Gregory
managed to take the full point with great accuracy.
Serper - Becerra: Black to move after 16. Bxc4
Becerra played 16....Bb7 but this allowed Serper to
gain two pieces for the rook by playing 17. Bxd5 Bxd5
18. Rxe7! Qxe7 19. Qxd5, giving white a clear advantage
which Serper was able to eventually convert to a win.
On board 2 Strong IM Orlov
also hand-picked his opening vs strong IM Lugo in order
to get into a variation which Blas has played alot
before (I am sure
there are lots of games from him in this line in different databases),
but as IM Dvoretsky told us once, this line does not promise much for
White. I believe that's correct as Black had a fairly simple way
of
developing pieces and then Orlov tempted Blas into a
sacrifice and for
all of you who know Lugo, you've seen some of his attacking games!!
(ex: Epishin,Shabalov,Kaidanov etc) as he did not hesitate to
sack,
but did not see some of the resources in the Black position
to lose on
the board.
On board 3 IM Moreno
(after coming from a 10 hour work shift) really did not get
too much going on as he split the point after some repetition
of moves
after gambiting a pawn in the center. Like I said before, give
Moreno
some time in USA, and you will see what he is capable of. In general
one of the reasons of Miami is down this season is because of
responsibilities other than chess in all of the players'
lives. But
like I said before, we will be back, swimming in the right
direction.
Beware.... Miami is coming up with training plans to play more often
and REALLY study some chess....... Good things to come up.. I am eager!!
On board 4 Jose Cabrera...
one of our best kept secrets played a fairly good game
but misused his chances after it seemed that he had the better game.
Just an awful match but watch us.... The Sharks will swim in the
right
direction. Don't count us out of winning the league (I know due to our
start this might sound a little bit strong but.... luck is going
to come our way some day or another!!!... We are not as bad
as we are
showing believe me!).
Looking forward to a match on Monday.... Dallas.... We are coming
for you.... May the best team win
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