The Drogheda June Congress looks like being another success this year (with the RARE exception of the weather!). With one round left to play, the current standings are below. thanks to all who helped and participated so far and I hoped you enjoyed yourselves!
The big surprise in Section A is that 6th seed Valentne Kalinins leads the way on 3.5/4 going into Monday. This however will not be such a surprise to others as he has played particularly well in recent tournaments. He finishes with a tough one against 2196 rated Paul Wallace. John Delaney is in 2nd on 3pts.
In Section B it is all very tight where any one of three from John Aherne, Pat Twomey or MiroslavGallick could win out.
In Section C (or the local group of death!) it is Kieran Rogers who leads the pack with 4/4. In the pivitol game he “stole” a win from Donal O’ Boyle, who was completely winning, when he left his queen open to capture! Dobski never saw it, proving even the best of us do crazy things!
Section D has the draw specialists with only 4 wins between them all. Tough group where the winner should come from Paddy Divilly, Shay Scott or Padraig Hughes.
Section E has seen some incredibly hard games with a lot of action. It is your host Michael Pentony that leads the way on 4/4 but none of them easy victories. His match with Martin O’ Donohoe was a real doozy!!
Section F has proved really interesting and it is local gal Agnes Pozniak that is in pole position on 3.5/4. Her game with Seamus Halfpenny which was drawn may still be the pivotal game yet as the winner will be one of them.
Section F has seen its share of dramas and is set up beautifully with the joint top leaders to face each other in the decider. Best of luck to Sean Patrick McBride & Sean McLoughlin. Definitely a game to watch.
Section H has some of the best young players around notably our own Cormac Newton who leads on 3/4. One to watch out for indeed. Young Eibhia NíMhuireagáin from The Ross is a revelation for such a young player and will win many a tournament we are sure. Look out for on the Irish Women’s team for years to come.
The Swiss also has some very promising players with our own Paul McDonnell, Sonia Sima & Ben Reilly among them. Stefan Baczkowski in fact cannot be caught and will win the section as he leads on 4/4. The rest of the section is so tight that up to 8 players could still be second!!
Roll on Monday and lets see what happens! 
