7A calm start by Ghasi, who opts to play a system-opening rather than delving into deeep theory to gain an opening advantage.
8Rather than taking his own piece of the center, Harvey decides to provoke Ghasi's pawn up the board! He will be left with a space disadvantage as a result, but he's hoping that Ghasi's far-advanced pawn will become a target.
1011Ghasi has managed to keep his pawn alive for now. If he can manage to stabilize the position, he will be left with a clear advantage out of the opening.
14It's getting clearer that Ghasi will be able to keep his pawn defended, leaving him with both a space advantage and harmonious piece placements.
The advantage isn't huge, but it's clear that Ghasi remains with the initiative in the position.
17Harvey has a time disadvantage and is struggling to find a way to equalize. He needs to start speeding up now, as ending up in time trouble in this type of a position will quickly lose him the game.
22Trading off several pieces may have been a blessing in disguise for Harvey, as Ghasi will not be able to win by way of an attack.
Still, it's clear that he stands better in the endgame that will ensue.
2931Harvey's knight is trapped, leaving him with clear difficulties moving forward.
From a practical perspective, this position gives Ghasi great chances to win!
Harvey ended up in strategic trouble in this game, allowing Ghasi to gain a space advantage on the queenside and in the center. The endgame looked difficult for Harvey, but solid defense led to a situation where Ghasi failed to make any progress. As the entire position closed down and no more progress was possible, the game reached its natural conclusion.
Harvey's save proved to be crucial, resulting in Wood Green winning the match by a single point. They remain very much in the running for fourth place, though Theme International Trading remains ahead in the standings for now.
As the group stage progresses, it's becoming clearer and clearer that Hexamind, Freedom and Malcolm's Mates will be advancing to the playoffs. The strongest contender for the final spot is Theme International Trading, but Wood Green remains right behind them in the standings.
Wood Green needs to keep grabbing points to keep their chances alive, but qualification remains within their grasp. The match against the Sharks creates difficulties, though, as Wood Green are underdogs on several of the top boards rating-wise.