Former World Three-Moves Restriction draughts champion Ronald “Suki” King still trails Italian Sergio Scarpetta 0-2 after the eighth game was completed in the title bid at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex yesterday.
Defending champion Scarpetta was in an ideal position to continue his winning streak from the previous night when a rather tired-looking King looked in danger of losing Game 5, which was the 9-13, 21-17, 5-9 Edinburgh Opening. However, successive slips by the Italian allowed Kingto survive and take a draw after three intense hours.
Former vice president of the local draughts association, Michael Barker, indicated that the flamboyant King was fortunate to escape defeat in Game 7. “Scarpetta made two errors late in the game which allowed King the draw,” said Barker.
Soviet-born American Alexander Moiseyev, who was following the live stream of the world title clash, had predicted a 70 per cent draw and a 30 per cent win for Scarpetta as the Edinburgh Opening was one of the seldom used opening from the 156 possible opening which often lead to defeat for the person playing red. (KB)
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