The end of the season

the last competition round in the highest class in chess is played at a common venue for all teams from this class. a real happening, and apart from the fact that there is still something at stake, it also has the atmosphere of a kind of reunion.

for E's team there was still a minimal chance of staying in this class, but then they had to score better than another team. E achieved a draw and thus his intended goal in this competition, but unfortunately the team lost. Relegation is a fact (but also a bit as expected after the surprising promotion last year). Two teammates did score an IM norm. for non-chess players: this is a real achievement. with a number of these norms and the right rating (playing strength expressed in points) you can earn a title, in this case that of International Master, one step below grandmaster. for both it was their first norm, so extra special.
ended the day with a dinner with the whole team, and after a long day, despite the relegation, still satisfied at home now.