In this game from the first round Allen plays the opening poorly, allowing his Kingside pawns to be shattered. Gradually, however, he improves his game and begins to use the open g-file to his advantage and finishes off with a simple but effective combination.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O d6 5. d3 Bg4 6. c3 Nf6 7. Qb3

Better here would be 7. Nbd2

7... O-O 8. Be3

White might have won the b-pawn but there is always loss of time inextricating the Queen. (Allen)

8... Na5 9. Qa4 Nxc4 10. Qxc4 Bxf3 11. gxf3 Bb6 12. Kh1 Nh5 13. Rg1 Qf6 14. Nd2 Nf4 15. d4

An advance that frees White's game considerably. (Allen)

15... exd4 16. cxd4 c6 17. Bxf4 Qxf4 18. Qc3 Qf6 19. e5 dxe5 20. Ne4 Qd8 21. dxe5 Kh8 22. Rad1 Qe7 23. f4 f6 24. Qh3 fxe5

Overlooking the effect of White's next move. The mistake is fatal. (Allen)

25. Rd7 Qb4 26. Qg2

Fritz gives 26. Ng5 as leading to mate in six, but the text move is a straighforward route to victory.

26... g6

If 26... Rg8 27. Rxg7 Qf8 28. Rxh7+ Kxh7 29. Qh3+ Qh6 30. Nf6+ Kh8 31. Qxh6#

27. Rxh7+ 1-0