George Botterill vs Henrique Mecking (1972)

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George Botterill vs Henrique Mecking
Hastings (1971/72), Hastings ENG, rd 12, Jan-11
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation. Main Line (B99) · 0-1

ANALYSIS [x]

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Dec-22-17		Sally Simpson: This is the infamous game where Mecking kept his finger on the button on the chess clock not allowing Botterill to press. "“In the game Botterill - Mecking Hastings, 1972, Mecking came in 2nd and made a GM norm. at the time both were running out of time, with 2 or 3 minutes for 8 moves each. Mecking pressed the button of the clock and kept his hand on it, not allowing the Englishman to press it back. The arbiter did not see it and Botteril lost his temper, and two moves later, the game. Everyone was extremely indignant and Najdorf called Mecking “the bandit of the chessboards." https://kevinspraggettonchess.wordp... (Mecking was actually 3rd. first and second was tied between Karpov and Korchnoi.)

Jun-19-18		OhioChessFan: <In the game Botterill - Mecking Hastings, 1972, Mecking came in 2nd > <Sally: (Mecking was actually 3rd. first and second was tied between Karpov and Korchnoi.) > If they tied for first, Mecking was 2nd. It must be your English.

Jun-20-18		Sally Simpson: Hi Ohio, I'm thinking if two players finished above him, then he is 3rd. (actually 3rd= with Byrne.) And the way the the money is split. Karpov and Korchnoi shared the 1st and 2nd prize money. They did not share the first prize with Mecking and Byrne dividing 2nd and 3rd. Mecking (and Byrne) shared the 3rd and 4th prize money. Hastings (1971/72) Mecking's Wiki entry takes the same view. "...and finished third with Robert Byrne (after the co-winners Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi) at Hastings in 1971–72." But I am loathe to finish quoting Wiki. How about the player's Bio on here. "....and taking 3rd at Hastings." Henrique Mecking Which is where I took the info for my post from.

Jun-20-18		Howard: That story about Mecking and the chess clock reminds me of something that CL&R wrote about him at the 1976 Manila interzonal. It stated that when Mecking was in time trouble, he had a habit of moving a piece with one hand, and then hitting the clock with the other hand, thus saving a second or so per move. He wasn't actually caught hitting the clock prematurely, but he came close to doing so.

Jun-20-18		OhioChessFan: <Sally> I thought you'd recognize the reference, but here goes: Wesley So (kibitz #214256) Wesley So (kibitz #214264)

Jun-20-18		Sally Simpson: Hi Ohio, There no link or hint to Wes's posts. I think he made error based on prize money. (he is a professional, money matters) Wes finished in the 3rd group of prize money winners but was placed 5th=. My post on the matter. Wesley So (kibitz #214288)

Jun-21-18		perfidious: Mecking would have been cured of his habit in blitz play very quickly, where it is--or was--illegal to use different hands to move and punch the clock.

Dec-10-19		Dionysius1: I heard that Mecking tried switching the clock to the other side of the board, so giving George lower time as the clocks still faced inwards. Sounds like that wouldn't have been beneath him, though a bit obvious.

Dec-10-19		keypusher: click for larger view A terribly tricky position, especially if you're short of time. Botterill plays 35.b3?? presumably trying to drive the queen away from guarding f7, but he must have missed 35....Qf1+ 36.Kb2 Qxf6 and all of a sudden his knight is trapped. Instead 35.Nc1 prevents the check and White is threatening b2-b3 for real, with a winning advantage.

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