Michael Adams, the 54-year-old Taunton grandmaster, suffered his first British Championship defeat in 36 years during round four play. The 18-year-old Ukrainian talent Svyatoslav Bazakutsa, now based in Liverpool, defeated Adams after he resigned a lost rook endgame following 60 moves.
Adams had entered the championship undefeated across 87 consecutive games and began this tournament with three straight wins. The loss ended his bid for a record-equalling 10th British title, as he currently holds nine championships, one behind Jonathan Penrose's all-time record.
