Three events have been completed in recent months at St George Chess Club. The main event was the yearly grade matches; a tournament in which clubs from around Sydney compete against each other. This year St George entered six teams (the most entered by any club) and had at least one team in each division except the open division.

Our under 1900 team did not fare so well, placing fourth, however, this was the only blemish.

In the under 1700 division St George teams place first and third, with both Nicholas Kordahi and Anthony Belz winning prizes for excellent individual performances.

In the under 1500 division St George again placed first and third with Robert Kovacs and young John Papantoniou (13) winning individual prizes.

Finally, our under 1300 team, made up entirely of club members aged under 11 years, narrowly missed out on winning their division. From this team Cedric Koh and Sean Gu both won individual prizes. Both Cedric and Sean are two of St George’s rising stars. Along with Clarice Koh and Anton Smirnov they will be representing Australia at the World Youth Championships later in the year.

Following the grade matches St George held its yearly Allegro tournament, in which each player had fifteen minutes to complete his or her moves. The tournament was won by chess heavyweights Vladimir Smirnov and
Alexander Matros who scored 8.5/9. The formidable James Watson placed third with 6.5/9.

Finally, following the Allegro the St George Rapid was held (thirty minutes for each player). This tournament was won by Adrian Rose with a score of 8.5/9 with three players: Ronald Manila, Nicholas Kordahi and Charles Zworestine (our club captain) sharing second place with 6.5/9.

The St George Chess Club meets every Tuesday night at 7:30. All are welcome to come and play some social games or join the club!

Jamie Roberts,
Chess Club President.