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David Smerdon scores third and
final Grandmaster norm  We
are thrilled to see that IM David Smerdon, who has been
something of a legend in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for the
last 15 years, has scored his third and final norm at the Czech
Open, with one round to spare. To gain the coveted Grandmaster
title, he now has to get his FIDE rating over 2500. On the last
list it was 2461, and he will certainly pick up a packet of
points with this performance. Australia's only two Grandmasters,
Ian Rogers and Darryl Johansen, both come from the
same group in Melbourne where their chess was developed in the
1970s. Australia has not produced a Grandmaster since. We
Queenslanders are particularly proud of David, since he grew up
and went to school here.
David showed great leadership at his school, Brisbane's Anglican
Church Grammar, where he trained his chess team to the extent
that they were able to win three consecutive Australian Schools
Teams titles. His team also reached the world final of the
schools internet competition, and gained an all expenses trip to
New York, where they met Gary Kasparov. David played Kasparov in
a simul, and only narrowly missed a draw.
David has won numerous Australian age titles, gained his IM
title at the age of 14 in the Oceanic Zonal held on the Gold
Coast, and gained his first Grandmaster norm at the Australian
Championships in Brisbane, and the second in the Bangkok Open.
He narrowly missed a double norm at the Olympiad in Turin.
In recent years he won a scholarship to Melbourne University,
and has gained his degrees at a very high level. We understand
that David will be commencing his 'proper' career at the start
of next year.
Congratulations David! We are truly delighted for you!
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