GM Zong Yuan Zhao has convincingly won the Gold Coast Open with 6.5/7. IM George Xie, Moulthun Ly, FM Gene Nakauchi and IM James Morris tied for second place on 5. Of the younger players, Gold Coast Junior champion Daniel Lapitan had a particularly good tournament. There were 26 players in this division.
 

Mark Stokes once again showed that he is the champion of under 1600 events, winning well on 6/7, followed by Alex O'Flynn and Axel Stahnke. There were 36 players.

 

In the under 1000 section, Travis Baker from Toowoomba scored the only picket fence of the weekend with 7/7. Second was Ivan Zelich. There were 51 players.

Just a few of the winners . . .
(and 1 interloper who was assisting his brother!)

---

There are several people to whom we owe a huge thank you for making this event such a success. Firstly, Grandmaster Ian Rogers provided an excellent commentary in front of an enthralled bunch of avid chess watchers. At least one person decided to forego his participation in the tournament because he knew what a great experience he would have listening to Ian's expert analysis. Very many thanks Ian!

Of course, as always, we are thoroughly indebted to our Director of Play, International Arbiter and all-round good guy, Dr Charles Zworestine for his infinite patience and unfailing good humour dealing so expertly with such a large group of disparate individuals.

Fiona Pyper, and her assistant Bec, provided excellent service to the seemingly endless stream of hungry chess players wanting to be fed - thank you Fiona!

 

---

Prize winners

Open