2nd (and last) series of our 30-30 (25 minutes plus 5 second increment) Tournament is well under way. David Paul still manages to hold the lead after several tough games. Alistair McGowan failed to capitalise on a superior position and managed a notable draw and is tied level for this series. Itay Ben-Dom leads the juniors. Mike O’Rorke takes the coaching this Wednesday—6 April.

Tonight’s 5 Minute Tournament saw some great chess played by the Juniors. Johnny Hynes and Josh Bunker played outstanding chess to trounce Senior player Mike O’Rorke who had a troubled night. Johnny and Josh played each other later, and achieved a respectable draw. Guy Burns, another senior player was well beaten by Ian Liddell and junior Jacko O’Grady also put Guy under pressure.

David Paul was the shining star of the night achieving the perfect result of 6 wins out of 6 games—he now leads the field in our—5 rounds over the year—5 Minute Tournament.

Next week Series II of our two part 30-30 (25 minutes plus 5 second increment) Tournament begins.

Don’t forget coaching by Club Captain David Paul will start at 7:00pm 23 March.

Coaching starts 9 March 7:00pm at the Library.

Our 30-30 is progressing well. Guy Burns and David Paul led neck and neck and will square it off next match—will be an exciting game. Top junior player Itay Ben Dom is half a point behind the leaders, along with Alastair McGowan and Zoe Kingston.

The latest rating list from NZ Chess Federation has been released. Alastair McGowan tops the rapid rating list on 1832 and David Paul hits 1861 for the standard rating.

Our AGM was held and our governance and constitutional obligations were undertaken. Club officials were elected, reports made and several motions were passed. Pressure to increase fees was resisted and fees will remain the same as 2010. Our 30-30 tournament resumes next week and the following week—9 March—chess coaching will commence. Please note:  it was agreed at the AGM that all games for 2011 will commence at 7:45.

Chess started in 2011 with a 5 minute Blitz Tournament. David Paul dominated the field, but was strongly challenged by Alistair McGowan who managed a draw against him. Chess continues with the first round of the 30-30 (Timeframe: 25 minutes, plus 5 seconds add on) Tournament starting 9 February.

Coaching has also been confirmed and will occur at the Library at 7;00pm— on a fortnightly basis—starting 9 March.