From the Archives – 1989

In this post, we go back 30 years to September 1989, when New Zealand FIDE Master Johnathan Sarfati visited the club at their Kapiti College clubrooms to give a talk and play a simul against club members. Sarfati at the time was one of New Zealand’s leading players, including having won the 1987/88 New Zealand Championship.

One of our current members, John Whibley was even there and is shown playing below. No records remain of the results, including if any club members were successful in their game. John also declines to say whether he won or lost!

Johnathan followed this up in April 2003 with a repeat visit to the club, this time playing an 11 game  simul, and winning all 11 games blindfolded!! Here is an account of that event from former member and club champion Earl Roberts (Chess from behind a blindfold, from NZ Chess 29(3) 2003, page 23). He returned again in February 2016 for another simul, winning 9 from 10.

If you are interested in seeing other photos of the early KCC club days from the late 1980’s and 1990’s click here.  We’d like to develop this history further, so if you have any photos, articles or stories you’d like to contribute to our club’s online history, we’d love to hear from you.