Author: Gordon Lyall

The final round of Freebird Trophy was played and after tallying all the rounds, David Paul, once again, takes the Trophy. Guy Burns and Glenys Mills share 2^nd prize. Johnny Hynes won the Junior section and Nathan Price was 2^nd. Next week the Club Champs resume—round 6 in the 8 round Series 2.

David Paul won a key game against Guy Burns tonight and now leads the Club Champs, ahead 2 points from nearest rival Guy Burns. Next Wednesday is the last 4 rounds for the Freebird Trophy

The first round of series 2 of the Club Champs began today in a unexpected venue—the Womens Centre, Ngahina St, just up from the Community Centre. We found out on Monday that the local council are using our Library venue for the next 5 weeks and have booted us out. Thanks to some running around by Rose and help from Glenys, we have a place to play chess, except for next week—25 September—no chess that week. Our Calendar has been updated to reflect these changes.

Guy Burns takes the lead in the Blitz Competition after a decisive win against 2nd placed David Paul. Series 2 of the Club Champs begins next Wednesday 18 September.

The Kapiti Rapid annual regional tournament was held Saturday 7 September and Kapiti players performed well in a strong but small field, which included current NZ chess champion Scott Wastney and former 12 time NZ champion Anthony Ker. The event was jointly won by the current champion Scott Wastney and a determined Michael Nyberg, who piqued Ker on time in the last round. Kapiti players Mike O’Rorke and Alistair McGowan came runner up in the combined B and C grade session, half a point behind the young and talented Wellington player Layla Timergazi. 

View Photos From The Event

Round 7 of the Club Champs was played and John Whibley continues to lead the field, half a point ahead of David Paul. Johnny Hynes and Spencer Vierenes lead the Juniors. Don’t forget the Kapiti Rapid regional Tournament, which is held this Saturday—come along and help set up the hall at 8:15.

Round six of the Club Champs (Series A) was played and three players are within half a point of the lead—Guy Burns and David Paul on 4.5 points behind John Whibley on 5. Three players share the lead for the Juniors—Johnny Hynes, Spencer Viernes and Nathan Price on 2 points, closely followed by Josh Bunker on 1.5. The Kapiti Rapid regional Tournament is in 2 weeks—Saturday September 7

Round 5 of the Club Champs was played—and John Whibley is leading the event. It’s just over 2 weeks to go for our Kapiti Rapid regional tournament to be held 7 September at the Community Centre  Ngahina St. Don’t forget to book this important event into your calendars.

Round 4 was played and David Paul recovered his form with a fine win against Guy Burns. Gordon Anderson has joined the fray and it’s good to see him back at the board. KCDC’s Raumati/Paraparaumu Board met Tuesday 6 August and granted the Club $200 dollars towards new boards and clocks.

Round 3 of the Club Champs saw some fireworks with 2 spectacular results for the underdog—John Whibley played a fine game of chess to comprehensively beat current A Grade Champion David Paul and Junior Johnny Hynes demolished Senior Player Mike O’Rorke in 15 minutes of devastating chess.

Round 2 of the Club Champs were played and it’s early days in terms of results. For those who have missed a night’s play you will get 2 half points over each of the two series, this will help keep those who miss a night, a fighting chance to do well in their grade, which is A, B and C grades.

Low numbers turned up for the start of the Club Champs. Come along and join the fray as we meet for round 2.

After tonight’s Blitz play, Guy Burns and David Paul continue to share the lead on 15.5 points followed by Glenys Mills on 11 and Mike O’Rorke on 10. Spencer Viernes leads the Juniors with 9 points, ahead of Josh Bunker on 8, followed by Nathan Price of 5. 17 July we begin the Club Champs.

Congratulations to David Paul, winner of the Leo Eichholtz Trophy. Leading co-contender to this Trophy—Paul Frost—was comprehensively beaten by David in their crucial match. Paul Frost was 2nd followed by John Whibley and Guy Burns for 3rd. Congratulations to Johny Hydes for winning the Junior section of this Trophy, with Josh Bunker in 2nd place and Nathan Price 3rd. Next game for the Club will be a 5 minute Bltiz series of 6 rounds.

David Paul, leader in the Leo Eichholtz Trophy competition was away and this has left the door open for a serious challenge to his hold on this Trophy. After tonight’s play Paul Frost has put himself in contention to take the prize—it will all depend on next’s week games, particularly on the result of David and Paul’s match, as they are due to face each other over the board. Johnny Hynes leads the Juniors.

David Paul is starting to pull away from contenders for the Leo Eichholtz Board on 10.5 points. Paul Frost is playing well and is David’s nearest rival on 9 points, closely followed by Guy Burns and Gordon Anderson on 8.5. There maybe a chance for players to catch David as he’s away next night of play. Josh Bunker and Johnny Hynes share the lead for the Juniors.

A fine draw by Glenys Mills has helped to put the brakes on David Paul’s lead for the Leo Eichholtz Board. Play for Series B has started with 2 rounds tonight, and a lot more water has to flow under the bridge with 6 rounds to play over 3 more evenings.

The 2nd round of our Five Minute Tournament was played and David Paul continues neck and neck with Club President Guy Burns with both on 10.5 points. Todd Stewart follows on 7.5, followed by Glenys Mills and Mike O’Rorke on 7. Spencer Viernes leads the Juniors with 6 points closely followed by Josh Bunker on 5. The next round is due to be played 10 July. Next Wednesday we start Series B of the Leo Eichholtz Board.

A draw against Guy Burns did little to stop David Paul’s lead in the last game (Round 8) of the first series of our Leo Eichholtz Board. David’s in front with 7 points followed by Guy, Gordon Anderson and Todd Stewart on 5.5. Nathan Price leads the Juniors, closely followed by Spencer Viernes, Josh Bunker and Johnny Hynes. Next night— 5 June—will be 6 rounds of Blitz and the first round of Series B for the Leo Eichholtz Board the following week. 

Todd Stewart put up a brave attack against David Paul, but it was not enough to stop the incumbent Leo Eichholtz Board champion from winning this thrilling game. The final rounds—7 and 8—of Series A will be played next—29 May—followed by play for our Blitz Trophy.