{"id":252,"date":"2012-12-17T14:19:29","date_gmt":"2012-12-17T01:19:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.poisonpawn.co.nz\/chess\/?p=252"},"modified":"2012-12-19T13:29:31","modified_gmt":"2012-12-19T00:29:31","slug":"new-zealand-chess-federation-bulletins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.poisonpawn.co.nz\/chess\/new-zealand-chess-federation-bulletins\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Chess Federation Bulletins"},"content":{"rendered":"
NEW ZEALAND CHESS FEDERATION NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 08<\/span>
\n<\/b>
\nProject Grandmaster wrap up<\/span><\/span>As many chess players around New Zealand will know by now, International Master Puchen Wang has now embarked on a four-year study scholarship at University in Texas, USA. This meant that\u00a0 \u201cProject Grandmaster\u201d had to be curtailed earlier than originally anticipated, and has meant that he is not available to represent New Zealand this year at the Chess Olympiad in Dresden. Puchen\u2019s sojourn overseas,\u00a0however, has been a very successful enterprise. In that time Puchen has improved his FIDE rating to 2450 and came close to achieving his first GM norm in Budapest.\u00a0 He will have ongoing opportunities to play and study chess in the US, and has already achieved a first equal placing in the strong SouthWest Open event in Texas to give him a provisional USCF rating of 2530.\u00a0 For more information about chess in Texas, try the website\u00a0www.texaschess.org<\/a><\/span><\/span>2009 Queenstown Chess Classic<\/span><\/p>\n

With less than three months to go before the start of this event, this is an urgent reminder to all potential competitors to get their entries in asap. The first deadline for entries without incurring a penalty is November 1st<\/sup>. To date there are around 80 entries including 17 Grandmasters and Women Grandmasters with players coming from a total of 19 countries. Veteran International Master and chess legend Bob Wade will make a return trip and is sure to generate interest from the media. Top seed so far is Grandmaster Vladimir Potkin of Russia. In attendance for the Opening Ceremony and to take part in discussions with other Oceania organizers and officials will be the General Secretary of FIDE, Mr. Ignatius Leong. This will be Mr. Leong\u2019s first visit to New Zealand.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZCF has also determined that the Queenstown Chess Classic incorporating the New Zealand Chess Championship will be a qualification event to choose representative players (Men\u2019s & Women\u2019s) for the 2009 Oceania Zonal Championship to be held in Australia in June, 2009. In the event of a tied placing, a tie-break system as advertised in the official Queenstown Classic entry form will be used.<\/span><\/p>\n

For comprehensive information on the event and latest entries go to\u00a0www.queenstownchess.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Dresden Chess Olympiad, Nov 12 \u2013 24, 2008<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Very shortly our teams will leave for the Chess Olympiad in Dresden. This promises to be the biggest Olympiad ever with around 150 countries taking part. This time New Zealand is also sending an official FIDE delegate, Bob Gibbons, to attend and participate in some of the business sessions at the FIDE General Assembly. This will provide a valuable opportunity to network with other delegates from the Oceania and Asian zone and to gain information about chess development in other countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

This will be the first Olympiad to introduce new rules.\u00a0 A match point scoring system will be implemented and\u00a0 new rules concerning the\u00a0 conduct for player will be introduced. Other changes include a reduction in the number of rounds and the Women\u2019s\u00a0 Team increased to 4 players. A large number of games will be played online and can be accessed through the official website at\u00a0www.fide.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s still not too late to donate to the Olympiad Appeal. This can be done automatically by visiting the link at Helen Milligan\u2019s excellent website\u00a0www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/a>. All donations will be recognized via the website.<\/span><\/p>\n

New FIDE Tournament deadlines<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

New FIDE deadlines have now been put into place concerning FIDE rated tournaments. All tournaments that are intending to be FIDE rated in future must be registered with FIDE at least one month prior to the start of the event in order to avoid incurring a penalty. This has ramifications for clubs and organizers that are intending to host such events in New Zealand. To do this please notify Michael Freeman well in advance so that he can make the necessary registration. His email contact isMichael.Freeman@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Tournament Roundup<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A number of major events have taken place around the country in recent weeks. The Interschools Finals were successfully hosted at Peterhead School in Hastings during the recent holiday break. Thanks to Scott Wastney, national Interschool co-ordinator for organizing this in conjunction with Sally Rice at Peterhead School. Full details of this and all tournaments can be found via the results link at\u00a0www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0 The New Zealand Chess Federation is now actively seeking expressions of interest from organizers that are interested in taking on Scott Wastney\u2019s role (who is stepping down) for 2009. Contact the secretary, Bob Mitchell (robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/a>) if interested.<\/span><\/p>\n

The George Trundle Masters and Challengers were again organized by Michael Steadman and hosted at the Auckland Chess Centre. Unfortunately no IM norms were achieved by New Zealand players, although Nic Croad did look as though he might get there with a very strong start. It was the two top seeds, GM Darryl Johansen and Australian Champion IM Stephen Solomon that made it through in the end to win. An impressive performance was put in by talented junior Daniel Baider from Wellington, who defeated Solomon and drew with Johansen . Daniel will have more opportunities to impress in the Queenstown Chess Classic in January.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Challengers event was won by Gino Thornton followed in second place by Major Open Champion Daniel Shen.\u00a0 We will be following Daniels progress along with other junior representatives currently competing in the World Youth Championship in Vung Tau, Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Following on soon after this event, the South Island Championship and Kaikoura International was held in a spectacular and unique setting in the Kaikoura Wineyard wine cellar. This tournament was the brainchild of Christchurch chess enthusiast and promoter Chris Benson in conjunction with Kevin Tetley of Sunrise Bungalows. With a good turnout of 44 players, the tournament was a huge success. GM\u2019s Murray Chandler and Darryl Johansen tied with IM Stephen Solomon for first place, Darryl winning on tiebreak. FM Roger Nokes won the title of South Island Champion with a very solid display including a win over GM Johansen. Also notable was Justin Davis\u2019 performance including a draw with visitor IM Toth. Justin has put together a very good pictorial report which can be viewed via the Palmerston North Chess Club website.<\/p>\n

Just completed in Auckland, the Merv Morrison Memorial attracted a total of 33 players and was won by Mike Steadman on 6\/6 followed by Daniel Han and FM Bob Smith on 4.5\/6.<\/p>\n

Several Kiwis competed in the 2008 Malaysian Chess Festival in Malaysia. This included participation in the Merdeka Rapid Teams event where the Kiwi team took out 10th<\/sup>\u00a0place from a field of 50 teams. Details of the Malaysian Open are available at the website:http:\/\/datmo.net<\/a><\/p>\n

Ratings Update<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings officer Rowan Wood has requested that all tournament results be sent to him as soon as possible after the completion of an event, bearing in mind that NZCF has now moved to a three rating period per year system. Rowan\u2019s email address is:rowan.wood@rikstoto.no<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Equipment Grant<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF has been successful in obtaining an equipment grant from Pub Charities which has been used to purchase digital chess clocks and DGT boards which will have their first outing at the 2009 Queenstown Chess Classic in January.\u00a0 The NZCF is very much appreciative of support from Pub Charities for this.<\/span><\/p>\n

2009 Events<\/span><\/p>\n

Expressions of interest are sought from clubs interested in organizing NZCF events for 2009. These include the NZ Seniors Championship, NZ Women\u2019s Championship, NZ Junior & Age Group Championship, North & South Island Championships, North Island & South Island Rapid Championships and 2009\/10 NZ Championship and Major Open events. Please contact the Federation secretary if your club is interested or you need more information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Spiller
\nPresident NZCF<\/span><\/p>\n


\nNew Zealand Chess Federation Bulletin July 2008<\/span><\/p>\n

Project Grandmaster<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Puchen Wang has now finished his tour of Europe early after accepting a Chess Scholarship to attend University in Texas.\u00a0 Puchen saved his best result for the last event he competed in, the strong Grandmaster section of the First Saturday tournament held in Budapest, Hungary, in June. The 14 player round robin included 3 GM\u2019s and several highly rated IM\u2019s.\u00a0 Puchen was seeded 11th<\/sup>\u00a0in the field but produced probably the best result of his career by finishing outright third. His score of 8.5\/13 included 4 wins and 9 draws (no losses) and was tantalisingly close to the elusive GM norm of 9.5 points. Puchen\u2019s Fide rating will rise to around 2440 once these results are processed.\u00a0 I am sure that all New Zealand chess players will join with me in wishing Puchen best wishes for his continuing studies overseas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chess Events<\/span><\/p>\n

A very successful inaugural Gordon Hoskyn Memorial Chess Tournament was organised on June 14th<\/sup>\u00a0in Palmerston North by Justin Davis in conjunction with both Palmerston and Wanganui Chess Clubs. Overall winner was IM Russell Dive. It is hoped that this will become a regular event and will help to promote chess in the central North Island.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Junior Championship and Junior Rapid Championship were hosted by the Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club at Bucklands Beach Intermediate School from July 7th<\/sup>\u00a0\u2013 11th<\/sup>. The Championships were sponsored by Quality Solutions and Kaha Media. A total of 62 juniors competed in the main event including 2007 champion Mario Krstev, Major Open winner Daniel Shen and NZ Women Olympians Judy Gao and Sue Maroroa. Overall winners with 6\/7 points were Andy Chen, Sue Maroroa and Mario Krstev with Edwin Yip finishing 4th<\/sup>\u00a0on 5.5 points. The NZ Junior Rapid event was won outright by Mario Krstev.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was closely followed by the North Island Chess Championships which were held in Tauranga between July 15th<\/sup>\u00a0\u2013 19th<\/sup>\u00a0and the North Island Rapid Championships on July 20th<\/sup>. Winner of the North Island Championship was IM Anthony Ker on 6.5\/8 followed in second place by NM Peter Stuart. The Rapid Championship resulted in a tie for first between IM Ker and tournament organiser Hilton Bennett, both finishing on 5\/6 followed in third place by Michael Steadman on 4.5.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upcoming Tournaments<\/span><\/p>\n

The Waikato Chess Open will be held at Saint Paul\u2019s Collegiate School, Hukanui Road, Hamilton on August 8th<\/sup>,9th<\/sup>\u00a0&10th<\/sup>. For information contact Hilton Bennett at\u00a0hilton@wave.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Auckland Girls Chess Championship will be held on Tuesday 12th<\/sup>\u00a0August at the Mt. Albert War Memorial Hall, 751-761 New North Rd, Mt. Albert. Contact Viv or Bob Smith at\u00a0caissa@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The 35th<\/sup>\u00a0North Shore Open will be held on August 30th<\/sup>\u00a0& 31st<\/sup>\u00a0at the Northcote Community Centre. Enquiries to Peter Stuart at\u00a0pstuart@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The 2008 South Island Championship will be held at the Kaikoura Winery in Kaikoura between October 8 \u2013 October 12. Joint sponsors are Sunrise Bungalows, Kaikoura Winery and Benson Insurance Brokers Ltd.\u00a0 For further details contact Chris Benson 027 431 8951 or email\u00a0chris@bensoninsurance.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Full details of all events can be found on Helen Milligan\u2019s website at\u00a0<\/span>www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/a><\/span>
\n
\nChess Olympiad<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The 2008 Olympiad Teams have now been selected, Team Captains appointed and board order finalised for our representative teams for the Olympiad in Dresden in November.\u00a0 Hilton Bennett has been appointed as the Open Team captain and John McDonald as the Women\u2019s Team captain. In addition, Bob Gibbons has been appointed as FIDE delegate. The withdrawal of Puchen from the Open Team has meant that first reserve, FM Stephen Lukey, has been called up. Teams (in playing order) as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

Open: 1. Murray Chandler\u00a0 2. Russell Dive\u00a0 3. Bob Smith\u00a0 4. Roger Nokes\u00a0 5. Stephen Lukey<\/span><\/p>\n

Womens: 1. Helen Milligan\u00a0 2. Sue Maroroa\u00a0 3. Judy Gao\u00a0 4. Vivian Smith\u00a0 5. Natasha Fairley<\/span><\/p>\n

An Olympiad appeal has now been launched with details on how to make a contribution on Helen\u2019s website above. Please help support our team !<\/span><\/p>\n

2009 Oceania Zonal Championship<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Details have now been released for next years Oceania Zonal Championships which will be held on Australia\u2019s Gold Coast in June of next year. Graeme Gardiner (Gardiner Chess Centre) is the Chief Organiser. Details available through Helen\u2019s website.<\/span><\/p>\n

2009 Queenstown Chess Classic<\/span><\/p>\n

Momentum is now growing for what will be the largest and richest Open Chess tournament ever to be held in New Zealand. It is anticipated that the field could number as many as 200 players and keen New Zealand chess enthusiasts are advised to make their accommodation bookings as early as possible and secure their entry for the event. This is an event not to be missed!<\/span><\/p>\n

Already 10 International Grandmasters have confirmed their participation (as well as several Women Grandmasters) with top seed so far being GM Victor Mikhalevski\u00a0 from Israel. For additional entry forms contact myself at:\u00a0<\/span>spillerfamily.enterprise@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/span>
\n
\n<\/b>Millennium Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Millennium Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix has been well supported this year with more events than ever before. The NZ Chess Federation is very appreciate of the financial support given by Millennium Hotels and encourages clubs, organizers and players to support Millennium, Copthorne and Kingsgate hotels around New Zealand as their first choice accommodation option. Please continue to advertise Millennium on your entry forms and send results in promptly to the administrator, Bob Smith.<\/span><\/p>\n

World Youth Championships<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Selections have now been made for the World Youth Championships to be held in Vietnam in October. Selections made as follows:<\/p>\n

Girls Under 8 : Judy Zhu<\/span><\/p>\n

Boys Under 8: Winston Yao<\/span><\/p>\n

Boys Under 10: Karl Zhu<\/span><\/p>\n

Girls Under 12: Nicole Tsoi<\/span><\/p>\n

Boys Under 12: Bobby Cheng<\/span><\/p>\n

Boys Under 14: Daniel Shen<\/span><\/p>\n

Boys Under 16: Ivan Dorofeev<\/span><\/p>\n

Girls Under 18: Sue Maroroa<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand Chess Magazine<\/span><\/p>\n

The transition process for New Zealand Chess Magazine has now been completed with the December 2007 issue and the April 2008 issue both being distributed. Alan Aldridge (with assistance from Bill Forster and other Wellington players) has taken over the editorship with a new design and format.<\/span><\/p>\n

The new magazine will appear four times a year with a slightly expanded format . Please send all contributions in to Alan Aldridge at\u00a0alan_aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0.<\/span><\/p>\n

All New Zealand clubs are encouraged to support the magazine by encouraging members to subscribe or to include it as part of their annual membership fee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Spiller
\nNZCF President<\/p>\n


\nNew Zealand Chess Federation Bulletin May 2008<\/span><\/p>\n

KIWIS ABROAD<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Several Kiwi Chessplayers made the trek across to the two major chess events in Australia over the Easter period. IM Puchen Wang , Hilton Bennett , Mike Steadman and Bob Mitchell competed in the Doeberl Cup in Canberra. They were joined by GM Murray Chandler, WFM Helen Milligan, Fuatai Fuatai, FM Bob Smith, John Sutherland, Edward Tanoi, Dan Dolejs, Bill Forster and Paul Spiller in Paramatta for the 2008 Sydney International Open. Puchen scored a meritorious 6\/9 in Canberra including a win over IM Stephen Solomon. In Sydney, Murray was the top scorer for NZ with 6\/9 (a loss against new Australian GM Zong-Yuan Zhao in the last round prevented Murray from a top placing). FM Bob Smith played well to score 5.5 points, the same as Puchen. Puchen\u2019s score included draws against highly rated GM\u2019s Akobian (USA) and Gawain Jones.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the local scene, the Wellington Easter tournament attracted a strong field and was won jointly by IM Anthony Ker and FM Scott Wastney. Notable was the performance of Wellington junior Daniel Baider who defeated top seed IM Russell Dive and FM Nic Croad.<\/span><\/p>\n

PROJECT GRANDMASTER<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Aspiring GM Puchen Wang has now returned to\u00a0<\/span>Europe for the second leg of his project. His first event is the strong Open 10 round\u00a0 Swiss in Benidorm,\u00a0<\/span>Spain. This will be followed by an event in Luxembourg followed by another strong round robin Grandmaster event in Budapest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fundraising has continued on the home front with the second of the Project Grandmaster Sunday Rapid events being held in Hamilton on Sunday, April 13th<\/sup>. Puchen played and won this event convincingly with a score of 6\/6. Tied for second were Fuatai Fuatai, Gino Thornton and Daniel Han on 4\/6. Nearly fifty players competed\u00a0 and around $500 was raised for the project.\u00a0 These events will continue to be held from now until the end of the year every second Sunday of the month at the Auckland Chess Centre. Details available at\u00a0www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0. Please continue to support this worthy project \u2013 donations can be made via the website. Thanks to the many supporters around New Zealand that have already contributed.<\/span><\/p>\n

QUEENSTOWN CHESS CLASSIC, JANUARY 15-26, 2009<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

The Queenstown Chess Classic, 2009 is fast approaching and chess players are reminded to seriously think about making their reservations for accommodation as soon as possible. This will certainly be the strongest and largest Open chess tournament ever to be held in New Zealand with a total prize pool in excess of $50,000.\u00a0 It is expected that more than 200 players will compete and already nine Grandmasters have confirmed their participation. Full details and accommodation options are available on the website<\/span>www.queenstownchess.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2009 CHESS OLYMPIAD, DRESDEN, GERMANY in NOVEMBER<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

The selection process is now underway for choosing players to represent New Zealand in both the Open and Women\u2019s Olympiads to be held in Dresden, Germany during November. GM Murray Chandler was an automatic selection after winning the 2007\/8 New Zealand Championship and the winner of the NZ Women\u2019s Championship [April 30 \u2013 May 4 at Auckland Chess Centre] will gain automatic selection for the Women\u2019s team. Team selections will be announced at the end of\u00a0 May.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Chess Federation has launched an Olympiad Appeal Fund . Details of internet banking options will made available on\u00a0www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0and all donations will be recognised.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Federation is now seeking expressions of interest for the positions of Mens\u2019 and Womens\u2019 Team Captains. Please send all applications to Bob Mitchell, NZCF Secretary, P.O. Box 216, Shortland Street, AUCKLAND. Applications will be made for funding but no guarantees can be given and applicants may be required to cover their own travel expenses. Please ensure that your application is received by the end of May.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP, HAMILTON, April 25-27<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

A field of 14 competed in\u00a0<\/span>Hamilton<\/span>\u00a0over Anzac weekend for the NZ Seniors\u2019 Championship. The Championship was held over 3 days as a six round swiss and it was decided that it will be FIDE rated allowing several players to gain FIDE rating blocks and consequently FIDE ratings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to William Lynn and National Master Peter Stuart who tied for first with 4.5\/6. Wayne Power placed 3rd<\/sup>\u00a0on 4 points followed by V.Smith, D.Capper, A.Booth, P.Goffin and N.Cooper on 3.5\/6.<\/span><\/p>\n

MILLENNIUM HOTELS CHESS GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Leading contenders up until April 29th<\/sup>\u00a0as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

OPEN<\/span>\u00a0 – M.Steadman 60, G.Thornton\u00a0 38.25, R.Dive 32.75, R.Smith 31.5<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Under 2000\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u2013 G.Thornton 77, J.Duneas 43.3, M.Krstev 38.5, D.Shen 37<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1700\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u2013 D.Smith 45.5, N.Cruden 39\u2019 N.Fairley 22.5, N. du Plessis<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1400 \u2013\u00a0<\/span><\/b>G.Judkins 42, T.Gothorp 31.3, L.Zhu 29.1, A.Ansell 27.3<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u2013 D.Smith 45.6, D.Shen, M.Krstev 42.5, A.Ansell 24<\/span><\/p>\n

Senior\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u2013 N.Cruden 58.5, W.Power 43.5, V.Smith 42.5, P.Stuart 28.5<\/span><\/p>\n

Female<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 E.Chen 35, S.Maroroa, H.Milligan 33.5, V.Smith 29<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 14 & Under 1400<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 L.Zhu 37.5, H.Gao\u00a0<\/b>37, K.Zhu 36, A.Ansell 18.3<\/span><\/p>\n

Complete Grand Prix points available at\u00a0www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0thanks to WFM Helen Milligan for keeping these updated.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a reminder to players and organizers to support Millennium Hotels & Resorts wherever possible in terms of venues for events and accommodation. If you are interested in holding an event or seeking a quotation for a venue contact Paul Spiller atspillerfamily.enterprise@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

PROCEDURAL MATTERS<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Club officials may have noticed that there is now a form available to be downloaded from Michael Freeman\u2019s website\u00a0www.nzchess.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0that should accompany all payments sent in to NZCF. This has been set up to help streamline the accounting process and make life easier for our hardworking treasurer. In the past it has been difficult to track all payments and give an accurate breakdown of the different activities that the Federation administers. This would be a big help.<\/span><\/p>\n

INTERSCHOOLS CHESS<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

The NZCF is pleased to announce that FM Scott Wastney will take over the co-ordination and administration of the Interschools tournament. This years final will be held at\u00a0<\/span>Peterhead<\/span>\u00a0School in Hastings on the 27th<\/sup>\u00a0& 28th<\/sup>\u00a0of September (first weekend of the School holiday period at the end of term 3). Scott can be contacted at\u00a0wastneys@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0for more details.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND JUNIOR AND SCHOOLPUPIL CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

The New Zealand Junior & Schoolpupil Championships and New Zealand Rapid Junior Championships will be hosted by the Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club from July 7-11th<\/sup>\u00a0at the Performing Arts Centre at Bucklands\u00a0<\/span>Beach Intermediate School<\/span>. The Championship will be held as a 7 round swiss from July 7-10 followed by a 6 round Rapid swiss on Friday July 11th<\/sup>. For copies of the entry form or more details contact Kees Van Den Bosch at\u00a0kvdbstj@clear.net.nz<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

GORDON HOSKYN\u00a0 RIP<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Gordon Hoskyn , who died peacefully on the evening of May 1st<\/sup>, after a long and brave battle with cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gordon\u00a0 was held in high esteem by the chess community of\u00a0<\/span>New Zealand as a tireless worker and organiser of numerous chess tournaments in Wanganui including many North Island and New Zealand Championships. He had a long involvement with correspondence chess in\u00a0<\/span>New Zealand and was awarded Life Membership of the New Zealand Chess Federation at the last Annual General Meeting in recognition of his long service to the game in New Zealand.\u00a0 He truly was a gentleman both on and off the chessboard and will be sadly missed.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN\u2019S CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

A successful and hard fought New Zealand Women\u2019s Chess Championship has just been concluded at the Auckland Chess Centre. The 10 player Championship featured most of New Zealand\u2019s strongest active players . There was a three-way tie for first between WFM\u2019s Helen Milligan and Natasha Fairley and rapidly improving Judy Gao. In fourth place was Jennya Charamova, making a welcome return to active play and fifth place went to former Champ Viv Smith.<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Scores: WFM Helen Milligan, WFM Natasha Fairley, Judy Gao\u00a0 6.5\/9; Jenny Charamova 6\/9; Viv Smith 5.5\/9; Cecily Liu, Shirley Wu 3.5\/9; Sharon Wu, Nicole Tsoi 2.5\/9; Megan Du Plessis 2\/9<\/span><\/p>\n

The Reserve Championship was jointly won by Joey Wong and Jiapeng Li on 8\/9 with Judy Zhu in third place with 6.5\/9.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Spiller
\nNZCF President<\/p>\n

New Zealand Chess Federation Bulletin March 2008
\n
\n<\/span>Annual General Meeting\u00a0\u00a0 19\/02\/2008<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A new Council was elected at the AGM with long serving President FM Bob Smith and wife Vivian standing down after 7 years on Council. Those elected were President: Paul Spiller,\u00a0 Vice-President Peter Stuart,\u00a0 Secretary: Bob Mitchell , Treasurer: Anthony Whitehouse, Councillors: Mike Steadman, Murray Chandler, Helen Milligan, Bob Gibbons, Central North Island Regional Councillor: Hilton Bennett, Wellington Councillors: Ross Jackson, Michael Freeman, Canterbury Councillor:\u00a0 Craig Hall, Otago Councillor: Quentin Johnson.<\/span><\/div>\n
Patron and Vice-Patrons elected were Patron: Jim Benson , Vice-Patrons: George Trundle, Graham Haase and Bill Poole.<\/span><\/div>\n
The new team combines some\u00a0 experienced campaigners with new faces GM Murray Chandler and WFM Helen Milligan who bring a wealth of expertise in the areas of IT, marketing and sponsorship.<\/span>Millennium Hotels & Resorts Chess Grand Prix<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Millennium Hotels and Resorts Group will continue to sponsor the New Zealand Chess Grand Prix this year, with the New Zealand Chess Supplies Congress being the first event in the 2008 series. Clubs and organisers are encouraged to support Millennium Hotels when considering holding an event. Organisers can\u00a0 liase through Paul Spiller (<\/span>spillerfamily.enterprise@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/a>)\u00a0 or directly with Mat Shaw (<\/span>Mat.Shaw@millenniumhotels.co.nz<\/span><\/a>) for all Millennium, Copthorne & Kingsgate Hotel tournament and accommodation quotations . Support for the Grand Prix has been gaining momentum and this year the total prize-fund has been increased by nearly $2,000. FM Bob Smith will continue in his role as Grand Prix administrator so clubs should ensure that results are sent in promptly. Results will be regularly updated and posted on Helen Milligan\u2019s website at\u00a0<\/span>www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>New Zealand Championship Congress<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The 2007\/2008 New Zealand Congress was held at the Copthorne Harbourcity Hotel in downtown Auckland and was sponsored by New Zealand Chess Supplies. Twenty two players competed in the New Zealand Championship including overseas guests IM Herman Van Riemsdijk from Brazil, FM Tim Reilly from Australia and FM Ove Hartvig from Denmark. The field included most of New Zealand\u2019s strongest active players including GM Murray Chandler, IM\u2019s Russell Dive, Paul Garbett & Anthony Ker and FM\u2019s Stephen Lukey, Bob Smith , Bruce Watson and FM elect Nic Croad.\u00a0 In the end Murray powered away with 5 consecutive wins to finish on 9\/11, one and a half points ahead of second placers Russell Dive and Mike Steadman. Mike in particular had a standout performance and narrowly missed an IM norm by half a point. Herman Van Riemsdijk, Leonard Mclaren, Ralph Hart & Graeme Spain tied for fourth place on 6.5 points. The\u00a0Major Open\u00a0<\/b>was a tremendous success for 12 year old Daniel Shen who was outright winner with a score of 8.5\/11 and rating performance of 2286. It was a great\u00a0 opportunity for the younger players to test themselves against more experienced veterans .The runners up were Bruce Wheeler and Stan Yee who both performed very solidly.<\/span><\/span>The\u00a0Rapid Championship<\/b>\u00a0attracted a field of 58 players with defending champion IM Puchen Wang expected to be hard to topple.\u00a0 However\u00a0 losses to Herman Van Riemsdijk and FM Bob Smith in rounds five and eight meant he had to settle for =4th<\/sup>. Visitor Herman Van Riemsdijk repeated his 2000 victory to clinch the Championship conceding\u00a0 just three draws. Mike Steadman and Bob Smith both put in strong performances for = second place thus sharing the title of NZ Rapid Champion.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Lightning Championship\u00a0<\/b>was fought out between the six qualifiers IM\u2019s Puchen Wang, Russell Dive, Anthony Ker, Paul Garbett , Chris Thurner and Ralph Hart.\u00a0 Puchen was out on his own winning comfortably with a score of 9\/10. Paul Garbett edged out Ralph Hart to finish 2nd<\/sup>\u00a0 on 6.5 with Ralph on 6 points.<\/p>\n

Website Links<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Helen Milligan established a new website last year which features a very up to date chess calendar of events and important links to other popular chess websites. It also gives recent tournament results and updates. The url is\u00a0<\/span>www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Players can also check Grand Prix standings via this site. It is intended that this site will be complimentary to Michael Freeman\u2019s site which provides detailed information about the Federation and member clubs. This site is\u00a0<\/span>www.nzchess.co.nz<\/span><\/a>\u00a0.<\/span><\/div>\n
Project Grandmaster<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n
As many players around New Zealand will already know, NZCF is supporting IM Puchen Wang\u2019s endeavours this year to become New Zealand\u2019s second Grandmaster. Puchen made significant strides forward last year after a convincing win in the New Zealand Championship he placed second= in the Oceania Zonal in Fiji and narrowly missed a GM norm in the Euwe Stimulus tournament in the Netherlands in August. Now having completed his secondary studies, Puchen is taking a gap year to concentrate on studying and competing in a series of strong chess tournaments in Europe and Asia. His first event in the huge Capelle La Grande swiss in France was a very good start. His 6\/9 points placed him in a tie for 31st<\/sup>\u00a0place out of 600 including over 100 GM\u2019s. Particularly encouraging was his 2 draws and 1 win against the three GM\u2019s that he played, all rated over 2500.<\/span><\/div>\n
Mike Steadman is the project manager and details of how you can support Puchen are available on Helen\u2019s website as above. I would urge all players and clubs to get behind this very worthwhile cause. All financial supporters will receive regular updates on Puchen\u2019s progress and annotated games from Puchen.<\/span><\/div>\n
The Auckland Chess Centre will be holding regular\u00a02nd<\/sup>\u00a0Sunday<\/b>\u00a0tournaments every month (with the exception of April when the event will be held in Hamilton) to help with fundraising efforts.\u00a0 Howick-Pakuranga and Auckland have already held special simuls and other events will be held during the year to help.<\/span><\/div>\n
New Zealand Chess Magazine<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n
The magazine has been a huge voluntary effort over the last few years from Graeme Trass, who is based in Taupo. Graeme took on a very large workload prior to Christmas and has been snowed under. However, I can promise that the NZCF Council is working hard to resolve these issues and is committed to bringing the magazine up to date. The October issue should be out to clubs within the next week with the December issue shortly following on after. Council will keep clubs posted on progress.<\/span><\/div>\n
2009 Queenstown Chess Classic<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
Excitement is starting to build for the 2009 Queenstown Chess Classic incorporating the 116th<\/sup>\u00a0New Zealand Chess Championships. With a prizefund in excess of $50,000 the 2009 event will set a new benchmark for chess events in Oceania. There has already been considerable interest from top overseas players with five Grandmasters\u00a0 already\u00a0 confirming their participation. If you didn\u2019t have the opportunity to play in the 2006 event, make sure that you don\u2019t miss the 2009 edition!<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0A new feature next year will be the addition of the Queenstown Junior Chess Classic, a six round swiss restricted to players under 18 as at 01\/01\/2009. $1,600 in prizes will be at stake.\u00a0<\/span>Information from:\u00a0<\/span>paul@queenstownchess.com<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
2008 Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
The 2008 Olympiad is scheduled to be played in Dresden, Germany in the month of November. Shortly, NZCF will be seeking expressions of interest from strong New Zealand players wishing to be considered for selection.<\/span><\/div>\n
New rules this year mean that both the Open and Women\u2019s teams are restricted to five players. Also, FIDE intends introducing a system of match points to replace the long established system of game points . To determine overall placings a complex system of tie-breaks will be used.<\/span><\/div>\n
New Zealand Chess Federation events<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
The NZCF is seeking a club to organise the NZ Junior Chess Championship which is normally held the week following the North Island Championships. Last years sponsor has indicated a willingness to support the 2008 event as well so this will take some of the financial burden off the organising club. Please contact Bob Mitchell at\u00a0<\/span>robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 if your club would like to host this event. The NZ Women\u2019s Championships are being held at the Auckland Chess Centre from April 30th<\/sup>\u00a0until May 4th<\/sup>. The Championship will be a 10 player round robin with the Reserve section held as a Rapidplay. At this stage it looks likely that the Seniors Championship will again be held in Hamilton. The dates and venues for the North & South Island Championships are still to be confirmed but indications are that they will be held in Tauranga and Kaikoura respectively.<\/span><\/div>\n
Full details of all events will be posted on\u00a0<\/span>www.newzealandchess.co.nz<\/span><\/a>\u00a0as soon as they are available.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Paul Spiller<\/span><\/div>\n

New Zealand Chess Federation Inc.\u00a0<\/span>
\nAnnual Report 2007<\/span><\/h4>\n

This report marks the end of seven years as President of the New Zealand Chess Federation. I will be standing down in January, but am optimistic the progress made during my term in office will continue. As this is my last Annual Report, I feel it is appropriate to comment not just on the current year, but on the entire period from 2001-2007.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE 2007 YEAR<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Council continued its policy of actively fostering chess, working with clubs and volunteers around the country to run the wide range of events that have now become regular features of each chess season. These included:<\/p>\n

The NZ Congress, hosted by Wanganui Chess Club
\nThe North Island Championships and Rapid Championships, hosted by Papatoetoe Chess Club.
\nThe South Island Championship, held in Nelson, with Hilton Bennett as principal organiser.
\nThe South Island Rapid Championship, hosted by North Canterbury Chess Club.
\nThe NZ Junior Championship and Rapid Championship, hosted by Waitemata Chess Club.
\nThe NZ Inter-Schools Competition, the finals of which were held in Palmerston North and organised by Martin Sims.
\nThe NZ Senior Championship, hosted by Hamilton Chess Club.
\nThe NZ Women\u2019s Championship and Reserve Championship, hosted by Auckland Chess Centre.
\nChess for Girls Week, with Viv Smith and Jacinta Buist as principal organisers.
\nThe Millennium Hotels NZ Chess Grand Prix, administered by myself.<\/p>\n

SPONSORSHIP<\/p>\n

2007 has been a productive year in obtaining financial backing for several key events. Council was successful in negotiating a two year agreement with Millennium Hotels and Resorts to support the national Grand Prix. Significant sponsorship was also obtained for the 115th<\/sup>\u00a0NZ Congress in Auckland, with New Zealand Chess Supplies agreeing to support our premiere event and Millennium Hotels providing the upmarket Copthorne HarbourCity hotel as the venue. Further, Council signed an agreement with GM Murray Chandler to repeat the highly successful Queenstown Classic in early 2009. Council was also successful in gaining substantial funding for players representing New Zealand at the 2007 World Youth Championships in Turkey.<\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENT WINNERS<\/p>\n

Puchen Wang was the convincing winner of the 114th<\/sup>\u00a0New Zealand Championship in Wanganui.<\/span>\u00a0He also comfortably defended his title of NZ Rapid Championship, and won the NZ Lightning Championship. The NZ Major Open Champion was Neil Gunn.<\/span><\/p>\n

The North Island Championship in Manukau City was jointly won by Leonard McLaren and Don Eade. The North Island Rapid Championship was won by Puchen Wang.<\/p>\n

The top South Islanders in the South Island Championship in Nelson were Quentin Johnson and John Van Ginkel, who shared the title. The South Island Rapid Championship was won by Andy Machdoem.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship in Auckland was won by Shirley Wu.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Junior Championship in Waitakere City was won by Mario Krstev. The New Zealand Junior Rapid Championship was won by Puchen Wang.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Senior Championship in Hamilton was jointly won by Viv Smith, Gordon Hoskyn and Wayne Power.<\/p>\n

TITLES<\/p>\n

Puchen Wang gained an International Master title by placing 2nd<\/sup>= at the Oceania Zonal in Fiji. At the same event Sue Maroroa gained a Women\u2019s FIDE Master title, and Shirley Wu gained a Women\u2019s Candidate Master title. Bob Smith also tied for 2nd<\/sup>\u00a0and gained a double IM norm. Nic Croad qualified as FIDE Master, by crossing the 2300 rating barrier.<\/span>\u00a0Congratulations to all the above.<\/span><\/p>\n

LIFE MEMBERS<\/p>\n

The 2006\/7 AGM unanimously elected Ted Frost, Gordon Hoskyn and Arie Nijman to life membership of the Federation for their services to chess in New Zealand. Congratulations to all three.<\/span><\/p>\n

MILLENNIUM HOTELS NZ CHESS GRAND PRIX<\/b><\/p>\n

As mentioned NZCF Council was successful in negotiating a 2-year sponsorship deal for the Grand Prix with Millennium Hotels and Resorts. This enabled the Grand Prix, in its sixth year, to offer increased prize-money of $5500, $1400 more than in 2006. I anticipate the prize-fund will increase further next year. The players again turned out to support the Grand Prix; at the time of writing 21 Grand Prix events had attracted 983 entries, with just the MIT Rapid to go, which last year attracted more than a hundred players. The number of events has remained stable, but player numbers are up so far by 108. Some of the bigger turnouts were Waitakere Trust Open 115, Latvian Rapid 103 and North Shore Open 80. The Senior and Female divisions continue to grow, with 32 players gaining senior grand prix points so far, and 22 gaining female points.<\/span><\/p>\n

Council took the decision at the start of the year to exclude the next Congress from the 2007 Grand Prix; the NZ Championship, Major Open and Rapid will instead be the starting events of the 2008 Grand Prix. The rationale for this change is to incorporate the Grand Prix prize-giving into Congress, which Council believes is an appropriate forum to recognise the achievements of each year\u2019s Grand Prix winners. With Congress now being held in January, it is also more logical for it to be the first event in the Grand Prix season.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

In its 7th<\/sup>\u00a0year this competition has continued to grow, with many thousands of children around the country taking part. It is a huge undertaking. Many thanks to Felicity Timings for once again co-ordinating the event, and to the many organisers involved at local levels. The national finals, which also determined the North and South Island champions, were held in Palmerston North. Organiser Martin Sims created a wonderful event; thanks are also due to Palmerston North Boys High School, which provided the venue. NZCF Council gave travel grants to southern schools to help them make the finals trip. Congratulations to the following winners, who all received trophies and medals:<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ and North Island Secondary Schools Champion \u2013 St Kentigern College (Pakuranga)<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ and North Island Intermediate Schools Champion \u2013 Rangeview Intermediate (Waitakere)<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ and North Island Primary Schools Champion \u2013 Sunnybrae Normal School (North Shore)<\/span><\/p>\n

South Island Secondary Schools Champion \u2013 Ashburton College (Ashburton)<\/span><\/p>\n

South Island Intermediate Schools Champion \u2013 Cobham Intermediate (Christchurch)<\/span><\/p>\n

South Island Primary Schools Champion \u2013 Waimairi Primary (Christchurch)<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

As I write this 3 of our players are competing in the World Youth Championships in Antalya, Turkey. The three players selected were Judy Gao (Under 14 girls), Daniel Shen (Under 12 boys) and Bobby Cheng (Under 10 boys). I am pleased to reveal that NZCF was once again successful with funding applications, gaining a grant of $5000 from the Perry Foundation. In addition players received a grant from the interest generated by NZCF\u2019s Steele Trust, bringing the total amount paid to each player to $2000. This financial support means that the cost of participation for our three representatives was minimal, as food and accommodation were provided. At this point I cannot report on results, as there are quite a number of rounds still to play.<\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHESS BADGES\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Interest in NZCF\u2019s junior badge scheme has remained high. Thanks to Viv Smith for administering the scheme this year. There are four levels \u2013 pawn, knight, bishop, and rook.\u00a0Children who pass the rook badge should have reached a fairly competent level. There has been no progress this year on a queen or king level, something the incoming Council may wish to address.<\/span><\/p>\n

FEMALE CHESS<\/p>\n

More than 300 girls took part in events in Christchurch and Auckland during NZCF\u2019s annual \u201cChess for Girls\u201d week in June. More than 70 competed in the Auckland Girls Championship, including some of the country\u2019s top females. Christchurch was even more successful in terms of numbers involved, with over 200 participating. Viv Smith again donated her time for a coaching clinic. Mt Maunganui RSA Chess Club also held a girls tournament.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship and Reserve Championship were hosted by Auckland Chess Centre and attracted 14 players.<\/span><\/p>\n

SENIOR CHESS<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Hamilton Chess Club hosted the 6th NZ Senior Championship (over 60 years for males, over 50 for females). 14 players competed, six more than last year. As mentioned there has also been a significant increase in the numbers competing in the nationwide Grand Prix.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHANDLER RETURNS<\/p>\n

An important event was the return from England of New Zealand\u2019s only Grandmaster Murray Chandler. Murray now lives in Auckland and is again registered as a New Zealand player. He and Council have achieved a high level of co-operation; Murray has clearly demonstrated his commitment and support for New Zealand chess, and it is pleasing to see that he has offered himself for Council next year.<\/span><\/p>\n

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS<\/p>\n

Two significant international events were held in New Zealand in 2007.<\/span><\/p>\n

Auckland Chess Centre again held the George Trundle IM Tournament and qualifying tournament, with Mike Steadman as the principal organiser.<\/span><\/p>\n

And Hilton Bennett was the driving force behind the most prestigious South Island Championship yet, the Nelson Open. This was a Superclass Grand Prix event involving three Grandmasters and two International Masters. Council supported this Federation event with a grant.<\/span><\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS<\/p>\n

At the time of writing NZCF has 410 registered members; compared to 456 at the same time last year. Registrations from the upcoming MIT tournament should reduce this comparative shortfall. I think the figures reflect the slowness of some clubs in sending in registrations, rather than a lack of chess activity. Perhaps in the future NZCF Council needs to set registration deadlines and more vigorously follow them up.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS
\n
\nCouncil resolved to increase the number of rating lists a year from two to three. As I write the first of the new lists is about to be produced. Council feels this change will improve the accuracy of the rating lists and better reflect the rapid improvement of some juniors, lessening their impact upon established players.<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has also introduced a new award \u2013 for the most improved player \u2013 to be presented for the fist time at the Congress in January.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many thanks to Ratings Administrator Rowan Wood for his continued hard work, to Ratings Officer Viv Smith for following up and correcting errors and omissions in files submitted by various clubs and to Bob Gibbons and Manukau Institute of Technology for producing the hard copy booklets of the rating lists.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS WEBPAGE<\/b><\/p>\n

Thanks once again to Michael Freeman, who has continued to maintain the NZ Chess webpage, an important part of NZCF\u2019s communication chain.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/b><\/p>\n

Unfortunately the magazine has continued to be a drain on NZCF\u2019s resources, and has fallen considerably behind publication dates. Editor Graeme Trass has had some health issues, which have contributed to the delays. I believe the future of the magazine now requires an urgent review; we do not seem to be able to produce a timely and relevant magazine using volunteers.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/b><\/p>\n

2007 has been a good year for chess in New Zealand. All NZCF\u2019s many activities have proceeded smoothly. The Federation is in a comfortable financial position. It has maintained a spirit of co-operation with the vast majority of its member clubs. I must thank once again the many willing workers who have supported Council over the past year, and hope that the incoming Council can count on your assistance in the coming year.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF 2001-07<\/p>\n

I do not want to comment at length on my seven years in office, as I have dealt with each of them in turn in my Annual Reports.<\/p>\n

However, I leave office proud of what I and a dedicated group have achieved, with the help and goodwill of untold chess supporters around the country. If one compares what we have now to seven years ago, there has been substantial change for the better.<\/span><\/p>\n

Back then there was no nationwide Inter-Schools Competition, no nationwide Grand Prix, no Seniors Championship, no host or venue for the Congress immediately following, no official NZ Lightning Championship and female representation in chess had eroded to such an extent that there were just four players contesting the NZ Women\u2019s Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

My policy from the beginning was aimed at involving people from as many age groups and sectors of society as possible. I believe that we have made great progress in doing so.<\/span><\/p>\n

We now have huge numbers of children involved through the inter-schools competition, high interest and activity from players of all levels as a result of the Grand Prix, a growing number of Seniors enjoying their own championship, and real competition for the NZ Women\u2019s Championship and NZ Women\u2019s Olympiad team. In fact the standard of female chess has risen to the extent that some of our best juniors are girls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Add to that the fact that we now have three Women\u2019s Fide Masters and three Women\u2019s Candidate Masters, and I think we can claim considerable progress in female chess.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another major change for the better was the provision free of charge of the pairing programme Swissperfect to all member clubs; this has streamlined the rating process and made it much easier for clubs to hold events and have them rated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has consciously made an effort to lift the prestige and image of chess; this has been reflected by a lift in the standard of venue for Congress and a much praised Oceania Zonal held in Auckland.<\/span><\/p>\n

I would like to pay tribute to a number of people who have helped in what I regard as a transformation. These include \u2013 Paul Spiller, Bob Mitchell, Viv Smith, Hilton Bennett, and Felicity Timings. In later years the input of Michael Steadman has also been invaluable.<\/span><\/p>\n

The job of Treasurer is perhaps one of the most difficult and least appreciated, and has become harder as NZCF\u2019s financial turnover has increased, due to its active policies. During my term the duties of Treasurer have been undertaken variously by Roger Perry, Quentin Johnson and by current long-suffering incumbent, Anthony Whitehouse; I thank them all for their work \u2013 rather them than me!<\/span><\/p>\n

I also must personally thank a number of people throughout the country who have been supportive and active in helping to expand chess during my term.<\/span><\/p>\n

These include Gordon Hoskyn, Gary and Gerri Judkins, Jacinta Buist and Martin Sims.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inevitably I will have forgotten to mention someone; if so I would ask them not to feel slighted; I truly appreciate the work of all volunteers who have supported NZCF and would ask them to continue their support for the incoming Council.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Dr Ray Thomson\u2019s part in the revival of chess cannot be overlooked.<\/span><\/p>\n

As our patron for 5 years, Ray\u2019s support and interest was crucial; I believe he is happy with what has been achieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF is in good heart and well placed to move onwards and upwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Council currently has some weaknesses in procedures and outdated rules which need to be reviewed to help it more accurately plan, reflect and adapt to changes in society and maximise opportunities for financial support.<\/span><\/p>\n

I am confident that these weaknesses can be overcome by the incoming Council and that it has the right mix of skills to continue the progress of the past seven years.<\/span><\/p>\n

I hand over the reins as President satisfied that I \u2013 and my many helpers \u2013 have made a positive change to chess in New Zealand.<\/span><\/p>\n

I look forward to many more good years ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, New Zealand Chess Federation Inc.
\nNovember 23, 2007<\/span><\/p>\n


\nNew Zealand Chess Federation Bulletin August 2007<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hi everyone. There are a lot of chess happenings and developments to report on in recent months. Firstly some excellent news about sponsorship for the upcoming NZ Congress in Auckland.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONGRESS SPONSORSHIP<\/p>\n

I am pleased to report that Council has reached a sponsorship agreement with\u00a0NZ Chess Supplies<\/b>, the country\u2019s only wholly New Zealand owned and operated chess stockists. NZCS will be providing significant support for the 115th<\/sup>\u00a0NZ Chess Congress. In return it will have naming rights for the event and exclusive merchandising rights at the venue, which is Millennium\u2019s splendid\u00a0Copthorne HarbourCity Hotel<\/b>\u00a0in central Auckland. Our Grand Prix sponsor, Millennium, has agreed to a very attractive accommodation deal for players and accompanying persons attending Congress: $149 a night for a twin or double room, including breakfast for two! The Copthorne is directly opposite the Auckland Viaduct, so there is easy access to many cafes, restaurants and Auckland tourist attractions. Congress will run from January 15 to 25, including the NZ Rapid and Lightning Championships. Council has approved a schedule of 7 days with only one round, and 2 days with 2 rounds. Entry forms are in the process of being completed and will be available in the near future.<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS<\/p>\n

Council is currently seeking a coach\/manager for four players selected for the 2007 World Youth Championships in Antalya, Turkey from November 17 to November 29. The players are: Evguenia Charomova (Girls Under18), Judy Gao (Girls Under14), Daniel Shen (Boys Under12) and Bobby Cheng (Boys Under 10). All players and the selected Coach\/Manager will receive free accommodation and food for the duration of the event. Council is applying for funding to help pay for the travel costs. A parent will also be accompanying Daniel Shen and Bobby Cheng. Anyone interested in the position of Coach\/Manager should respond to me at\u00a0Caissa@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0as soon as possible. We need to make this appointment by the end of August, so that some training can be organised and the players can get to know their coach.<\/span><\/p>\n

NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/p>\n

Most regional events should have been completed by now. The NZCF levy for these events for 2007 is $5 a player. Could organisers please remit these fees to Council (P.O. Box 216 Shortland St) as soon as possible, and also advise Inter-schools Co-ordinator Felicity Timings of your winners and player numbers at your tournament\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0. The Auckland finals are being held at the Auckland Chess Centre on August 21. Council has resolved that the top two Auckland teams in secondary, intermediate and primary competitions will join other area winners at the North Island and National finals in Palmerston North from September 22-23.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATING CHANGES<\/p>\n

NZCF is introducing three rating periods a year from November, 2007. The periods will be March 1, July 1, and November 1. Council believes this will better reflect rating changes by our many fast improving juniors, and will increase the accuracy of the lists.<\/span><\/p>\n

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER<\/p>\n

Council is also introducing a special prize for the player who improves his or her rating by the largest amount each year. Only established ratings will be counted. Rating Administrator Rowan Wood is currently drawing up draft rules for this prize.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF PAYMENTS<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

You can now download a payment form from the \u201cNZ Chess\u201d website, which should accompany all payments to NZCF. It clearly details what the payment is for and should be a big help to both club officials and the NZCF Treasurer.<\/span><\/p>\n

2007 SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS<\/p>\n

I usually list upcoming tournaments in Millennium Grand Prix updates, but one I should mention here is the Nelson Chess Open, which incorporates the 2007 South Island Championships. This will be one of out the box \u2013 a Millennium GP Superclass event, with four Grandmasters confirmed so far. There will be nine rounds over 5 days (October 3-7), and a prize-fund of over $5000. The tournament will be NZCF and FIDE-rated. Contact: Hilton Bennett\u00a0hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FIDE RATING OF EVENTS<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

NZCF FIDE delegate Michael Freeman handles tournaments to be sent to FIDE for rating. Please send the Swissperfect files to Michael at\u00a0michael.freeman@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0and send the $100 rating fee to NZCF at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland (make cheques out to NZCF) within 3 weeks of a tournament. FIDE has stiff late fees and Council does not want to have\u00a0to go back to clubs for\u00a0extra payments because of their tardiness. FIDE invoices New Zealand on a regular basis and should the actual levy for your event prove significantly less NZCF will refund the difference. Please note FIDE now requires the correct full names and birthdates for new players \u2013 so no birthdate, no FIDE rating.<\/span><\/p>\n

AND A FEW REMINDERS<\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS BADGES
\nT<\/span><\/b>ests, badges and certificates are available for pawn, knight, bishop and rook levels.\u00a0These very popular\u00a0tests\u00a0can be obtained from NZCF Junior Convenor Viv Smith\u00a0Caissa@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0.They can be ordered in lots of 50 or 100. The cost to clubs or organisers\/coaches is $4.50 per badge and certificate for 100 or more, or $4.75 for 50 to 100, plus postage. Council recommends a minimum retail price to the children of $6 for badge and certificate. Mixed orders are ok (half and half pawn and knight, for instance).<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF DIGITAL BOARDS<\/p>\n

NZCF owns 3 digital boards which have been used for a number of events. These boards can broadcast games live onto the internet, and thus are a great feature for any top class events. They are available, plus operating instructions, free of charge to any clubs running NZCF events. Organisers of other events can hire them at the following rates:
\n$40 per board plus freight costs for up to 6 round events.
\n$75 per board plus freight costs for longer events.<\/span><\/p>\n

PLAYER REGISTRATIONS
\n
\nIf you haven\u2019t registered your club players yet, please do so promptly. Remember, no club events can be NZCF rated if they include unregistered players. Registration fees are: adults $13 juniors $6.50. Please include birthdates for any juniors (under 20 on 1\/1\/07) and seniors (1\/1\/07).<\/span><\/p>\n

OTHER FEES<\/p>\n

I often get asked about various fees and levies. So below is a summary again.
\nGrand Prix \u2013 Superclass: $200 for Auckland and Wellington, $180 for all other areas
\nClass 1: $150 for\u00a0<\/span>Auckland<\/span>\u00a0and Wellington, $130 all other areas. Class 2 – $100 Auckland and Wellington, $80 all other areas.
\nClass 3 – $50\u00a0<\/span>Auckland<\/span>\u00a0and Wellington, $30 all other areas.
\nTournament levies: $3 a head for rated tournaments, except for New Zealand Championship – $20 a player, NZ Major Open $12 a player, NZ Rapid Championship $10 a player, North Island Championship $10 a player, South Island Championship $10 a player, North Island Rapid Championship $5 a player, South Island Rapid Championship $5 a player, NZ Women’s Championship, NZ Senior Championship and NZ Lightning Championship nil, internal club tournaments nil.
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Until next time, Yours for chess,
\nBob Smith
\nNZCF President<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand Chess Federation Annual Report 2006<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If I were issuing a report card for New Zealand chess for 2006, I would probably mark it as around a B+. It hasn\u2019t been a perfect year, but a great deal has still been achieved. Most importantly, Council has had the support of many keen volunteers around the country, and this has helped immensely.<\/span><\/p>\n

The plus side of the ledger includes the following, which will be mentioned in more detail later:
\nThe Queenstown Classic
\nThe George Trundle IM Masters and Qualifiers
\nA bequest of $20,000 from the late David Steele, to be used to assist junior representatives.
\nA donation of $10,000 from George Trundle, to be used for special projects.
\nThe NZCF Grand Prix
\nThe NZ Inter-Schools Competition
\nThe NZCF Junior Badge Scheme
\nChess for Girls Week
\nFunding success for the Olympiad and World Youth Championship<\/p>\n

And on the negative side:
\nLack of progress on reviewing the NZCF regulations
\nNo new Patron found as yet
\nNo current sponsor for the Grand Prix
\nContinued late publication of \u201cNZ Chess\u201d magazine<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall though, a positive year for NZ chess. We are now committed to numerous on-going events; these require a great deal of work and there is a need to ensure the load is spread if we are going to adequately tackle some of the issues that still need attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

RETIRING COUNCILLORS
\nMost of the current NZCF Council is standing for re-election. However Felicity Timings and Michael Cowen are stepping down. Felicity has been on Council for 5 years and as Junior Convenor has done an incredible amount of work. She has been handling the junior chess badge scheme and is the national co-ordinator of the inter-schools competition. Felicity has been a tremendous asset for chess and, although she is stepping down from Council, has indicated her willingness to continue as inter-schools co-ordinator. NZ chess owes Felicity a huge debt of gratitude. Michael Cowen\u2019s stint on Council has been relatively short, but in the year he has been on Council he has contributed some valuable ideas. He has had to step down because work commitments have taken him overseas. Thanks to both Councillors for their contributions this year, and also to all the other hard workers on Council who have put their names forward again.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW TRUSTS
\nCouncil has two substantial new trusts to help with the development of chess. The David Steele Trust had an initial sum of $20,000, willed to NZCF by Wellington Chess Club Life Member David Steele. His intention was to use this to help support junior representatives. Up to 70% of the interest from this bequest will be spent each year, with the remainder increasing the principal. The George Trundle Trust had an initial sum of $10,000 gifted by long-time Auckland player George Trundle. Up to 70% of the interest from this trust will be spent each year on projects identified by NZCF Council, with the remainder increasing the principal.<\/span><\/p>\n

QUEENSTOWN CLASSIC
\nThe undoubted tournament highlight of the year was the Queenstown Classic, first mooted and sponsored by GM Murray Chandler and organised in conjunction with NZCF Council. Vice-President Paul Spiller can take a great deal of credit for the success of this tournament, which attracted 193 players from 19 countries, including 4 Grandmasters, 15 International Masters and 15 FIDE Masters. The tournament received nationwide television coverage. It incorporated the 113th NZ Championship, which was appropriately won by GM Chandler. Subsidiary events were the NZ Rapid Championships and NZ Lightning Championships, for which we are grateful for the sponsorship of former NZCF Patron Ray Thomson.<\/span><\/p>\n

GEORGE TRUNDLE IM MASTERS & QUALIFIERS
\nAuckland Chess Centre is to be congratulated on organising these important events, with the support of George Trundle. The Masters tournament involved 3 IMs from overseas and gave some of our top players some valuable experience and a chance for an IM Norm, while the Qualifiers round robin was also excellent experience for up and coming players. The Masters tournament was won by IM\u2019s Stephen Solomon and Guy West, while FM Bob Smith was the top New Zealander and inaugural winner of the George Trundle trophy. Hilton Bennett won the Qualifiers. NZCF\u2019s DGT boards were used to broadcast the top Masters\u2019 games live on the internet.<\/span><\/p>\n

TITLES
\nPuchen Wang gained a FIDE Master title at the Olympiad in Turin. Also at the Olympiad, Natasha Fairley gained New Zealand\u2019s first Women\u2019s FIDE Master title, and Eachen Chen gained a Women\u2019s Candidate Master title. At home Scott Wastney became New Zealand\u2019s latest National Master. Congratulations to all the above.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENT WINNERS
\nThe top New Zealander in the 113th New Zealand Championship in Queenstown was the overall winner, GM Murray Chandler, who thereby claimed the title. The NZ Major Open Champion was Maciej Wojnar The NZ Rapid Champion was Puchen Wang. The NZ Lightning Champion was Anthony Ker. The North Island Championship, hosted by Wellington, was won by Scott Wastney. The North Island Rapid Championship was won by Anthony Ker. The South Island Championship, hosted by Ashburton, was won by Quentin Johnson and Bruce Donaldson. The South Island Rapid Championship was won by Ross McKerras. The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship, run by Auckland Chess Centre, was won by Sue Maroroa. The New Zealand Junior Championship, hosted by Waitemata, was won by Gino Thornton. The New Zealand Junior Rapid Championship was won by Puchen Wang. The New Zealand Senior Championship, hosted by Auckland Chess Centre, was won by Bob Mitchell. NZCF GRAND PRIX In its sixth year, the nationwide Grand Prix has included more tournaments than ever. The final events of the season, the NZ Championship, Major Open and NZ Rapid Championships, will take the final tally of tournaments involved to 25. Interest and participation remain high; the only events causing real concern are the North and South Island Championships, both of which had relatively low attendances (22 and 23). Some of the bigger turnouts this year were the Waitakere Licensing Trust Open (119 players), Latvian Rapid (82), NZ Junior Rapid (70) and North Shore Open (68). A new Super Class category was introduced this year, for tournaments with over $4000 prize-money. Of the 25 events this year, two are Super Class (Congress and Waitakere), while 10 are Class One (minimum $1400 prize-money). With three events to go, 368 players have earned grand prix points \u2013 51 more than last year. Progress in the seniors\u2019 division has again been good, with 29 players gaining points, compared to 19 last year. 19 females have scored points so far this year (14 last year). The Grand Prix continues to operate without a sponsor, and is being subsidised by NZCF by $1500. The competition can continue on this basis, but any thoughts are welcome on a possible sponsor for an event that provides continuing exposure throughout the year across the country, in a competition involving more than 1000 players.<\/span><\/p>\n

TURIN OLYMPIAD
\nThe NZ men\u2019s team was Anthony Ker, Paul Garbett, Roger Nokes, Russell Dive, Puchen Wang and Michael Steadman, with Hilton Bennett as Team Captain. They finished 91st out of 150 (seeded 79th) after some promising early form (including holding bronze medallists USA to 1.5-2.5). Puchen Wang gained a FIDE Master title and an IM norm (which counts double at an Olympiad). The NZ Women\u2019s team was Viv Smith, Sue Maroroa, Eachen Chen and Natasha Fairley, with Bob Smith as Team Captain. They finished equal 72nd (80th on count back) out of 108 (seeded 84th). Natasha Fairley gained a Women\u2019s FIDE Master title and Eachen Chen gained a Women\u2019s Candidate Master title.<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP
\nOnly one New Zealand player competed in the World Youth Championship in Georgia in \u2013 The relative lack of interest may well be due to the somewhat unsettled nature of the host nation. Daniel Baider was accompanied by his grandfather Igor Tarasul, who was the officially appointed coach for the trip. NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell was again successful with funding applications, obtaining significant financial assistance for Daniel and Igor. Daniel performed creditably in the Under 12 Boys division, scoring 5.5\/11. He would probably have done even better if he had not fallen ill during the tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION
\nThis competition has just finished its 6th year and continues to be a major success in getting thousands of children around the country playing and enjoying chess. The event has grown each year to become a mammoth undertaking. I sincerely thank everyone who helped to organise the many regional tournaments this year. Special thanks to Felicity Timings, who co-ordinated the whole competition, and to Gary and Gerri Judkins, who organised such splendid national play-offs in Hamilton that the standard will be difficult for others to match. Congratulations to the following winners: Auckland Grammar, Palmerston North College and St Pauls College (Hamilton), joint NZ Secondary Schools Champions for 2006. Riccarton High, South Island Secondary Schools Champion. Cobham Intermediate (Christchurch), the NZ and South Island Intermediate Champion. Palmerston North Normal, North Island Intermediate Champion. Epsom Normal, NZ and North Island Primary Champion. Windsor Primary (Christchurch), South Island Primary Champion.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHESS BADGES
\nThese remain very popular with children around the country. There are currently four levels \u2013 pawn, knight, bishop, rook. Queen and king levels are to be added when developed, and will be fairly advanced.<\/span><\/p>\n

FEMALE CHESS
\nMore than 300 girls took part in events in Christchurch and Auckland during NZCF\u2019s annual \u201cChess for Girls\u201d week in June. Christchurch was particularly successful, with 65 girls playing in the Christchurch Girls Championships, 170 in a teams championship and 20 attending a coaching clinic by Viv Smith. Many thanks to Jacinta Buist, organiser extraordinaire! Numbers at the Auckland Girls Championship were down \u2013 80 competed \u2013 but this can be attributed to a change of timing forced by organisers Viv and Bob Smith being away at an earlier than usual Olympiad. The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship and Reserve Championship were hosted by Auckland Chess Centre and attracted 16 players \u2013 four fewer than last year, but still a reasonable turnout.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
\nAuckland Chess Centre also hosted the 5th NZ Senior Championship (over 60 years). Eight players competed, one fewer than last year. But the Championship has now definitely become an established event on the calendar and I believe the numbers will grow in the next few years.<\/span><\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS
\nAt the time of writing NZCF has 456 registered members; compared to 515 last year. Registrations include 174 juniors, 40 females and 30 seniors. Although registrations are down on last year, I do not believe this reflects any decline in active participation in chess. Rather, clubs and tournament organisers are not keeping up with sending in player registrations. It is a sign that Council will have to tighten up this area next year \u2013 hopefully with the help of tournament\/club officials. And I also repeat my plea for clubs to register all their members.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS
\nCouncil resolved that Swissperfect would now be the only acceptable system for sending in tournament results for rating. All clubs have this programme and it makes processing events easier for Ratings Officer Viv Smith and Ratings Administrator Rowan Wood. NZCF\u2019s FIDE representative Michael Freeman has advised that other formats will not be suitable for internationally rating events from January, as unlike Swissperfect they cannot be converted into the new FIDE format. An on-going problem for our hardworking rating personnel is the late delivery of results \u2013 in some cases 6 months late (!). This is unacceptable. Council is loath to reintroduce fines but something has to be done. We seek your co-operation. Thanks once again to Bob Gibbons and Manukau Institute of Technology for producing the hard copy booklets of the six-monthly rating lists.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS WEBPAGE
\nThanks once again to Michael Freeman, who has continued his important role in maintaining the NZ Chess webpage, a vital part of NZCF\u2019s communication chain.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE
\n\u201cNZ Chess\u201d continues to have problems catching up on publication dates, despite the best efforts of Editor Graeme Trass. As ever, a major factor is getting contributors to deliver material \u2013 on time, or at all! The magazine remains a significant financial overhead for NZCF.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONCLUSION 2006
\nIt has been another good year for chess in New Zealand. The continued growth in many areas, especially junior chess, is to be applauded. Among the priorities for 2007 will be a review and refining of NZCF regulations, to take into account new NZCF events that have now become established, and the impact of changes within society and the chess community. Lastly, I must thank once again the many willing workers who have supported Council over the past year, and hope that we can count on you again in the coming year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith President, New Zealand Chess Federation Inc. November 23, 2006<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand Chess Federation Bulletin September 2006<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello once again everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

There has been a lot of chess played over the past few months, with the international highlight being, of course, the Olympiad in Turin. New Zealand sent both men\u2019s and women\u2019s teams to the Olympiad, and achieved some notable success. More on that later. But the biggest news this time round is two substantial donations to NZCF to assist in the development and promotion of chess in this country.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DAVID STEELE TRUST<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The late David Steele willed $20,000 to NZCF. David was a Life Member of the Wellington Chess Club (more in an upcoming “NZ Chess” magazine). He earmarked his bequest to support junior representatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has resolved that no more than 70% of the interest of this generous bequest be spent in any one year, the remainder being added to the principal. This will thereby ensure\u00a0an ongoing source of support for our aspiring juniors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GEORGE TRUNDLE TRUST<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Long time Auckland player George Trundle has gifted $10,000 to NZCF. As with the Steele Trust, up to 70% of the interest may be spent each year on special projects to be decided by Council. George also contributed towards arguably the biggest chess event held in New Zealand, the 2006 Queenstown Classic. Many thanks, George.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council is extremely grateful for both donations, which will be very helpful as we continue with an active programme of growing chess in this country.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

TURIN OLYMPIAD<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned several New Zealand players performed with distinction at the Olympiad. Most notably, Puchen Wang gained a FIDE Master title and also an IM norm (which counts double at the Olympiad). This means Puchen needs only one more norm and a rating of 2400 to become an International Master.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the women\u2019s team, Natasha Fairley scored a first for New Zealand in gaining a Women\u2019s FIDE Master title at her first Olympiad. Eachen Chen also did well in her Olympiad debut, gaining a Women\u2019s Candidate Master title<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall the men\u2019s team had some excellent match results (most notably holding bronze medallists USA to 1.5-2.5), but faded in the latter stages to finish 91st<\/sup>\u00a0out of 150 (seeded 79th<\/sup>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Women\u2019s Team performed creditably despite the unavailability of our top female player Evguenia Charamova, finishing 72nd<\/sup>= (80th<\/sup>\u00a0on countback) out of 108 (seeded 84th<\/sup>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD DONATIONS<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

There was a very limited response to a call for support for the team members, who had to personally fund a significant proportion of their travel costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF was successful in obtaining two $5000 grants from Scottwood Group and the Lion Foundation. Council topped up these grants to $1000 for each team member \u2013 but that still left a substantial shortfall. Thank you to Quentin Johnson, who donated $50, and Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club, which raised $160 from an Olympiad fund-raising evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

In view of the cost NZ Junior Champion Gino Thornton decided not to go to the World Junior Championships in Armenia next month. However Daniel Baider (boys Under 12) and Cecily Liu (Girls Under 16) are representing New Zealand in the World Youth Championships in Georgia next month. Daniel\u2019s grandfather, who is his coach and an accomplished player, will accompany them as delegation leader and coach. NZCF is awaiting the outcome of funding applications for the group. Anyone who would like to contribute towards their travel costs can send a donation to : NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NATIONAL INTERSCHOOL CHESS FINALS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The national primary, intermediate, and secondary school finals are taking place next weekend 23-24 September in Hamilton.\u00a0 Thousands of students have already participated in\u00a0school teams across the country to select the finalists,\u00a0and\u00a0this has become\u00a0a major event on school calendars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our sincere thanks go to all the hard-working clubs and organisers who have run their local area\u00a0competitions, and to Felicity Timings, our national co-ordinator.\u00a0 Many thanks to Gary and Gerri Judkins,\u00a0the Hamilton Chess Club, and Southwell School, Hamilton, who are hosting the finals.\u00a0 We look forward to hearing all about it soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Fiji has confirmed that it will hold this important event from May 5 to May 12 next year, at a new 5-star hotel on Denarau Island in Nadi. New Zealand is entitled to one official player in both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s tournaments, who will receive free accommodation and breakfast. Our representatives will be the winners of this month\u2019s NZ Women\u2019s Championship, and the 114th<\/sup>\u00a0NZ Championship in Wanganui in January. Other players are also warmly invited to take part in the Zonal, at their own cost. Having played in the last Zonal in Fiji, I would recommend it to anyone. It is a great location and the event is sure to be well-organised. Fiji is also a nice spot to take partners along to; there is plenty for them to do while you\u2019re playing chess!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN\u2019S CHAMPIONSHIP<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

As noted above this tournament is being held from September 24 to 30 at the Auckland Chess Centre. Please get those entries in to Mike Steadman\u00a0<\/span>steadmanm@hotmail.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 The winner will be the NZ representative at next year\u2019s Zonal in Fiji (as well as NZ Champion, of course!).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

I would ask all seniors (60 or over) to support this tournament, being held by the Auckland Chess Centre in conjunction with the NZ Women\u2019s Championship. There has been growing interest in senior competition over the past few years. Let\u2019s keep up the impetus! Details again from Mike Steadman\u00a0<\/span>steadmanm@hotmail.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

NZCF AGM REMITS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A reminder that the closing date for all remits and nominations for the NZCF Annual General Meeting is October 31. Please send these to The Secretary, NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Until next time,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Bob Smith<\/span><\/p>\n

President, NZ Chess Federation<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand Chess Federation Bulletin March 2006<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello once again everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most significant news this time around is the selection of the New Zealand teams to compete at the Olympiad in Turin, Italy, from May 20 to June 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Men’s (Open) Team, with board order still to be decided, is : IM Russell Dive (WN), IM Anthony Ker (WN),\u00a0IM Paul Garbett (AK), FM Roger Nokes (CH), Puchen Wang (AK)\u00a0and Michael Steadman (AK). Team Captain is Hilton Bennett (HAM), who is also overall Manager of the NZ contingent.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Women’s Team, in board order, is 1 Viv Smith, 2 Sue Maroroa, 3 Eachen Chen, 4 Natasha Fairley, all of Auckland. The Women’s Team Captain is \u00a0FM Bob Smith (AK).<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to all the above. I am sure they will give a good account of themselves at the Olympiad<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

NZCF would like to give you all the chance to support our Olympiad representatives who, at this stage, face funding most of the airfare and other travel\u00a0costs themselves ($2500 – $3000 each).<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore an official appeal is now open. Please send cheques made out to the NZ Chess Federation to\u00a0Olympiad Appeal<\/strong>, P.O. Box 120 Shortland St, Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

All donors will be acknowledged in NZCF bulletins, on the NZCF website and in “NZ Chess” magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Olympiad is the priority\u00a0international event for New Zealand chess, giving our top players the chance to test themselves against the world’s best and\u00a0improving players something to aspire our.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please support the teams if you possibly can.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Puchen Wang has again been chosen as the Junior Player of the Year for 2005. Council\u00a0unanimously chose Puchen for his outstanding performances last year, including winning the NZCF Grand Prix. As mentioned, Puchen has now been selected for the NZ Olympiad team.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council is investigating the possibility of posting three-monthly rating lists on the web-page.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are some concerns about the accuracy of such a list, in view of the impact of provisional ratings, bonus points and\u00a0the shorter performance period. So if this is achieved, please bear in mind that three-monthly ratings would be indicative only and organisers should still use the\u00a06-monthly list as the official one. Watch this space!<\/span><\/p>\n

Two reminders:\u00a0<\/strong>All tournament results to be rated must now be submitted in Swissperfect files.<\/span><\/p>\n

The files needed are “trn”, “sco”, and\u00a0“ini”.\u00a0NZCF codes must be filled in for all players, plus birthdates\u00a0for juniors (under 20 on 1\/1\/06) and seniors (60+ on 1\/1\/06, or for females 50+ on 1\/1\/06). Tournament files not submitted correctly will be returned for correcting. Thanks for your co-operation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Organisers submitting tournaments for FIDE rating\u00a0must send NZCF a levy of $100 prior to the event. Any payment above the official FIDE invoice will be refunded, minus administration costs. But NZCF will now invoice clubs for any late submission penalties imposed by FIDE. So remember, send your Swissperfect files to\u00a0FIDE rep. Michael Freeman within one week of a tournament ending at\u00a0<\/span>Michael.Freeman@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/a>\u00a0. That leaves Michael one further\u00a0week to submit the results to FIDE.<\/span><\/p>\n

THINK TANK<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Councillors (including Craig Hall from Christchurch, Ross Jackson from Wellington, Michael Freeman from Stratford and Hilton Bennett from Hamilton) spent a very productive two days\u00a0over a\u00a0recent weekend discussing priorities and strategies for the next six years. NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell is currently\u00a0collating all the brainstorming into a coherent document.\u00a0I can promise you that\u00a0Council\u00a0has\u00a0some big plans and is keen to build on the\u00a0momentum provided by the huge success of the Queenstown Classic.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS FOR CHESS WEEK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A reminder to clubs: NZCF’s annual “Girls for Chess Week” is from\u00a0June 26 to July 2. If you are thinking of supporting this initiative by holding\u00a0an event for females please advise Female Chess Convenor Viv Smith; she can give support and advice \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF GRAND PRIX<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One small change so far to this year’s rules, which every club will have received. Organisers must advise GP Administrator Bob Smith\u00a0<\/span>Caissa@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/a>\u00a0a month prior to an event (at the same time as the GP levy is paid and the tournament registered) who will be responsible for ensuring a report and games are provided to “NZ Chess” magazine within a fortnight of the event. The reasons for this requirement are fairly obvious, I think.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENTS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0NZ Junior Championship<\/strong>\u00a0and NZ Junior Rapid are being hosted by Waitemata Chess Club, from July 3 to 7. Contact Bob or Viv Smith\u00a0<\/span>Caissa@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The\u00a0North Island Championship<\/strong>\u00a0and Rapid Championship are being hosted by Wellington Chess Club from July 10 to 16. Contact Ross Jackson at\u00a0<\/span>Irjackson@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The\u00a0South Island Championship<\/strong>\u00a0and Rapid Championships are being hosted by Ashburton Chess Club from October 1 to 5. Contact Alan Mulligan at\u00a0<\/span>MULLIGANS@CLEAR.NET.NZ<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The\u00a0NZ Women’s Championship<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0NZ Seniors Championship<\/strong>\u00a0are being hosted by Auckland Chess Centre, from September 24 to 30. Contact Mike Steadman\u00a0<\/span>steadmanm@hotmail.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0.<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0114th New Zealand Congress<\/strong>, incorporating the NZ Championship, the NZ Major Open, the NZ Rapid and the NZ LIghtning Championships, is being hosted in January 2007 by Wanganui Chess Club. Contact Gordon Hoskyn\u00a0<\/span>hoskyn@ihug.co.nz<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time,<\/span><\/p>\n

Yours for chess,
\nBob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand Chess Federation Bulletin February 2006<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

Hello everyone and welcome to another stimulating year of chess.<\/span><\/p>\n

First of all, I must mention what was almost certainly the biggest and most prestigious chess event ever held in this country. Those who experienced the Queenstown Classic in January will agree, I’m sure, that it was a fantastic tournament. Nearly 200 players from around the globe took part, including four Grandmasters and\u00a0more than a dozen\u00a0International Masters.\u00a0GM Murray Chandler, who came up with the idea,\u00a0sponsored the event and won it (!)\u00a0is to be congratulated. Chief organiser, NZCF Vice-President Paul Spiller, also deserves a huge vote of thanks for all his hard work. And the support of retiring NZCF Patron, Ray Thomson, was also invaluable.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Queenstown Classic was a great way to kick off a year that I hope will be another big step forward for chess in New Zealand. NZCF Council will certainly be continuing to work to promote the game in 2006, and looks forward to\u00a0the co-operation and input of member clubs and organisers around the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Officers elected at the NZCF Annual General Meeting in Queenstown were:<\/span><\/p>\n

President – Bob Smith Vice-President – Paul Spiller Secretary – Bob Mitchell Treasurer – Anthony Whitehouse Auckland Councillors – Viv Smith, Felicity Timings, Michael Steadman, Michael Cowen<\/span><\/p>\n

Regional Councillors: Central North Island (a new region) – Hilton Bennett Wellington – Michael Freeman and Ross Jackson Canterbury – Craig Hall Otago – Quentin Johnson<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council has since had its first meeting of the year, and the following committees and responsibilities were\u00a0allocated (President ex-officio member of all committees):<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior – Felicity Timings\u00a0(Convenor), Viv Smith,\u00a0Michael Steadman, Quentin Johnson, Gary Judkins, Ross Jackson, Jacinta Buist<\/span><\/p>\n

Female – Viv Smith (Convenor), Felicity Timings, Jacinta Buist, Evguenia Charomova<\/span><\/p>\n

Tournament – Bob Smith (Convenor), Paul Spiller, Michael Cowen, Hilton Bennett<\/span><\/p>\n

Sponsorship\/Publicity – Paul Spiller (Convenor), Bob Smith<\/span><\/p>\n

Grand Prix – Bob Smith (Administrator),\u00a0Michael Cowen, Hilton Bennett, Alexei Kulashko<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings – Rowan Wood (Administrator), Viv Smith (Ratings Officer), Michael Freeman (FIDE), Bob Gibbons<\/span><\/p>\n

Rules Revision – Bob Mitchell (Convenor), Bob Smith, Michael Steadman, Hilton Bennett, Craig Hall<\/span><\/p>\n

FIDE Liaison – Michael Freeman<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Web Page – Michael Freeman<\/span><\/p>\n

Master Points – Bob Mitchell\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Council may also\u00a0co-opt additional\u00a0Committee members during the year if\u00a0it is felt they could add useful\u00a0talents and make a worthwhile contribution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior Chess<\/span><\/p>\n

As noted above Felicity Timings is again the co-ordinator for this year’s NZ Schools Competition (a glutton for punishment!). She would like to hear from organisers\/clubs as soon as possible of their plans for the\u00a0various regional competitions. Early advice will make her job easier and will\u00a0help in the smooth running of\u00a0this huge event. Felicity will\u00a0keep organisers advised of the Inter-schools timetable and arrangements for provincial and island finals. The NZCF levy of $4 per team will apply to all inter-schools\u00a0tournaments involved this year, and must be paid. NZCF has considerable costs associated with this competition, including travel for finalists and venue hireage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Female Chess<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF’s annual “Girls for Chess Week” has\u00a0been set for June 26 to July 2. Arrangements are already well underway for the Christchurch Girls Championship during that week, and there will also be the normal big event in Auckland. Female Chess Convenor Viv Smith is hopeful other regions will also hold events for females e.g. Otago Girls Champs? Wellington Girls Champs? Please advise Viv of your plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings<\/span><\/p>\n

Please note: NZCF Council has resolved that with immediate effect\u00a0all\u00a0tournament results must be submitted in Swissperfect files. All\u00a0clubs have had this programme for 5 years\u00a0now, since NZCF provided free licences. Swissperfect is by far the easiest format to handle for rating purposes. Other methods (still being used by a very small minority) involve considerably more work for both Rating Officer Viv Smith and Rating Administrator Rowan Wood.\u00a0If a club\/organiser runs an event using some other method, it is still possible (though a painstaking job)\u00a0for the club\/organiser to enter the results in Swissperfect, using manual pairings, before submitting them\u00a0for rating. That is up to\u00a0 individual organisers. But using Swissperfect from the start will make life easier for everyone.\u00a0The files that Viv needs are “trn”, “sco” and “ini”. She also requires\u00a0NZCF codes filled in for all players, plus birthdates\u00a0for juniors (under 20 on 1\/1\/06) and seniors (60+ on 1\/1\/06). Tournament files not submitted correctly will be returned for correcting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FIDE Rating of Events<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has reviewed its\u00a0fee for submitting events for FIDE rating, in light of a\u00a0strengthening NZ dollar and the desire to be fair to all concerned.\u00a0The\u00a0rating fee\u00a0for clubs has been reduced to $100. Furthermore NZCF will refund to clubs any payment above the official FIDE invoice when that is received, minus administration costs. But NZCF has\u00a0also resolved to recover from the clubs concerned any\u00a0penalty payments pertaining to tournaments. Tournament\u00a0files must be received by FIDE within two weeks of the end of an event. As before\u00a0Michael Freeman will handle the submission of FIDE rated events, so clubs must send him the requisite information within one week of a tournament ending (they could be sent to NZCF Rating Officer Viv Smith at the same time, atCaissa@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0). All events must also be pre-registered with FIDE (through Michael, as NZCF representative at\u00a0Michael.Freeman@xtra.co.nz<\/a>). NZCF has been hit with some fairly steep penalties by FIDE in the past, as a result of\u00a0slack\u00a0tournament officials. Be aware: your club will have to bear this cost from now on.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Grand Prix<\/span><\/p>\n

There are no changes to the rules for this year’s Grand Prix, which must be recognised on entry forms as the “NZCF Grand Prix”. The rules will be re-circulated separately to clubs. The GP Administrator remains myself, who can be contacted at\u00a0Caissa@xtra.co.nz<\/a>. Organisers, please advise me well in advance of tournament details so I can publicise your event. Note that details have to be provided and relevant levies paid one month beforehand. The levies are: Class One (over $1400 prize-money) $150 Auckland and Wellington, $130 elsewhere. Class Two ($700 to $1400 prize-money) $100 Auckland and Wellington, $80 elsewhere. Class Three ($300-$700 prize-money) $50 Auckland and Wellington, $30 elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time,
\nYours for chess,
\nBob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand Chess Federation Inc. Annual Report 2005<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The 2005 year has been another good period for New Zealand chess, with tournament numbers up and more players and organisers involved across the board.<\/p>\n

Thank you to all those people who have helped, at national, regional and local level.<\/p>\n

The workload has increased markedly over the past few years, and much of the progress that we have made would not have been possible without the involvement of so many volunteers.<\/p>\n

A special thanks, as always, to a hard-working team of NZCF Councillors, who have overseen so many important activities.<\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL<\/p>\n

This event, held in\u00a0Auckland\u00a0in January, was one of the most significant events of the year. NZCF Councillor\u00a0Paul Spiller\u00a0put in a great deal of work to ensure that everything ran smoothly and was up to standard.<\/p>\n

The groundwork was rewarded with a turnout of 60 players.<\/p>\n

Most of the region\u2019s top players were present, including one Grandmaster and six International Masters.<\/p>\n

The tournament was won by\u00a0IM Gary Lane\u00a0(Australia), but there was also an important<\/p>\n

New Zealand\u00a0achievement (see titles).<\/p>\n

NZCF Council received much praise regarding the organisation of the Zonal, and New Zealand is now clearly seen as a credible host of significant chess events.<\/p>\n

NZCF GRAND PRIX<\/p>\n

In its fourth year, the nationwide Grand Prix has again been very successful.<\/p>\n

The final events of the season, the Queenstown Classic and the New Zealand Rapid Championship, will take the final tally of tournaments involved to 22. This is slightly down on last year, but is still a<\/p>\n

good number. On the flipside, player participation is at record levels. Three of the bigger turnouts this year were the Waitakere Trust Open (134 players), North Shore Open (100 players) and the Latvian Rapid (91 players). They were symptomatic of a general boost in entries.<\/p>\n

The other point to note is that more than half of the tournaments were Class One events (minimum $1400 prize-money).<\/p>\n

With three events to go, 317 players have earned grand prix points. The seniors division has made good progress, with 16 players scoring points, compared to 9 last year. Interestingly, only 14 females have scored points so far this year, compared to 31 last year. I do not believe this represents fewer females playing (see registrations); the reason may simply be that there is now a group of females playing at a higher level who are dominating the division.<\/p>\n

The lack of a sponsor for 2005 has obviously been a matter of some concern.<\/p>\n

NZCF Council is continuing to seek a sponsor for 2006 for an event which guarantees continuing exposure throughout the year across the country, in a competition involving more than 1000 players.<\/p>\n

Any suggestions or approaches would be welcomed.<\/p>\n

For this year, the increase in levies generated by more Class One events, combined with a small surplus from last year, means that NZCF will be subsidising the 2005 Grand Prix by around $1300.<\/p>\n

This is sustainable, but an on-going sponsor would obviously be preferable.<\/p>\n

In any event, the Grand Prix will be continuing next year.<\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/p>\n

This competition is snowballing each year, and in its fifth year has involved a growing number of schools and regions.<\/p>\n

There are now many thousands of children who look forward to this event each year.<\/p>\n

It is a huge job to run, and thanks must go first and foremost to the co-ordinator, NZCF Junior Convenor\u00a0Felicity Timings. She has done an amazing job pulling all the strands together.<\/p>\n

She has, of course, been supported by many organisers right around the country.<\/p>\n

This competition \u2013 which is a key factor in popularising chess and growing the sport \u2013 would simply not be possible without the work and co-operation that has been evident.<\/p>\n

Congratulations to Auckland Grammar, which beat South Island Champions St Andrews College to retain the title of NZ Secondary School Chess Champions.<\/p>\n

Congratulations also to\u00a0Auckland\u2019s St Heliers School, which beat South Island Champions Cobham Intermediate to retain the NZ Intermediate Schools title.<\/p>\n

And finally congratulations to Epsom Normal, which beat South Island Champions Medbury Preparatory to become the NZ Primary Schools Champions.<\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHESS BADGES<\/p>\n

These remain very popular with children around the country.<\/p>\n

There are currently four levels \u2013 pawn, knight, bishop, rook.<\/p>\n

Council is hopeful of developing the final two levels (queen and king) in 2006.<\/p>\n

FEMALE CHESS<\/p>\n

One hundred and eleven girls attended the Auckland Girls Championship, which was part of the fifth annual Girls Chess Week in June. More than 50 turned out in Christchurch, where NZCF Female Chess Convenor Viv Smith held a coaching session. Otago also held a tournament for girls for the first time, with 12 participants.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship and Reserve Championship were again hosted by Waitemata Chess Club and attracted 20 players \u2013 one more than last year.<\/p>\n

I am personally pleased at the progress we have made in this area, and would urge more clubs to help in building up female chess.<\/p>\n

NZ SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP<\/p>\n

Waitemata Chess Club also hosted the 4th NZ Senior Championship (over 60 years). Nine players competed, nearly double last year\u2019s entry. This is an encouraging sign for a group that has been under-represented in our player numbers.<\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP<\/p>\n

New Zealand\u00a0sent eight players to the World Youth Championship in France in July \u2013 up from five last year.<\/p>\n

Ewen Green\u00a0accompanied them as Coach\/Manager, along with several parents.<\/p>\n

Successful grant applications by NZCF again ensured that a substantial portion of the airfares was paid. The players who competed were Natasha Fairley (NS) Under 18 girls, Sue Maroroa (AC) U14 girls, \u00a0David Xu (AC) U16 boys, Michael Zhang (AC) U16 boys, Bobby Cheng (HP) U10 boys, Shirley Wu (WT) U14 girls, Andy Chen (HP) U12 boys, Cecily Liu (NS) U16 girls.<\/p>\n

All players performed creditably, with the highlights including: Sue Maroroa (5.5\/11), earning a Women\u2019s\u00a0FIDE\u00a0Master title, Shirley Wu (5.5\/11) and Bobby Cheng (5.5\/11).<\/p>\n

TITLES<\/p>\n

The most significant title gained during 2005 was Paul Garbett\u2019s International Master title.<\/p>\n

Paul has been of the required standard for many years and in fact already had numerous IM norms.<\/p>\n

But he certainly swept any doubts aside by winning the title outright at the Oceania Zonal in Auckland in January, finishing second overall. A long overdue recognition.<\/p>\n

Graeme Spain qualified for the title of New Zealand Master, which was presented at the last Congress.<\/p>\n

Chris Wright from Christchurch went overseas to pursue his goal of becoming an International Arbiter, and duly qualified.<\/p>\n

Former New Zealander Igor Bjelobrk, now an Australian resident, gained the FIDE Master title at the Zonal.<\/p>\n

Congratulations to all the above.<\/p>\n

BRUCE BARNARD RIP<\/p>\n

Long-time correspondence chess player and chess computer pioneer Bruce Barnard died during the year. Bruce won the NZ Correspondence Chess Championship three times in a row.<\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS<\/p>\n

At the time of writing NZCF has 515 registered members; slightly down on last year.<\/p>\n

The importance of the growth in junior chess is shown by the fact that this total includes 197 juniors.<\/p>\n

48 females are now registered, which is a pleasing growth.<\/p>\n

Council seeks the co-operation of all clubs in registering players quickly and also registering as many as possible.<\/p>\n

RATINGS
\nMost clubs are now using Swissperfect, which is the recommended system for sending in tournament results, as it makes processing events far simpler. Excel is also acceptable.<\/p>\n

Ratings Officer Viv Smith and Ratings Administrator Rowan Wood have worked hard all year.<\/p>\n

Some club officials have been tardy in sending in results, while others have not included key details such as player codes. This has caused some difficulties. I would encourage organisers to send in results as soon as possible to make life easier for everyone.<\/p>\n

Michael Freeman has taken over responsibility for ensuring that tournaments to be FIDE rated are processed. All clubs were reminded late this year of the procedures involved.<\/p>\n

Thanks once again to Bob Gibbons and Manukau Institute of Technology for producing the hard copy booklets of the six-monthly rating lists.<\/p>\n

NZ CHESS WEBPAGE<\/p>\n

Thanks to Michael Freeman, who has continued his important role in maintaining the NZ Chess webpage, a vital part of NZCF\u2019s communication chain.<\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/p>\n

Keeping to deadlines and eliciting reports and games from volunteer organisers and players has been a continuing problem in 2005.<\/p>\n

Editor Graeme Trass has done his best, but publication dates have continued to slip behind.<\/p>\n

The magazine has been a financial overhead for NZCF for some years.<\/p>\n

I personally believe that a regular chess magazine is something to be desired, but it is an issue that is clearly open for debate.<\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESSES
\nThe 113th<\/sup>\u00a0Congress will be held in Queenstown in January in conjunction with the Queenstown Classic, which is expected to be one of the strongest events ever held in this country.<\/p>\n

The Classic was the brainchild of GM Murray Chandler, who is the principal sponsor.<\/p>\n

NZCF has been liaising with\u00a0Murray\u00a0throughout the year over the organisation, with Councillor\u00a0Paul Spiller\u00a0in particular putting in a great deal of work.<\/p>\n

At the time of writing there are more than 140 entries, including 3 Grandmasters and 14 International Masters.<\/p>\n

It will be a fantastic way to cap off the 2005 season.<\/p>\n

The 114th<\/sup>\u00a0Congress will be hosted by Wanganui Chess Club \u2013 the third time in recent years that they have organised New Zealand\u2019s premiere event.<\/p>\n

Wanganui, which is among our most active affiliates, always does an excellent job and chessplayers can look forward to another enjoyable Congress in the river city.<\/p>\n

NZCF PATRON<\/p>\n

Dr Ray Thomson was unanimously re-elected NZCF Patron for 2005.<\/p>\n

Ray has filled this position for five years now, and has been a very interested party to the progress that has been made.<\/p>\n

However he will be stepping down from the post next year to concentrate on other concerns.<\/p>\n

Chessplayers throughout the country owe Ray a big vote of thanks for his support.<\/p>\n

Council is currently looking at options for a new Patron.<\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENT WINNERS<\/p>\n

The top New Zealander in the 111th<\/sup>\u00a0New Zealand Championship, hosted by Wanganui, was Anthony Ker, who thereby claimed the title.<\/p>\n

The NZ Major Open was won by Bill Forster.<\/p>\n

The NZ Rapid Championship was won by Russell Dive.<\/p>\n

The NZ Lightning Championship was won by Anthony Ker.<\/p>\n

The North Island Championship, hosted by Hamilton, was won by Puchen Wang.<\/p>\n

The North Island Rapid Championship was won by Stephen Lukey.<\/p>\n

The South Island Championship, hosted by Canterbury, was won by Andy Machdoem.<\/p>\n

The South Island Rapid Championship was won by Roger Nokes.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship, run by Waitemata, was won by Evguenia Charomova.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Junior Championship, hosted by Wellington, was won by Jason Wu.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Junior Rapid Championship was won by Gino Thornton.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Senior Championship, hosted by Waitemata, was won by William Lynn and Bob Mitchell.<\/p>\n

THANKS<\/p>\n

To all Councillors and the many other voluntary workers throughout the country who have helped to administer and promote chess throughout the year . I hope we can count on you again in 2006.<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/p>\n

While NZCF Council did not achieve all its goals in 2005 (who does?) I am satisfied with what has been achieved.<\/p>\n

We now have huge numbers of juniors playing chess, growing numbers of females and seniors, growing international representation, and an improved income stream from such things as the Junior Badge Scheme, the NZ Inter-schools Chess Competition and increased numbers of players competing in tournaments.<\/p>\n

I would hope that next year, with the help of member clubs, NZCF Council can tighten up some procedures and I am keen to devote some time to reviewing our regulations.<\/p>\n

To this end Council is planning a \u201cbrainstorming\u201d session involving Auckland and regional councillors early in the New Year. Any thoughts are welcome, as always.<\/p>\n

I would remind all clubs: NZCF is working for you, and two things that are key factors if chess is to progress are communication and co-operation.<\/p>\n

Council looks forward to your continued support in 2006.<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, New Zealand Chess Federation Inc.
\nNovember, 2005<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
NZCF<\/span>\u00a0BULLETIN\u00a0MAY 24 2005<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Hi everyone. Most of you will have kept in touch with what’s going on in NZ Chess through the regular Grand Prix updates and other e-mails regarding individual topics, but I thought it high time\u00a0for another “all-embracing” bulletin, both to bring people up to date with\u00a0happenings they may not be aware of and also to include a few reminders about things they may have forgotten.
\n<\/span><\/div>\n
REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/span>
\nClubs, please send in registration cards and fees for your players\u00a0without delay. Remember, the adult registration fee is $13 and the junior fee is $6.50. Please include birthdates for any juniors (under 20 on 1\/1\/05) and seniors (1\/1\/05).<\/span><\/div>\n
Club affiliation fees ($40 for full members, $30 for associates) should have been paid by now, as well. \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
MAY NZCF RATING LIST<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
This is now out and on the NZ Chess webpage. Thanks once again to Rating Administrator Rowan Wood and Rating Officer Viv Smith for their hard work. The top 10 players on the active list are: 1 Ben Martin 2376 2-3 Russell Dive and Anthony Ker 2363 4 Roger Nokes 2360 5 Alexei Kulashko 2355 6 Paul Garbett 2330 7 Bob Smith 2321 8 Vernon Small 2303 9 Stephen Lukey 2297 10 Mark Noble 2288\u00a0 NZCF is endeavouring to get hard copies printed and out to clubs shortly.<\/span><\/div>\n
A reminder: please fill in the codes for all players and the birthdates for\u00a0juniors and seniors when sending your Swissperfect files to Viv; it makes her job much easier. Also, please ensure all players competing in your tournament are NZCF registered; otherwise it cannot be rated.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
FIDE RATING OF EVENTS<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
NZCF FIDE delegate Michael Freeman has taken over handling tournaments to be sent to FIDE for rating.<\/span><\/div>\n
The procedure is to send the files to Michael at\u00a0michael.freeman@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0and send the rating fee of $120 to NZCF at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland (make cheques out to NZCF). NZCF will\u00a0pay the monies to FIDE. Please follow this procedure as soon as possible after a tournament – at least within\u00a03 weeks. FIDE has stiff late fees and NZCF Council does not want to have\u00a0to go back to clubs for\u00a0extra payments because of their tardiness.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS – Belfort, France<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Continuing our high level of participation in recent years,\u00a0we are sending seven juniors to the World Youth Championships in France from 19 to 28 July. Competition for the selected places was intense in several age groups, and selectors Bob Gibbons, Richard Sutton, Michael Freeman and Russell\u00a0Dive\u00a0deserve\u00a0a vote of thanks for all the hours they put\u00a0into the task. In the end the successful candidates were Natasha Fairley (girls under 18), Evguenia Charomova (girls under 16), Sue Maroroa (girls under 14), \u00a0Michael Zhang (boys under 16), David Xu (boys under 14), Andy Chen (boys under 12), Bobby Cheng (boys under 10). \u00a0They will be accompanied by Coach\/Manager Ewen Green, who has recently returned from a professional coaching stint in Australia, and two parents. Cecily Liu will also be competing in the Under 16 girls division at her own expense. NZCF has applied for funding for the group and has had some marked success in previous years.<\/span><\/div>\n
But there is no guarantee of funding and, of course, if anyone wishes to support these juniors and their coach donations are always welcome and can be sent to NZCF P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, with cheques made out to NZ Chess Federation.<\/span><\/div>\n
The work of NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell in\u00a0dealing with\u00a0all the selection and grant applications\u00a0must be acknowledged; he has spent many hours on the task.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
All systems are go for what looks like being the biggest national inter-schools competition since it began 5 years ago.<\/span><\/div>\n
Overall organiser NZCF Junior Convenor Felicity Timings reports that this year all regions in the North Island will be involved, with the possible exception of Gisborne. In the South Island Otago will be holding inter-school competitions for the first time, to add to Canterbury’s already huge competition. Thanks to clubs and organisers who will be running inter-schools competitions in their area. A reminder: $4 is payable to NZCF for every team competing. This fee goes towards some of the costs involved, including travelling grants to schools to play in the national play-offs.<\/span><\/div>\n
The North Island finals will be held this year in Palmerston North on 24th and 25th September. Thanks to Martin Sims for making this possible. The South Island final is in Christchurch on 16 October, where I am sure Northerners can expect a warm welcome.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
GIRLS FOR CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
This is set for June 13 to 19. Waitemata Chess Club is hosting the Auckland Girls Championship again on June 16, with an anticipated turnout of 100+. Christchurch is also holding its annual Girls Championship, including a\u00a0coaching workshop by NZCF Female Convenor Viv Smith. Other regions which wish to be involved should contact Viv at\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
JUNIOR CHESS BADGES<\/span>
\nDon’t forget, tests, badges and certificates are available for pawn, knight, bishop and rook levels.\u00a0These very popular\u00a0tests\u00a0can be obtained from NZCF Junior Chess Convenor Felicity Timings\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Badges can be ordered in lots of 50 or 100. The cost to clubs or organisers\/coaches is $4.50 per badge and certificate for 100 or more, or $4.75 for 50 to 100, plus postage. Council recommends a minimum retail price to the children of $6 for badge and certificate. Mixed orders are ok (half and half pawn and knight, for instance).
\n<\/span><\/div>\n
2006 QUEENSTOWN CHESS CLASSIC<\/span>
\nIndications are that this tournament will be a tremendous success. There have many enquiries from overseas and three Grandmasters are already confirmed. Players in Australia are making up travel groups to come across. If you are planning to play I would suggest making accommodation bookings soon,\u00a0as there could be a crush on rooms.<\/span><\/div>\n
The Queenstown Chess Classic will be held from 15 to 24 January, 2004, and will incorporate the 113th NZ Championship.<\/span><\/div>\n
The NZ Rapid and Lightning Championships will be held on the following two days, 25 and 26 January.<\/span><\/div>\n
Total money for all three events will be more than $35,000. The tournament now has a permanent website –\u00a0www.queenstown.chess.com<\/a>\u00a0The principal contact person regarding this event is NZCF Sponsorship Convenor Paul Spiller atspillerfamily.enterprise@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0 Paul was the driving force behind this year’s very successful Zonal Tournament in Auckland, which so impressed many of our Australian visitors.<\/span><\/div>\n

\n114th NZ CONGRESS IN WANGANUI<\/span>
\nWanganui has been confirmed as the host of the following Congress in 2007, which will give\u00a0them the remarkable record of\u00a0 hosting 3 Congresses in 5 years! Expressions of interest are already invited for the 115th Congress; NZCF Council likes to be ahead of the play!<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RECORD TURNOUT<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing the trend of recent years, the country’s biggest weekender, the Waitakere Licensing Trust Open, attracted a record field of 134 players on May 14 and 15. A grade winner with 4.5\/5 was Russell Dive, who has\u00a0jumped into the lead in the NZCF Grand Prix.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time,<\/span><\/p>\n

Yours for chess,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF President<\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 5\/04\u00a0 SEPTEMBER 14, 2004
\n<\/span><\/div>\n
Hi everyone. It has been a very busy period lately, with arrangements progressing both for the Olympiad and to send a group of children to the World Youth Championships in Crete in November.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
OLYMPIAD TEAMS<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
As mentioned previously the Men’s Team (in board order) is Anthony Ker, Roger Nokes, Russell Dive,\u00a0Bob Smith, Puchen Wang and Peter Green.<\/span><\/div>\n
There has been a change to the Women’s Team, with Edith Otene withdrawing\u00a0last week. She has been replaced by first reserve Helen\u00a0Courtney. So the team is now Evguenia Charomova, Viv Smith, Sue Maroroa and Helen Courtney.<\/span><\/div>\n
Hilton Bennett and Mark Van der Hoorn are the Men’s and Women’s Team Captains.<\/span><\/div>\n

\nOLYMPIAD APPEAL<\/span>
\nThe response to this appeal has been somewhat underwhelming. It is disappointing that very few chess players and clubs<\/span>\u00a0throughout the country appear to realise the importance of New Zealand’s participation in the Olympiad, and the sacrifices the players have to make to represent their country. The only contribution so far is $100 from the Upper Hutt Chess Club (very much appreciated). There are still 4 weeks before the teams leave and therefore still time to register your support.<\/span><\/div>\n
Please send contributions to NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland 1. Cheques should be made out to New Zealand Chess Federation Inc. Let’s support our national representatives! All donors will be publicly acknowledged.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Five NZ juniors will be competing in the\u00a0World Youth Championships in Heraklio, Crete from November 3 to 14.<\/span><\/div>\n
They are Natasha Fairley (girls under 16), Puchen Wang (boys under 14), Shirley Wu (girls under 14), Daniel Baider (boys under 10), Judy Gao (girls under 10). They will be accompanied by Mark Van Der Hoorn (coach\/manager), as well as Daniel Baider’s father and Judy Gao’s mother. Puchen will be heading straight from the Olympiad in Mallorca to Crete (via Athens), so should be well practised. Good luck to all the children! It should be a great learning experience for them all.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
ASIAN YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
This competition will be held in Singapore from 10 to 18 December, 2004. New Zealand is entitled to nominate one boy and one girl in each of the following age groups – under 14, under 12, under 10. The official representatives will receive free accommodation and food during the period of the competition. An official coach will also receive full board free of charge.<\/span><\/div>\n
In addition, New Zealand can also nominate one\u00a0boy and one girl in the Under 8 division, but they will\u00a0have to pay for their accommodation and food. Each participant will also have to pay registration and transport costs of US $180.<\/span><\/div>\n
Extra players can compete, and parents can\u00a0accompany their children, but entirely at their own expense.<\/span><\/div>\n
The full board costs for additional players and parents are: triple room –\u00a0US $45 a day, double room – US $55 a day,\u00a0single room – US $80 a day.\u00a0 Juniors\u00a0who wish to be considered for this tournament, and anyone who is interested in the position of coach, should e-mail NZCF President Bob Smith at\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a>\u00a0before September 24. Entries need to be confirmed with the organisers by 1 October.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/span>
\nA recent audit has revealed dozens of players who have competed in rated tournaments this year, yet have not been registered by their clubs. NZCF will shortly be sending clubs lists of players it believes they should have registered.<\/span><\/div>\n
Any players who are not current members of NZCF cannot win Grand Prix prizes, and I would ask tournament organisers from now on to ensure that players produce their 2004 registration card before allowing them to compete. NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell can also provide an up to date list of registered players upon request. Given the tardiness of a number of clubs this year, NZCF intends to tighten\u00a0up on the area of registrations next year. Remember, by not meeting your obligations you are weakening NZCF and therefore the cause of chess.\u00a0The registration fees are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors.<\/span><\/div>\n

\nINTER-SCHOOL FEES<\/span>
\nThose clubs who have not sent in their inter-school tournament levies, please do so asap. The levy is $4 per team, much of which has gone towards travel costs involved in the national finals.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
INTER-SCHOOL FINALS<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
The North Island Inter-schools Finals are being held on Saturday, September 18 at St Heliers Schools, 126-160 St Heliers Bay Rd, St Heliers, Auckland. Quiet spectators\/ supporters are welcome from 9am. Any help to set up earlier is also welcome. Contact NZCF Junior Chess Convenor Felicity Timings\u00a0\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0The finalists are:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Primary –\u00a0 Epsom (Auckland), Papatoetoe Central (Auckland), Southwell (Hamilton), Otumoetai (Tauranga), Hadlow (Wairarapa), Gonville (Wanganui), Waterloo (Wellington)<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
Intermediate – Kamo (Northland), St Heliers (Auckland), Papatoetoe (Auckland), Peterhead (Hamilton), Mt Maunganui,<\/span><\/div>\n
Carterton (Wairarapa), Wanganui, Wellesley College (Wellington)<\/span><\/div>\n
Secondary – Kerikeri HS, Auckland Grammar School (Auckland), St Kentigern’s College (Auckland), St Paul’s Collegiate (Hamilton), Bethlehem (Tauranga), Palmerston North Boys HS (Wellington)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Play-offs against the South Island winners for the national titles will be held the following day, two of them by telephone (not at St Heliers).<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
JUNIOR CHESS BADGES\u00a0<\/span>
\nDon’t forget, tests, badges and certificates are available for pawn, knight, bishop and rook levels.\u00a0They\u00a0can be obtained from NZCF Junior Chess Convenor Felicity Timings\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Badges can be ordered in lots of 50 or 100. The cost to clubs or organisers\/coaches is $4.50 per badge and certificate for 100 or more, or $4.75 for 50 to 100, plus postage. Council recommends a minimum retail price to the children of $6 for badge and certificate. Mixed orders are ok (half and half pawn and knight, for instance).<\/span><\/span>2005 OCEANIA ZONAL IN NZ<\/span>
\nThis will be held at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre from 30 January to 4 February. NZCF Sponsorship Convenor Paul Spiller is to be congratulated on all the hard work he has put in to ensure that this tournament will be a proper showpiece for New Zealand. Playing conditions are expected to be excellent, and Paul has already had numerous enquiries from overseas about the event. The tournament is\u00a0an Open one, with sliding entry fees according to FIDE ratings. There will be an IM title and 2 FM titles up for grabs, as well as a Women’s IM title and WFM title. It will involve the top players from around the Oceania region. Entry forms are now out and enquiries should be made directly to Paul at\u00a0spillerfamily.enterprise@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
2006 QUEENSTOWN CHESS CLASSIC<\/span>
\nEntry forms will also be out\u00a0shortly\u00a0for what is expected to be the biggest and strongest chess event ever held in New Zealand.<\/span><\/div>\n
The Queenstown Chess Classic will be held from 15 to 24 January, 2004, and will incorporate the 113th NZ Championship.<\/span><\/div>\n
The NZ Rapid and Lightning Championships will be held on the following two days, 25 and 26 January.<\/span><\/div>\n
Total money for all three events will be more than $35,000. This event was the brainchild of GM Murray Chandler, and was finalised after an agreement with NZCF, which has been working with Murray on the details.<\/span><\/div>\n
The tournament now has a permanent website –\u00a0www.queenstown.chess.com<\/a>\u00a0, which is regularly updated.<\/span><\/div>\n
Again, the principal contact person regarding this event is NZCF Sponsorship Convenor Paul Spiller.<\/span><\/div>\n

\n112th NZ CONGRESS IN WANGANUI<\/span>
\nEntry forms for the 112th Congress are now out. It will run from January 2 -12, 2005 at the Collegiate Hotel and Motor Inn.<\/span><\/div>\n
There is every indication that Congress will be just as successful as the last time Wanganui Chess Club hosted it – just<\/span><\/div>\n
two years ago! Enquiries to\u00a0Gordon Hoskyn\u00a0at\u00a0hoskyn@ihug.co.nz<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/span>Congress details: 112th<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span>New Zealand\u00a0Championship,\u00a0 GP Class 1,\u00a0January 2-10, 2005\u00a0. Wanganui CC. 11-round Swiss for players rated 2000+. 90 minutes each plus 30 seconds a move. Minimum prize-fund $4000. The tournament will be FIDE-rated. NZ Master points will also be at stake. Entry fee $110. Juniors $55. GMs and IMs free.<\/span><\/span>New Zealand\u00a0Major Open Championship, GP Class 1,\u00a0January 2-10, 2005\u00a0. Wanganui CC. 11 round swiss for players rated under 2000. 90 minutes each plus 30 seconds a move. Minimum prize-fund $1700. Entry fee $80. Juniors $40.<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand\u00a0Rapid Championship, GP Class 2.\u00a0January 11-12, 2005\u00a0. Wanganui CC. 9 round swiss. 30 minutes each. Minimum prize-fund $1200. Entry fee $40. Juniors $20.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

South Island\u00a0Championship, GP Class 2, September 25-28, Otago CC.<\/span><\/p>\n

8-round swiss. Time control: 90 minutes plus 30 seconds a move. Projected prize-fund $800 plus. FIDE-rated, with NZ Master points at stake. Entry fee: $60, $35 junior. Billets $10 per night. Enquiries: Tony Dowden (03)4736393, e-mail:\u00a0<\/span>dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

South Island Rapid Championship,\u00a0 GP Class 3, Friday September 24, Otago CC.<\/span><\/p>\n

6-round swiss. 30 minutes each. Projected prize-fund $400 plus. Entry fee: $35, $20 junior. Billets $10 per night. Enquiries: Tony Dowden (03)4736393, e-mail:\u00a0<\/span>dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

North\u00a0Shore\u00a0Open \u2013 GP Class 1, October 16-17, North Shore CC. Two 5 round swisses – Open<\/span><\/p>\n

& Under 1700. 40 moves in 80 minutes plus 20 mins each plus 20 seconds each move from move one. The top section will be FIDE rated. Entry fee $35, juniors $25. Minimum prize-fund over $2500. Contact Peter Stuart\u00a0<\/span>pstuart@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Auckland\u00a0Labour Weekend Tournament, GP Class 1, October 22-26.\u00a0Auckland\u00a0Chess Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n

6-round swiss in two sections \u2013 Open and Under 1700. 90 minutes plus 30 seconds a move. The top section will be FIDE-rated. Prize-fund – $1500. B Tournament winner will also receive the Merv Morrison Trophy.Entry fee: $40, $25 junior. A bye can be requested in round 1 (Friday night) \u2013 all other rounds must be played. Contact \u2013 Michael Steadman (09)9189437 or (021) 799566, e-mail\u00a0<\/span>steadmanm@hotmail.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

All Canterbury FIDE Open, anticipated GP Class 2, over Labour Weekend, October 23-25. Enquiries Craig Hall\u00a0<\/span>chall@inet.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0This event will be FIDE-rated.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

As always, there are probably other matters I should have included. But they’ll have to wait until next time!<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, any feedback (preferably positive) is always welcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yours for chess,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF President<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 4\/04\u00a0 JUNE 8, 2004<\/span><\/p>\n

MERV MORRISON R.I.P.
\n<\/span>
\nOne of our longest standing players, Merv Morrison, passed away recently at the age of 96. Many people will remember Merv: he was a pleasant, genuine man, but at the same time a fierce fighter across the board. He loved his chess, and played almost right until the end. I am pleased to report there was a good turnout of chessplayers at his funeral, including both the current President and immediate Past President of NZCF. Merv once held the Over 80’s world title and had the distinction of playing the most locally rated games of anyone in New Zealand. I would be delighted to hear from anyone who knew Merv well and who would be prepared to write an article about him for the next issue of “NZ Chess”.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD TEAMS SELECTED
\n<\/span>
\nThe selections for October’s Olympiad in Mallorca, Spain have been confirmed.
\nThe Men’s Team in board order is 1 IM Anthony Ker 2 FM Roger Nokes 3 IM Russell Dive 4 FM Bob Smith 5 Puchen Wang 6 FM Peter Green Non-travelling reserve – Nic Croad.
\nThe Women’s Team is Viv Smith, Evginia Charomova, Edith Otene, Sue Maroroa. Non-travelling reserves – 1 Helen Courtney, 2 Shirley Wu.\u00a0 Edith and Sue have been confirmed as boards 3 and 4. The placement of Viv and Evginia on boards 1 and 2 is still under consideration.
\nThe Men’s Team Captain is Hilton Bennett, who is also the overall Manager for the teams.
\nThe Women’s Team Captain is Mark Van Der Hoorn.
\nCongratulations to all the selected players and captains, and a big vote of appreciation to the selectors (Michael Freeman, Bob Gibbons, Richard Sutton, Arthur Pomeroy) for their many hours of work in considering the merits of the candidates.
\nThanks also to all players who put their names forward for selection in the teams and\/or for team captains. The high level of interest is an indication of the current healthy state of chess in New Zealand.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The appeal is underway and Upper Hutt Chess Club has started the ball rolling with a donation of $100. Many thanks to them. Other affiliates might like to consider matching Upper Hutt’s generosity. Remember, the Olympiad is the bi-ennial showcase of international chess. It is a chance for NZ’s best players to fly the flag, and an opportunity to be aspired to by up and coming players. NZCF Council is confident that the teams selected this year have every chance of improving New Zealand’s standing in the chess world. There are definite opportunities to bring back such prizes as IM norms, board prizes and FIDE ratings for the women. If you would like to support our Olympiad representatives, please send your donation to NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland. Cheques should be made out to NZCF. All donations will be acknowledged in “NZ Chess” magazine and in NZCF bulletins.<\/p>\n

MAY NZCF RATINGS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

These should now be available on the NZ Chess webpage. Bob Gibbons is currently organising hard copies of the lists, and they should be distributed to clubs within the next 3 weeks. The latest ratings will also be published in the June issue of NZ Chess.<\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

All club affiliations should have been paid by 31March ($40 for full members and $30 for associates). I am pleased to welcome Invercargill Chess Club back to the fold after an absence of some years.
\nNZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell reports that individual registrations are very late in coming in. This is usually the fault of some club official – so get onto it please! The registration fees are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors. Players unable to show a registration card or who are not the current list are not entitled to play in tournaments rated by the Federation. Tournament organisers, please tighten up on this. Players, if you don’t have a registration card, put the heat on your club officials!<\/p>\n

OTHER FEES
\n<\/span>
\nSome clubs still seem uncertain about fees due during the season. So here they are again:
\nInter-schools levy – this is now $4 per team for all regional events (it was $1 a child, which came to $4, but NZCF has raised the team fee to $16, with the extra dollar to be used to help fund travel for the inter-schools finals; $16 also splits into 4 more easily).
\nTournament levies : $3 a head for rated tournaments, except for New Zealand Championship – $20 a player, NZ Major Open $12 a player, NZ Rapid Championship $10 a player, North Island Championship $10 a player, South Island Championship $10 a player, North Island Rapid Championship $5 a player, South Island Rapid Championship $5 a player, NZ Women’s Championship, NZ Senior Championship and NZ Lightning Championship nil, junior events nil, internal club tournaments nil.<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This is the last call for expressions of interest from juniors who would like to compete at the World Youth Championships in Heraklio, Crete, from 3 to 14 November and for anyone interested in being the designated coach for the juniors. NZCF Council has set a deadline of June 20 for definite responses from aspiring juniors and coaches. NZ is entitled to free accommodation and board for one boy and one girl in each of the following age categories: under 18, under 16, under 14, under 12, under 10. Other players can compete at their own expense. At least one coach\/manager will be needed to accompany the children.Last year 6 NZ juniors went to the Championship, which was held in Halkidiki, also in Greece. Once the players and coach(es) have been selected, NZCF will be applying for funding. Council has been very successful in gaining funding over the past three years. Any coach chosen will get an equal share of whatever is raised. Interested juniors and prospective coaches should e-mail the NZCF Secretary, Bob Mitchell, at robertmi@ihug.co.nz\u00a0 Please note: NZCF Council has ruled that any junior aged 12 or under going to the World Youth Champs must be accompanied by a parent or designated caregiver.<\/p>\n

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I understand NZ is entitled to full board for one player in this event, being held in Kochi, India, from 15 September to 24 September. This place is traditionally offered to the winner of the NZ Junior Championship, being held in Hamilton in July this year. Other players can compete at their own cost.<\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS BADGES : ROOK BADGE READY<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The fourth level of this scheme is now available – the Rook Badge. Tests, badges and certificates can be obtained from NZCF Junior Chess Convenor Felicity Timings ftimings@clear.net.nz\u00a0 The first three levels – pawn, knight and bishop – are of course also still available. Badges can be ordered in lots of 50 or 100. The cost to clubs or organisers\/coaches is $4.50 per badge and certificate for 100 or more, or $4.75 for 50 to 100, plus postage. Council recommends a retail price to the children of $6 for badge and certificate. Mixed orders are fine (half and half pawn and knight, for instance).<\/p>\n

If you are coaching or running junior chess, the NZCF Badge Scheme is ideal for giving children a target to work towards. They get something concrete – and attractive – as their knowledge improves. The Rook Badge test is intended as the the final school level test, though the queen and king levels will be completed in due course for advanced and older juniors. The rook test deals extensively with pawn structures, tactics, openings, basic endings. It was developed mainly by Viv and Bob Smith – in their “spare” time.<\/span><\/p>\n

2005 OCEANIA ZONAL IN NZ<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Council expects to be in a position shortly to announce details of this event, which will be held in Auckland early next year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sponsorship Convenor Paul Spiller has put a great deal of hard work into the planning and sponsorship proposals for the Zonal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The tournament will be an Open one, with sliding entry fees according to FIDE ratings. There will be an IM title and 2 FM titles up for grabs, as well as a Women’s IM title and WFM title. The tournament is expected to attract top players from around the Oceania region.<\/span><\/p>\n

2006 QUEENSTOWN CHESS CLASSIC<\/p>\n

This exciting venture is all but confirmed, after NZCF affiliates approved some one-off rule changes allowing the 113th NZ Championship to be incorporated in the event. Paul Spiller and I are finalising an agreement on behalf of NZCF with chief promoter, Grandmaster Murray Chandler, confirming each party’s commitments and the details of the tournament. At this stage the minimum prize-fund for the Queenstown Chess Classic will be $30,000, with a first prize of $7000. NZCF Council can confirm that the 2005\/6 NZ Rapid Championship and NZ Lightning Championship will be held in conjunction with the Queenstown Classic. Council is seeking additional sponsorship for both the QCC and the Rapid and Lightning tournaments, but already has a guarantee from a supporter that the costs of the latter two tournaments will be underwritten. Hence I expect the minimum NZ Rapid prize-fund to be in the region of $5000, with the Lightning prize-fund between $1500 and $2000.<\/span><\/p>\n

This will be a fantastic chess event; the biggest ever held in New Zealand. You can read all about it on a webpage Murray has set up –\u00a0www.queenstownchess.com<\/a>\u00a0Information on this webpage is expected to become official next month, after the signing of the agreement mentioned earlier between Murray and NZCF.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

112th NZ CONGRESS IN WANGANUI<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Wanganui CC’s plans for the 112th Congress are well advanced. It will run from January 2 -12, 2005 at the Collegiate Hotel and Motor Inn. Gordon Hoskyn is the principal organiser. For more details or any queries he can be contacted at\u00a0hoskyn@ihug.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

3rd GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/p>\n

The most recent GP event, the 27th Waitakere Licensing Trust Chess Open, attracted a record field of 107, including 16 players rated over 2000. Coming after the record 98 at the Latvian Tournament, this is a great signal that the Grand Prix is working well.
\nNZ Champion Anthony Ker took out first prize on 4.5\/5, with Alexei Kulashko and Peter Green sharing second on 4\/5. Full report and games in the June “NZ Chess” magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

GRAND PRIX LEVIES:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A reminder: tournaments included in the Grand Prix pay the following levies to NZCF: Auckland or Wellington: Class 1:\u00a0 $150 Class 2:\u00a0\u00a0 $100 Class 3: $50 All other areas: Class 1:\u00a0 $130 Class 2:\u00a0 $80 Class 3:\u00a0 $30 Tournament organisers need to advise the Grand Prix Administrator, Bob Smith, and pay the relevant NZCF levy a month before a Grand Prix event. The Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix must be mentioned on entry forms. A copy of the GCE logo can be sent to organisers in Word format upon request. Results to be advised within a fortnight of the completion of the tournament. The GP Administrator Bob Smith can be contacted at (09) 8172664, (0274) 786282, or e-mail\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a>\u00a0Postal enquiries\/information to 54 Daffodil St Titirangi, Auckland 1007<\/p>\n

GIRLS’ CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The third annual Girls’ Chess Week will be held next week. There will be area championships again in Auckland (Waitemata CC) and Christchurch (Jacinta Buist), with Female Convenor Viv Smith also running a coaching workshop in Christchurch. Otago CC has also announced a Dunedin Women’s Open Tournament to be held on Saturday, June 19. This is a 5-round swiss, with billets available at $10 a night. Enquiries: Tony Dowden (03)4730524, e-mail:\u00a0dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0But overall I’d have to say the support from around the country for this concept is a little disappointing. It’s time to acknowledge, everyone, that it is important to get more girls playing chess. Girls Week is part of the effort that members of NZCF Council have put in for the past three years. Where do you think the growth in female chess has come from? These things don’t happen by chance, and the more support the more chance we have of success.<\/p>\n

NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

Any clubs who haven’t advised Junior Convenor Felicity Timings\u00a0\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0of their plans to hold regional inter-schools events, please do so. Felicity is the co-ordinator of this competition, and needs to know what’s going on. Wellington CC is holding a secondary schools competition this Thursday, followed by primary competitions later in June in Wellington and Kapiti. Upper Hutt will also be holding a primary tournament. Waitemata is running West Auckland’s Intermediate competition next week, followed by the primary competition the following week. Other Auckland areas are holding inter-schools competitions early in the third term.<\/p>\n

TOURNAMENTS COMING UP<\/span><\/p>\n

Upper Hutt GP Tournament 26 June Class 3. Upper Hutt CC. Details: Gerard Denton\u00a0influence@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

NZ Junior Championship \u2013 Class 1 \u2013 July 5-8, Hamilton CC. 7-round swiss restricted to players under 20 on January 1, 2004. Minimum Prize-fund : $1410 William Lynn e-mail:\u00a0Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

NZ Junior Rapid Championship \u2013 Class 1 \u2013 July 9, Hamilton CC. 6-round swiss restricted to players under 20 on January 1, 2004. Minimum Prize-fund: $1410. William Lynn e-mail:\u00a0Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

North Island Championship \u2013 Class 1 \u2013 July 12-15, Waitemata CC.
\n8-round swiss. 40 in 1hr 45 mins, plus 30 mins guillotine. Minimum prize-fund $1400. FIDE-rated, with NZ Master points at stake. Bob Smith (09) 8172664 or (0274) 786282, e-mail:\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

North Island Rapid Championship \u2013 Class 1 \u2013 July 16, Waitemata CC.
\n6-round swiss. Time control: 30 minutes each. Minimum prize-fund $1400. Bob Smith (09) 8172664 or (0274) 786282, e-mail:\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

Waikato Open \u2013 Class 1 – August 6-8, Hamilton CC. 6 round swiss. Minimum Prizes $1410. William Lynn e-mail:\u00a0Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

OTAGO Spring Rapid, GCE Class 3, Saturday August 28. Otago CC. 5-round Swiss.Billets $10 per night. Enquiries: Tony Dowden (03)4730524, e-mail:\u00a0dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

SOUTH ISLAND Rapid, GCE Class 3, Friday September 24, Otago CC. 6-round swiss. Projected prize-fund $400. Billets $10 per night. Enquiries: Tony Dowden (03)4730524, e-mail:\u00a0dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

South Island Championship, anticipated Class 2, September 25-28, Otago CC.\u00a08-round swiss. Expected time control: 40 in 1hr 45 mins, plus 30 mins guillotine. Projected prize-fund $800 plus. FIDE-rated, with NZ Master points at stake. Billets $10 per night. Enquiries: Tony Dowden (03)4730524, e-mail:\u00a0dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

That’s all for now folks. Remember, I am always interested in any chess news for these bulletins. Until the next time, wishing you some good games,
\n
\nBob Smith
\nNZCF President<\/span>
\nNZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 3\/04\u00a0 APRIL 17, 2004<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Firstly, on behalf of all chess players across the country, I would like to express my sympathy to Gerri and Gary Judkins, on the death of Gerri’s brother and his wife in a car accident. Michael King was well-known throughout New Zealand as a writer, historian and voice of moderation. But to Gerri and Gary he was, of course, much more. It speaks volumes for their dedication that in a time of great sorrow Gary continued on in his role as a key organiser of this month’s highly successful Hamilton Junior Tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n

FIJI HOLIDAY<\/span>
\nBula! I am away from today for a couple of weeks holiday in Fiji. While there I have arranged to catch up with the President of the Fiji Chess Federation, Dr Virgilio d’Asa, to discuss chess matters in Oceania. Any pressing matters in the meantime should be directed to the NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell, or to Vice-President Hilton Bennett.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD TEAMS<\/span>
\nThe selectors are currently considering a shortlist of candidates for both the men’s and women’s teams to represent New Zealand at the Olympiad in Mallorca, Spain from 14 to 31 October. The teams are expected to be announced early next month. IM Anthony Ker is automatically in the Men’s team by virtue of his win in the most recent NZ Championship, while Viv Smith is automatically in the Women’s Team after winning this year’s NZ Women’s Championship. The selectors will choose 5 more men, and three more women.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD TEAM CAPTAINS<\/span>
\nAnyone interested in filling the positions of Men’s or Women’s Team Captains should put their names forward asap to NZCF Secretary, Bob Mitchell, at\u00a0robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/a>. Council will consider the candidates at its next meeting in early May, and the Team Captains will be appointed shortly afterwards, after consultation with the selected players.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL<\/span>
\nPlayers and team captains will need the backing of the chess community. Please show your support for the teams by sending a donation to: NZ Chess Federation, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1, with cheques made out to NZCF. All donations will be acknowledged in NZCF bulletins and the NZ Chess magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL IN NZ
\n<\/span>NZCF’s Sponsorship Committee has been busy planning for the 2005 Oceania Zonal. Indications are that this event will be held in Auckland next March. It is expected to attract top players from around the Oceania region, with an IM title and 2 FM titles on offer. Sponsorship Convenor Paul Spiller has drawn up a very professional presentation. Paul, Mike Steadman and I have been in talks with prospective sponsors and are hopeful that agreements will soon be reached regarding sponsorship and venue packages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

QUEENSTOWN INTERNATIONAL
\n<\/span>Another exciting venture is the 2006 Queenstown International, scheduled for mid-January that year. This is the brainchild of New Zealand\u2019s only Grandmaster, Murray Chandler. NZCF Council has been liaising with Murray on the planning for what is expected to be New Zealand\u2019s biggest and most prestigious international event for quite some decades (perhaps the strongest ever). Council is planning to incorporate the 113th New Zealand Championship and the NZ Major Open in this tournament; clubs will have received notices of a Special General Meeting aimed at making one-off rule changes for this fantastic event.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONGRESS IN WANGANUI
\n<\/span>And before that we have another excellent Congress in Wanganui to look forward. Planning is already well advanced for the 112th NZ Congress. Wanganui President Gordon Hoskyn is again the driving force behind the event, with NZCF Patron Ray Thomson continuing his much appreciated financial support.<\/span><\/p>\n

3rd GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX<\/span>
\n2004 looks like a great year for the Grand Prix, with playing numbers and tournaments on the increase. Already included in the results are the Auckland International, the Latvian Tournament, the Hamilton Junior, the NZ Women’s Championship and the NZ Seniors Championship. Results from the Wellington Easter and Otago Easter will be included in the next Grand Prix update. Notable turnouts include 98 players at the Latvian Tournament and 68 at the Hamilton Junior. And coming up next month is the country’s richest weekender, the 27th Waitakere Licensing Trust Open (class 1). All enquiries to me at\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NZ WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP & SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span>
\nCongratulations to Viv Smith on winning her 10th NZ Women’s Championship. It was a close run thing, but with 6\/7 Smith just managed to hold off Evginia Charamova, despite losing their individual encounter. Charomova was leading into the last round, but lost to Sue Maroroa, while Viv beat Francis Clark. The Women’s Reserve Championship was won by another Waitemata player, 10-year-old Sharon Wu, with 7\/7. Sharon emulated the feats of her sister Shirley, who won with straight wins last year.
\nIt was really pleasing to see 19 females turn out for these two events – a far cry from 4 years ago when the Women’s Champs was contested by just 4 players. Congratulations also to Neil Cruden, of Matakana, who won the concurrent NZ Seniors Championship. Cruden scored 8\/10 in the double round robin involving 5 players. NZCF would like to see 19 seniors playing in this event within a few years! Full reports and games from these events in the April issue of “NZ Chess”.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS’ CHESS WEEK
\n<\/span>Plans are also well-advanced for the 3rd annual Girls\u2019 Chess Week, from 14 to 20 June. The idea is for clubs to hold girls\u2019 tournaments and perhaps even coaching sessions during the week. Female Chess Convenor Viv Smith has sent clubs information and draft entry forms to encourage you all to join in. In Auckland Waitemata Chess Club will again be hosting the Auckland Girls\u2019 Championships, while the ever-efficient Jacinta Buist already has her entry forms out for the Christchurch Girls Championships.<\/span><\/p>\n

NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP
\n<\/span>As previously mentioned Junior Convenor Felicity Timings already has this year\u2019s National Inter-schools Championships well planned. This competition has grown each year since its inception three years ago, and now involves many thousands of children around the country. At least two new regions plan to hold local competitions this year. There is still time for your club to be involved. Contact Felicity at\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span>
\nExpressions of interest are invited from juniors who would like to compete at the World Youth Championships in Heraklio, Crete, from 3 to 14 November. NZ is entitled to free accommodation and board for one boy and one girl in each of the following age categories: under 18, under 16, under 14, under 12, under 10. Other players can compete at their own expense. At least one coach\/manager will be needed to accompany the children.Last year 6 NZ juniors went to the Championship, which was held in Halkidiki, also in Greece. Once the players and coach(es) have been selected, NZCF will be applying for funding. Council has been very successful in gaining funding over the past three years. Any coach chosen will get an equal share of whatever is raised. Interested junios and prospective coachs should e-mail the NZCF Secretary, Bob Mitchell, at\u00a0robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span>
\nI understand NZ is entitled to full board for one player in this event, being held in Kochi, India, from 15 September to 24 September. This place is traditionally offered to the winner of the NZ Junior Championship, being held in Hamilton in July this year. Other players can compete at their own cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/span>
\nIf you haven’t already done so, please return your club affiliation form and fees to The Secretary NZCF, Bob Mitchell, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1. These were due by March 31. Affiliation fees for clubs are $40 for full members and $30 for associates. Also, keep those registration cards and fees coming in. It saves a lot of work and hassle for tournament organisers if clubs have already registered their members. Clubs needing more registration cards for their members should contact NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell. Registration fees remain $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time, yours for chess
\nBob Smith
\nNZCF President<\/span>
\n
\nNZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 2\/04\u00a0 MARCH 1, 2004<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello everyone. I am attempting to make these bulletins a little more regular this year, but their timing will inevitably depend on my work and administration schedules. But the aim is to put one out after every NZCF Council meeting, to keep you all informed of what’s happening.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL
\n<\/span>
\nThere is a great deal of interest from our leading players in this year’s Olympiad in Majorca, Spain, in October, so while selections are not yet complete, NZCF is expecting to send a fairly strong men’s team and our best possible women’s team in terms of active players. Selection is expected to be complete in late April. In the meantime, the Olympiad appeal is well and truly open. You can show your support for the teams by sending a donation to: NZ Chess Federation, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1, with cheques made out to NZCF. All donations will be acknowledged in NZCF bulletins and the NZ Chess magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD TEAM CAPTAINS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Applications are now open for Men’s and Women’s Olympiad Team Captains. If you are interested, please apply by e-mail to the NZCF Secretary, Bob Mitchell, at\u00a0robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0by March 31, or to the NZCF post box as above. Players who have put their names forward for the Olympiad teams may also indicate their interest in case of their non-selection as a player. The Team Captains are a very important part of our travelling squad; their primary aim is to enable the players to concentrate on achieving their best results. This involves handling any distractions, gathering information on opposing players and teams, posting the NZ playing teams each day, keeping track of relevant data to assist with round selections and (especially for the women’s team) assisting with preparation. One of the two team captains will be appointed overall Manager of the NZ contingent. The team captains will be selected shortly after the teams, with the chosen players having some input into who their captains will be.<\/p>\n

NEW REGIONAL COUNCILLOR\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Craig Hall has come on board as Canterbury Regional Councillor. Craig has been involved in chess administration for quite a number of years now and was regional councillor last year. His input is very welcome. NZCF is still awaiting word of a nominee for Otago Regional Councillor.<\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

If you haven’t already done so, please return your club affiliation form and fees to The Secretary NZCF, Bob Mitchell, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1. These are due by March 31. Affiliation fees for clubs are $40 for full members and $30 for associates. Clubs needing more registration cards for their members should contact Bob Mitchell. Registration fees remain $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors.<\/p>\n

TOURNAMENT LEVIES\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As previously mentioned, these are $3 for most tournaments. However, as William Lynn correctly points out, under the existing regulations junior only tournaments are exempt from this fee. I personally believe this needs to change, but at the moment it is certainly an incentive to hold junior events. Hamilton Chess Club is to be commended for doing just that – it’s Junior Tournament is on April 4.<\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I sill have two cheques to send out to 2003 prize-winners. If anyone knows how to contact Pablo Williams or Dominic Pelle, please advise me before they go stale!<\/p>\n

In the meantime, the following GP events are coming up –
\nLatvian Tournament (March 21) Howick Pakuranga CC 6-round rapid Class 1 Kees Van Den Bosch\u00a0kvdbstj@clear.net.nz<\/a>
\nHamilton CC Junior Tournament (April 4) Hamilton CC, Class 2 for players under 20 on Jan 1, 2004. 6-round rapid. William Lynn\u00a0Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz<\/a>
\nWellington Open (Easter, April 9-11 or 12 ) – Wellington CC Class 1 Other details t.b.a.\u00a0Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/a>
\nOtago Easter Tournament (Easter, April 9-11) Otago CC 6 round swiss Class 3. Tony Dowden ph (03) 4730524\u00a0dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz<\/a>
\nNZ Senior Championship (Easter, April 9-12) Waitemata CC, Class 3 for players 60 and over Bob Smith\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a>
\nNZ Women’s Championship (Easter, April 9-12) Waitemata CC, Class 3 for females Bob Smith\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a>
\n27th Waitakere Licensing Trust Open (May 15 & 16) Waitemata CC 4 5 round tournaments, A,B,C, junior Class 1 Bob Smith\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a><\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Of course the NZ Inter-schools Championships will soon be starting again, with local inter-schools competitions. The more of those the merrier! Just advise Junior Convenor Felicity Timings ftimings@clear.net.nz if you intend to run an inter-schools tournament; she can provide you with guidance and explain how it fits into the overall picture. The other interesting development this year will be a trial at an Auckland school, using two control groups, to ascertain the benefits for children of learning chess. This is the first step towards getting chess accepted as a curriculum subject. Felicity and Vivian Smith will be giving up their time to carry out this important trial.<\/p>\n

Until next time, yours for chess<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nNZCF President<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 1\/04\u00a0 FEBRUARY 17, 2004<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello again at last everyone! I hope you all had a good holiday and are now well back into the swing of the new chess season. It looks like being a busy year, with plenty happening both on and off the board.<\/span><\/p>\n

INTRODUCING THE 2004 COUNCIL<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The following Councillors were elected at the NZCF Annual General Meeting:
\nPresident – Bob Smith
\nVice-President – Hilton Bennett
\nSecretary – Bob Mitchell
\nTreasurer – Anthony Whitehouse
\nCouncillors – Viv Smith, Felicity Timings, Paul Spiller, Michael Steadman
\nWellington Regional Councillors – Cedric Backhouse. Michael Freeman has been co-opted as the 2nd Wellington Councillor.
\nCouncil has yet to receive nominations for Canterbury and Otago Regional Councillors.
\nCouncil committees are still being finalised and will be advised next bulletin.<\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

By now all clubs should have received affiliation and registration forms. These are due back (with payments) by 31 March. Please return the necessary forms as soon as possible to The Secretary NZCF, Bob Mitchell, P.O. Box 216
\nShortland St Auckland 1.
\nAffiliation fees for clubs are $40 for full members and $30 for associates. The registration fees for players are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors. Other fees to be aware of : $3 a player for NZCF rated tournaments (except internal club events, which are free), $3 a team for inter-schools events which are part of the NZ Inter-schools Championships.<\/p>\n

REGISTRATION CARDS<\/span><\/p>\n

Clubs requiring player registration cards for the new season should e-mail NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell at robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD SELECTION & APPEAL<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council has resolved to send teams of 6 men and 4 women, plus 2 team captains to the Olympiad in Majorca, Spain, from October 14 to 31.
\nThe selection process is underway and should be completed by the end of April.
\nAn official appeal for funds is now open. I would encourage all chess-lovers to support our Olympiad teams; the Olympiad provides a rare opportunity for New Zealand to measure its standing in the chess world and gives our top players valuable international experience. Representing New Zealand at the Olympiad is something that upcoming players can aspire to. Olympiad donations can be sent to : NZ Chess Federation, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1, with cheques made out to NZCF. All donations will be acknowledged in NZCF bulletins and the NZ Chess magazine.<\/p>\n

OTHER INTERNATIONAL EVENTS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

World Under 16 Olympiad Calicut, Kerala, India 1-9 July. For teams of 4. Free accommodation and food for one selected team.<\/p>\n

Asian Under 16 & Under 18 2-9 April Teheran, Iran. Free accommodation and food for one selected under 16 boy & girl and one under 18 boy & girl.<\/p>\n

World Youth Championships Heraklion, Greece November (dates t.b.a.) Free accommodation and food for one selected player in each of the following age groups: boys and girls U18, U16, U14, U12, U10<\/p>\n

World Junior Championship 1-15 September Kolkata, India.Free accommodation and food for one selected boy and girl under 20<\/p>\n

Asian Cities Teams 20-28 March Manilla, Philippines. For teams of 4. Mark Van der Hoorn has been trying to get a team together for this. It may be too late, but players interested could e-mail him urgently at\u00a0vandalizer666@hotmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Players interested in any of the other events above should advise NZCF. Council has established the following funding priorities for this year – 1 Olympiad 2 World Youth Championship 3 World Junior Championship
\nAt this stage there is no guarantee of funding for any event, but certainly players selected for events outside those three should expect to pay their own travel expenses.<\/p>\n

111th CONGRESS
\n<\/span>
\nCongratulations to IM Anthony Ker on winning the 111th NZ Championship, hosted by the Wellington Chess Club.
\nAnthony was undefeated in scoring 8\/11. Second equal on 7.5 were Peter Green and Puchen Wang.
\nOther winners were Brendan Reedy (NZ Major Open) , Paul Garbettt and Stephen Lukey (1= NZ Rapid Championship) and Puchen Wang (NZ Lightning Championship).
\nAs a result of his victory Anthony Ker was automatically selected for the NZ Team to compete in the Olympiad in Majorca, Spain, from October 14 to 31.<\/span><\/p>\n

112th NZ CONGRESS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Wanganui Chess Club will be hosting the 112th NZ Congress. Wanganui did an excellent job in organising the 110th Congress, and is to be applauded for applying again so soon. We look forward to another quality event, probably starting on January 2, 2005.<\/p>\n

NZCF RATINGS
\n<\/span>
\nPlease note: Rating results submitted in hard copy format are no longer accepted. All tournament results should be e-mailed in either Swissperfect or Excel format to the NZCF Rating Officer, Viv Smith, at bobviv@actrix.gen.nz .
\nPlease ensure you fill in each player’s NZCF code (Swissperfect has a space for this); filling this in is not the job of the Rating Officer. The correct SP files to send when submitting results are the “SCO”, “TRN” and “INI” files.
\nRating Administrator Rowan Wood has pointed out a problem with clubs submitting double round robin results in Swissperfect. Some clubs are using the multi-games option for this and giving results as 2-0, 1-1 etc.
\nThis method doesn’t work for NZCF’s rating programme. Instead could clubs please enter the second game as another round in the tournament e.g. a 6-player round robin would have 10 rounds, not 5 multi rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

FIDE RATING OF TOURNAMENTS
\n<\/span>
\nOceania President Garry Bekker kindly offered to pay the cost of FIDE rating events in New Zealand last year. His support is very much appreciated.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, clubs will be “on their own” this year. NZCF, which gets the bill from FIDE at the end of the day, has decided on the following policy:
\nClubs wishing to FIDE rate tournaments must remit the $120 fee to NZCF prior to the event being submitted. NZCF will pay for the FIDE rating of official NZCF tournaments where possible – the NZ Championship, North Island Championship and South Island Championship (also NZ Women’s Champs, NZ Junior Champs and NZ Senior Champs if possible).<\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX
\n<\/span>
\nThe 2004 Grand Prix is underway, and looks set for another successful year.
\nCongratulations to all last year’s winners; they were listed in the last Grand Prix update sent to all clubs.
\nGP tournaments advised so far for 2004 include:
\nAuckland International (already held)
\nLatvian Tournament (March 21) Howick Pakuranga CC 6-round rapid Class 1 Kees Van Den Bosch kvdbstj@clear.net.nz
\nHamilton CC Junior Tournament (April 4) Hamilton CC, Class 2 for players under 20 on Jan 1, 2004. 6-round rapid. William Lynn Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz
\nWellington Open (Easter, April 9-11 or 12 ) – Wellington CC Class 1 Other details t.b.a. Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz
\nOtago Easter Tournament (Easter, April 9-11) Otago CC 6 round swiss Class 3. Tony Dowden ph (03) 4730524\u00a0 dnjrchess@yahoo.co.nz
\nNZ Senior Championship (Easter, April 9-12) Waitemata CC, Class 3 for players 60 and over Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz
\nNZ Women’s Championship (Easter, April 9-12) Waitemata CC, Class 3 for females Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz
\n27th Waitakere Licensing Trust Open (May 15 & 16) Waitemata CC 4 5 round tournaments, A,B,C, junior Class 1
\nBob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz
\nNZ Junior Championship (July 4-9) Hamilton CC 7-round swiss for players under 20 on Jan 1, 2004. Class t.b.a. William Lynn Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz
\nNorth Island Championship and Rapid Championship ( July 11-17) Waitemata CC 8 round swiss plus 6-round rapid Classes t.b.a Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GRAND PRIX STRUCTURE – KEY POINTS
\n<\/span>
\nThe prize-money levels for the 3 classes has been lowered, following the wishes of the majority of clubs at the NZCF Annual General Meeting. They are now:
\nClass 1 – prize fund greater than $1400
\nClass 2 – prize fund from $700 to $1400
\nClass 3 – prize fund from $300 to $700
\nOther main points remain the same.
\nGrand prix points are awarded as follows:
\nClass 1: 1st 20, 2nd 15, 3rd 12, 4th 9, 5th 6.
\nClass 2: 1st 15, 2nd 12, 3rd 9, 4th 6, 5th 4.
\nClass 3: 1st 12, 2nd 9, 3rd 6, 4th 4, 5th 3.
\nIn the case of ties, grand prix points are shared and rounded to two decimal places.
\nGrand Prix Prizes
\nOpen:\u00a0 1st $500 2nd $350 3rd $250 4th $200 5th $150
\nUnder 2000:\u00a0 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $150
\nUnder 1700:\u00a0 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $100
\nUnder 1400\u00a0\u00a0 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nJunior:\u00a0 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nFemale:\u00a0 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nSenior: 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nUnder 14 & Under 1400 1st $100 2nd $60 3rd $40
\nA player can win only one prize, but may compete in several divisions. He\/she will be allocated the largest prize won at the end of the season. A player’s best four results will determine his or her placing.Players cannot include more than three class 3 tournaments in their four “counting” events.
\nGrand Prix Levies: Tournaments included in the Grand Prix pay the following levies to NZCF
\nAuckland or Wellington: Class 1:\u00a0 $150 Class 2:\u00a0\u00a0 $100 Class 3:\u00a0\u00a0 $50
\nAll other areas: Class 1:\u00a0 $130 Class 2:\u00a0 $80 Class 3:\u00a0 $30
\nTournament organisers need to advise the Grand Prix Administrator, Bob Smith, and pay the relevant NZCF levy a\u00a0 month before a Grand Prix event. The Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix must be mentioned on entry forms.
\nResults to be advised within a fortnight of the completion of the tournament. The GP Administrator can be contacted at (09) 8172664 (025) 786282, or e-mail bobviv@actrix.gen.nz Postal enquiries\/information to 54 Daffodil St Titirangi, Auckland 1007<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE
\n<\/span>
\nThe December issue should be with subscribers this week.Material is urgently needed for the February issue, as Editor Graeme Trass tries valiantly to get back on schedule.Annotated games, tournament reports, club news, photos are very welcome. They can be posted or e-mailed to Graeme Trass, at\u00a0triangle@world-net.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0or by post to “NZ Chess”, P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS BADGES : ROOK BADGE READY SOON
\n<\/span>
\nThe draft of the fourth level of the Junior Chess Badges scheme has been completed and this test should be available shortly. The first three levels of the scheme – pawn, knight, bishop – are already available. Tests, badges and certificates can be obtained from NZCF Junior Chess Convenor Felicity Timings ftimings@clear.net.nz\u00a0 Badges can be ordered in lots of 50 or 100. The cost to clubs or organisers\/coaches is $4.50 per badge and certificate for 100 or more, or $4.75 for 50 to 100, plus postage. Council recommends a retail price to the children of $6 for badge and certificate.
\nMixed orders are fine (half and half pawn and knight, for instance).<\/span><\/p>\n

NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS
\n<\/span>
\nThe National Inter-schools Competition is, of course, on again this year. Junior Chess Convenor Felicity Timings will be co-ordinating the competition. Any clubs planning to hold inter-schools tournaments please let her know at\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>
\nThis nationwide competition is mushrooming each year, introducing thousands of children to the delights of chess. The overall standard is also improving, along with the numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n

CARBONATED SCORESHEETS
\n<\/span>
\nNZCF still has good quality carbonated scoresheets for sale. They’re $18 for 200, or $30 for 400. Contact the Secretary, Bob Mitchell.<\/span><\/p>\n

And that’s about it folks. I welcome any feedback and am happy to use the bulletin as a forum for (civilised) discussion on chess matters. Just e-mail me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time,<\/span>\u00a0Happy chessing!<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nNZCF President<\/span>
\n
\nANNUAL REPORT 2003<\/span><\/p>\n

I look back on the past year with a feeling of satisfaction about what has been achieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

A small team of Councillors has again worked hard for chess, while the support given by many clubs and local officials has been invaluable and much appreciated.<\/span><\/p>\n

There remains much to be done, but I detail below some of the highlights of 2003.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In its second year, the nationwide Grand Prix has continued to play an important part in stimulating tournament interest and boosting the numbers participating in events throughout the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year two new categories were added: Seniors, and Under 14 and Under 1400. There are also new prizes for the best non-prize-winning South Islander and the best non-prize-winning North Islander outside Auckland and Wellington. These expansions are part of Council\u2019s inclusive approach, which recognises the value of stimulating chess across the spectrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

The final tournament of this year\u2019s Grand Prix, the NZ Rapid Championship, will take the final tally of Grand Prix events for 2003 to 22 \u2013 one more than last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grand Prix sponsor, Global Chess Enterprises, has been pleased with the response, but does not intend to underwrite the competition for a third year. I am sure everyone will join me in expressing their appreciation for GCE\u2019s two years of support. Talks are currently in progress with other potential sponsors, and the Grand Prix will definitely continue next year.<\/span><\/p>\n

One difficulty I have sometimes experienced as GP Administrator is the failure of some tournament organisers to provide information regarding seniors, juniors, under 14\u2019s and women. With these categories fully operational, it is essential that all such players are identified and that organisers make the effort to get birthdates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In its third year this competition has continued to grow. In Auckland around a thousand children took part in primary and intermediate competitions alone. 1500 competed in Christchurch\u2019s competition, which encompasses much of the South Island. One difficulty in Auckland has been the failure of some clubs to contribute by running schools\u2019 competitions in their areas. Fortunately already overworked Council members have done their jobs for them \u2013 hopefully these clubs will come to the party in 2004. After all, they will benefit in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside of Auckland, North Island inter-schools competitions were held in Hamilton, Tauranga, Masterton, Wanganui and Wellington.<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to Auckland Grammar, which beat South Island Champions Christs College to become NZ Secondary School Chess Champions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations also to Auckland\u2019s St Heliers Primary, which defended its NZ Primary Schools title, beating Ilam from Christchurch in the inter-island match for the second year. And finally, congratulations to Bucklands Beach, which made it a clean sweep for Auckland schools by defeating South Island Champions Cobham to win the NZ Intermediate Schools title.<\/span><\/p>\n

The growing enthusiasm this competition has created is shown by the fact that 20 schools travelled to Wanganui for the North Island finals, while the three inter-island play-offs were played across the board, with teams flying from Christchurch to Auckland and vice-versa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special thanks to Felicity Timings for co-ordinating the competition, Jacinta Buist for her efforts with the South Island competitions, Peter Stuart for running the Auckland Secondary Competition and helping with the national finals, and to all those club officials who have held tournaments as part of the nationwide competition. As always, there is still room for expansion in regions which did not hold inter-schools events.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHESS BADGES\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This scheme has proved very popular across the country. Three levels are currently available, each with their own attractive badge. The remaining three levels will be completed as soon as possible, with at least level four (rook) ready for the first school term.<\/span><\/p>\n

Developing and running this scheme has been a big job for the Junior Development Committee, especially Convenor Felicity Timings and Vivian Smith. But their hard work looks like it is paying off, judging from a big upsurge in the numbers of children playing chess.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

CHESS FRIENDS TRUST<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF has reached agreement with the Chess Friends of New Zealand Trust on a coaching programme for juniors. From next year clubs will be able to apply to run coaching workshops, perhaps linked with tournaments. If approved these will be funded by Chess Friends \u2013 including payment for the\u00a0\u00a0coach(es).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

FEMALE CHESS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The third annual \u201cGirls Chess Week\u201din June was again successful, attracting over a hundred girls to a one-day competition in Auckland. Around seventy competed in Christchurch, with NZ Women\u2019s Champion Viv Smith holding a coaching seminar. Any initiatives by other clubs to hold girls events during the week in 2004 would be welcomed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship and Reserve Championship hosted by Waitemata Chess Club over Anzac Weekend attracted 14 players \u2013 the most for some years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Waitemata Chess Club also hosted the 2nd<\/sup>\u00a0NZ Senior Championship. The number of entries almost doubled to seven, and Council is hopeful this trend will continue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand sent a record number of six players to the World Youth Championship in Greece in October\/November. NZCF President Bob Smith accompanied them as Coach\/Manager, along with three parents. Successful grant applications prepared by Felicity Timings meant that the airfares of all representatives from Auckland to Athens were paid for. The six players who competed were Jesse Wilson (WN), Gino Thornton (NS), Blair Robertson (HA), Natasha Fairley (NHJ), Evguenia Charomova (NS) and Serra Tang (NS).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF PATRON<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr Ray Thomson was unanimously re-elected NZCF Patron for 2003.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the year I have kept in touch with Ray, who has expressed his satisfaction and support for the work Council is doing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ray is again the major sponsor of this year\u2019s Congress.<\/span><\/p>\n

On behalf of all chessplayers throughout New Zealand, I thank Ray sincerely for his continuing interest and support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FAREWELLS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In 2003 New Zealand chess lost several well-known players.<\/span><\/p>\n

Former NZ Correspondence Champion Philip Clemance succumbed to cancer in April in the United States, at the age of 43.<\/span><\/p>\n

Howick-Pakuranga and Air NZ stalwart Julius Bojtor passed away early in the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

And Robert McLean, long-time Treasurer of the now defunct Hutt Valley Chess Club, also died recently.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

NEW MEMBERS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

During the year NZCF\u2019s membership grew once again, with the addition of the North Canterbury and Keri Knights Chess Clubs as associate members. This brings the number of affiliated clubs to twenty-five.<\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

At the time of writing NZCF has 497 registered members; 62 more than at the same time last year, and 86 up on 2001.<\/span><\/p>\n

But not all clubs are registering all their members. If they did, this would give a much more accurate picture of the numbers playing chess. To boost official numbers, I also repeat my plea from last year for clubs to forward details of non-paying juniors.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Most clubs are now using the Swissperfect pairing programme provided free of charge by NZCF. This has made processing tournaments far easier. From next year the Rating Officer will only accept results in Swissperfect or Excel formats, sent electronically.<\/p>\n

This change is aimed at transferring the data entry work from the Rating Officer to club officials. Even clubs which for some reason are not using Swissperfect should be able to enter the results in Excel and send in the appropriate files by e-mail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings administrator Rowan Wood has continued his excellent work. His job and that of Ratings Officer Viv Smith has at times been made more difficult by club officials sending in results very late, or without sufficient details. Remember, all participants must be registered with NZCF for a tournament to be rated.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS WEBPAGE<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Michael Freeman has continued to maintain the NZ Chess webpage, which has become increasingly important as a communication and information tool.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESSES<\/span>
\n<\/b>
\nThanks to Wellington Chess Club for its work so far in organising the 111th<\/sup>\u00a0New Zealand Chess Congress. There is every indication it will maintain the high standards of recent years. Wanganui Chess Club is the confirmed host for next year\u2019s Congress. They enjoyed hosting it so much in 2002 they are keen for another try!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENT WINNERS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The 110th<\/sup>\u00a0New Zealand Championship, hosted by Wanganui, was won IM Alex Wohl and FM Tim Reilly, both from Australia. IM Anthony Ker was third, and thus claimed the NZ title.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZ Major Open was won by John McDonald, with Martin Goodhue, Bryan Latimer and Martin Lund second equal.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZ Rapid Championship was won by Russell Dive, with Anthony Ker second.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZ Lightning Championship was won by Puchen Wang, with Stephen Lukey second.<\/span><\/p>\n

The North Island Championship, hosted by Hamilton, was won by IM Gary Lane (AUS). Jesse Wilson was second, taking the North Island title.<\/span><\/p>\n

The North Island Rapid Championship was also won by Gary Lane. Alexei Kulashko, Paul Garbett, Bob Smith and Ben Giles shared second, with the first three also sharing the North Island Rapid title (Giles is a South Islander).<\/span><\/p>\n

The South Island Championship, hosted by Ashburton, was won by Bob Smith and Alistair Compton, with Compton taking the title (Smith is a North Islander).<\/span><\/p>\n

The South Island Rapid Championship was won by Bob Smith. Second equal and sharing the title were Alistair Compton and Nick Cummings.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Women\u2019s Championship, run by Waitemata, was won by Viv Smith, with Evguenia Charomova second.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Women\u2019s Reserve Championship was won by Shirley Wu.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Junior Championship, hosted by Waitemata , was won by Puchen Wang, with David Xu second.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Senior Championship, hosted by Waitemata , was won by Bob Mitchell and Victor Portougal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Graeme Trass has continued his efforts as Editor, which are much appreciated .The tardiness of contributors has unfortunately led to the late publication of numerous issues. However, the magazine remains an invaluable source of New Zealand news and games, as well as an important historical record.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is still not paying its way \u2013 clubs could help with bulk orders and by promoting the magazine whenever possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

THANKS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

To all Councillors and the many other voluntary workers throughout the country who have helped to administer and promote chess throughout the year, I would like to express my personal thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

I hope the royal game can count on you again in 2004.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2003 has been a busy year for NZCF Council. Much has been achieved, but there is a lot more work ahead. Fortunately all current Council members are standing again, and the team is being boosted to its full strength with the addition of two more reliable workers. In 2004 Council will continue its efforts to promote chess, from juniors through to seniors. I am also hopeful that a long overdue review of NZCF\u2019s regulations will be completed; chess worldwide is moving with the times, and so must we.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, New Zealand Chess Federation Inc.
\n18 November, 2003<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 15: AUGUST 1, 2003<\/span><\/p>\n

Hi everyone. The past few months have been a very busy time for NZCF Council. A number of Auckland Councillors have been occupied with grass roots organisation; their efforts are bearing fruit, especially in the area of junior chess. We have also had a couple of changes in personnel.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW TREASURER<\/span>
\nI am delighted to report that ANTHONY WHITEHOUSE has come on board as NZCF Treasurer. Anthony has had experience in this role for another community group, and he is a definite asset for Council. Unfortunately at the same time JAYNE RICHARDSON has resigned from Council, citing pressure of other commitments. Jayne was a new Councillor this year, and it was hoped that she would be able to make progress on the funding aspect of NZCF’s objectives. Since her resignation Junior Convenor Felicity Timings has stepped into the breach regarding funding applications, while Bob Smith will be pursuing sponsorship for next year’s Grand Prix.<\/span><\/p>\n

111th CONGRESS<\/span>
\nWellington Chess Club is well advanced with plans for the 111th Congress, which incorporates the NZ Championship, NZ Major Open, NZ Rapid Champs and the NZ Lightning Champs. Congress will be held at the Sharella Hotel. The hotel can be viewed at\u00a0http:\/\/www.sharella.co.nz\/location.php<\/a>\u00a0Wellington has negotiated reduced room rates for Congress. Contact Alan Aldridge\u00a0Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CONGRESS OLYMPIAD SELECTIONS
\n<\/span>NZCF Council has decided that from Congress a maximum of two players will automatically qualify for next year’s Men’s Olympiad team. They will be the clear first and clear second place-getters or two joint winners (New Zealand players only counting). If there is a clear winner and a tie for second, only the winner will be selected. In the event of a three-way tie for first no player will be automatically selected.<\/span><\/p>\n

112th CONGRESS<\/span>
\nWanganui Chess Club has applied to hold the 2004-5 Congress. I’m sure everyone who participated would agree that Wanganui did an excellent job in running the 110th Congress, and I applaud their enthusiasm in applying again so soon. However, if any other club believes it should be their turn, please put in an application as soon as possible. Otherwise Wanganui’s bid is likely to be (happily) accepted by Council. It is obviously helpful for any organising club to know well in advance that its bid has been confirmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span>
\nHe came .. he saw .. he conquered. No it wasn’t English GM Stuart Conquest this time. But tournament organisers Hamilton did attract English IM turned Australian Gary Lane. He set about demolishing the fields in both the North Island and North Island Rapid Championships, scoring 8\/8 in the former and 6\/6 in the latter. The nearest New Zealander in the North Island Championship was a surprise: 2002 New Zealand Junioor Champion Jesse Wilson scored 6.5\/8 to win the title. He was followed by Mark van der Hoorn on 6 (31 players). The North Island Rapid attracted 70 players in two divisions. As mentioned Gary Lane made no race of it. Tied for second with 4.5\/6 were Paul Garbett, Alexei Kulashko, Bob Smith and Ben Giles. The first three share the North Island Rapid title, with South Islander Ben Giles ineligible. Full report and games: August “NZ Chess”.<\/span><\/p>\n

SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP & SOUTH ISLAND RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span>
\nThese are being held by Ashburton Chess Club from September 21 (Rapid) to September 26 at the Ashburton Hotel. The club has set up a web-page with information about the events. It can be accessed from www.ashburtonchess.cjb.net , or contact Rex Scarf scarf@paradise.co.nz The South Island Championship will be a Class 2 Grand Prix event, while the Rapid is expected to be a class 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

OTHER UPCOMING NZCF RATED TOURNAMENTS<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

WAIKATO OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP : 15-17 August, Hamilton. Class One GP. Contact Hilton Bennett\u00a0hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/a>
\nPAPATOETOE RAPID: 31 August, Papatoetoe. Class 2 GP. Contact John McRae ph (09) 2784520 or Stewart East (09) 8323717
\nNORTH SHORE OPEN: 6-7 September, North Shore. Class One GP. Contact Peter Stuart\u00a0pstuart@xtra.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span>
\nThe resurgence in Junior Chess continues, with 60 players competing in the NZ Junior Championship hosted by Waitemata CC. Congratulations to the 2003 NZ Junior Champion, Puchen Wang, and the other NZ age group champions. Details and a full report and games will appear in the August “NZ Chess”.<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS BADGES : BISHOP BADGE READY<\/span>
\nThe third level of this scheme is now available – the Bishop Badge. Tests, badges and certificates can be obtained from NZCF Junior Chess Convenor Felicity Timings\u00a0ftimings@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0 The first two levels – pawn and knight – are of course also still available. Badges can be ordered in lots of 50 or 100. The cost to clubs or organisers\/coaches is $4.50 per badge and certificate for 100 or more, or $4.75 for 50 to 100, plus postage. Council recommends a retail price to the children of $6 for badge and certificate. Mixed orders are fine (half and half pawn and knight, for instance). The response to the scheme so far has been very enthusiastic, with many hundreds of children sitting the different levels. Many thanks to NZCF Councillor Viv Smith for the hard work she put into developing the Bishop level, and to Felicity Timings for handling all the administration.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span>
\nThis is progressing very well. Subscribers to “NZ Chess” will know that five competitions involving more than 700 primary and intermediate school children have been held in Auckland, with the South Auckland Competitions scheduled within the next two weeks. The Auckland finals are being held on August 22. Meanwhile the annual Auckland Secondary Schools Competition is continuing, under the guidance of Peter Stuart. Inter-schools competitions have also been held in Wanganui, Wellington and Upper Hutt, with competitions coming up in Hamilton, Tauranga and Wairarapa. Wanganui will host the regional winners (the top two from Auckland) in the North Island Finals on September 14. In the South Island 1500 children take part in the Press Chess Competitions, involving schools from Christchurch to Nelson and the West Coast. The South Island winners come from this competition. When all the dust has settled the South Island and North Island Champions will play on October 18 to determine NZ Champions in the primary, intermediate and secondary divisions. This is the third year of the National Inter-schools competition and I am pleased to say it is growing every year. There is great enthusiasm among the schools and children. Thank you to all the clubs who have got behind the competition. NZCF would like to see more get involved: remember, these are your future members. Outside the official competition, David Shead tells me a teacher at Eketahuna runs a competition each year and this time it involved 150 children! David also helped run a junior tournament at Kimbolton last year which involved 80 children, and it will be repeated this year. There are also moves to run a junior event in Palmerston North.<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP IN GREECE, OCTOBER\u00a0<\/span>
\nNZCF is hoping to send a group of our best young players to the World Youth Championship in Haldiki from October 22 to November 3. We are entitled to one representative who receives full board in each of the following age groups: Under 18, Under 16, Under 14, Under 12, Under 10, Under 18 Girls, Under 16 Girls, Under 14 Girls, Under 12 Girls, Under 10 Girls. A coach\/manager will also be sent and will receive full board. Junior Convenor Felicity Timings is currently applying for funding, but there is no guarantee of success. Entries for the World Youth Championship close on August 22. NZCF has circulated a group of junior players to assess the interest in participating. If you know of a junior who could be of the requisite standard and may have been overlooked, please advise me urgently. Council would also like to hear from anyone interested in going to Greece as coach\/manager for a group of juniors. It is probable that no travel funding will be available for the successful applicant, although he\/she will get free accommodation and meals. Any contributions towards the cost of sending our junior representatives would also be welcomed and can be sent to NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX<\/span>
\nThe Grand Prix is gaining momentum and looks set for another successful year. Turnouts for most GP tournaments have been encouraging. So far points have been awarded from 10 tournaments, with another 9 GP events confirmed up to today. There are at least 5 Class 1 events this year, and the number of Class 2 events is also growing – at least 8. If you are organising an event, I urge you to include it in the Grand Prix: the fee involved is fairly small and the extra entries you will get will easily make up for it. Another plea to organisers from the Grand Prix administrator : please indicate juniors and seniors when submitting results. I need birthdates for both, as I must be sure players are eligible.<\/span><\/p>\n

ANOTHER PLEA<\/span>
\n(this time from the Rating Administrator) Could clubs sending in tournaments for rating please ensure they supply full details of new players (and birthdates of juniors and seniors please). This saves a lot of time and possible confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR REGISTRATIONS<\/span>
\nThere has been little response to my request for clubs to e-mail details of exempt juniors to NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell. Thanks to those who have responded. Bob’s e-mail address is\u00a0robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0 As mentioned, adding these names would be a big help in more accurately portraying the numbers of people playing chess in New Zealand (and thereby helping our chances in applying for funding)<\/span><\/p>\n

CARBONATED SCORESHEETS<\/span>
\nNZCF has a stock of good quality carbonated scoresheets for sale. They’re $18 for 200, or $30 for 400. Contact the Secretary, Bob Mitchell.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span>
\nAs always, articles, games (especially annotated), club and tournament reports are welcome. Photos are also helpful, and can be posted or e-mailed. Send your contributions to the Editor Graeme Trass, at\u00a0triangle@world-net.co.nz<\/a>\u00a0 or by post to “NZ Chess”, P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730.<\/span><\/p>\n

I’m bound to have forgotten something. If so, just e-mail me for inclusion next time. Until then, keep enjoying the royal game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident,
\nNZ Chess Federation Inc<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 14: MARCH 28, 2003<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello again everyone. I hope you’re all enjoying your chess. NZCF Council is continuing on its merry (weary?!) way, trying to promote our game. A busy year looms, during which (with your help) we hope to build on the progress of the past few years. But we do have an immediate problem that needs to be remedied, as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

SITUATION VACANT<\/span>
\nFollowing Quentin Johnson’s move to Dunedin, we are bereft of a Treasurer. Quentin did a great job during his time with Council, and we need someone to continue his good work. This is a crucial role on Council, but not that difficult for someone who is methodical and efficient. There must be someone out there who would like to help. Staff benefits include getting together with some friendly people each month for a round the table chat on chess affairs, an official title with a national federation, and the gratitude of New Zealand chessplayers everywhere. Anyone interested please e-mail me.<\/span><\/p>\n

AFFILIATIONS<\/span>
\nI am pleased to say that most clubs are now affiliated. Fees are due by March 31. There are still a few clubs who are late in paying. I won’t name names, but could you hurry it along please. I doubt that the $40 for full membership or $30 for associate membership will break the bank balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS<\/span>
\nDon’t forget to register your members ($13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors). NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell is maintaining an up to date file of registered players. Any players who are not on the list or cannot show their current card will have to pay the fee at the next NZCF rated event, the 26th Waitakere Licensing Trust Open (May 3 and 4). Also please remember to e-mail that list of exempt juniors to NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell. His e-mail address is robertmi@ihug.co.nz This will be a huge help in boosting our official numbers and giving a far more accurate picture of how many people play chess in NZ. As mentioned last bulletin, birthdates for juniors and seniors are very helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENTS<\/span>
\nThe following are confirmed venues for NZCF Tournaments this year:
\n111TH CONGRESS – Wellington (end of the year), incorporating the NZ Championship, NZ Major Open, NZ Rapid Champs and the NZ Lightning Champs. Contact Alan Aldridge\u00a0Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/a>
\nNORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP – Hamilton July 14 – 18. This will be FIDE rated. Followed by the NORTH ISLAND RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP. Contact Garry Judkins judkins4@actrix.co.nz or William Lynn\u00a0hakwlo@opus.co.nz<\/a>
\nSOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP – Ashburton CC September 29 to October 3 (dates to be confirmed) Followed by the SOUTH ISLAND RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP. For both events contact Rex Scarf\u00a0scarf@paradise.co.nz<\/a>
\nNZ JUNIOR CHAMPIONHIP – Waitemata, July 7 to 11.
\nNZ SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – Waitemata, April 24 – 27, concurrently with the NZ Women’s Champs
\nNZ WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP AND RESERVE CHAMPIONSHIP – Waitemata, April 24 – 27 For all three Waitemata events above, contact Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

OTHER EVENTS<\/span>
\nCANTERBURY EASTER – 18-20 April. Canterbury Chess Club is to be congratulated for initiating a new event. 5 rounds. Time control 90 minutes each plus 30 seconds\/move from move 1. Contact Chris Wright\u00a0wrights@xtra.co.nz<\/a>
\n26th WAITAKERE LICENSING TRUST OPEN – GP CLASS ONE, 3 & 4 MAY. Waitemata CC, 4 separate 5 round swisses. The top section will be FIDE rated. Prize-fund – $5000. Contact Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nx or phone (09) 8172664
\nMALCOLM FOORD MEMORIAL – GP CLASS TWO, 31 MAY to 2 JUNE. Otago CC, 2 separate tournaments. The top section will be FIDE rated. Prize-fund – at least $1150 plus special and junior prizes. Billets available. Contact Duncan Watts\u00a0watts.duncan@lycos.com<\/a>
\nNORTH SHORE OPEN – GP CLASS ONE, 6 & 7 SEPTEMBER. North Shore CC. The top section will be FIDE rated. Other details to be advised. Contact Peter Stuart\u00a0pstuart@xtra.co.nz<\/a>
\nALL CANTERBURY OPEN – GP CLASS TWO, 25 to 27 OCTOBER. Canterbury CC, 2 separate tournaments. The A grade will be FIDE rated. 6 round swisses. 90 minutes each plus 30 seconds a move from the start.Contact Chris Wright wrights@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

PLAYERS’ SURVEY<\/span>
\nA wide-ranging players’ survey will shortly be coming your way; Council considered the draft at its meeting last week. It will seek opinions on a wide range of issues. Council values your opinions; when you receive your survey please fill it in and send to NZCF Vice-President Hilton Bennett at hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX 2003<\/span>
\nClubs and players should have received the first Grand Prix update for 2003. 71 players competed in the first event of the year, Howick-Pakuranga’s Latvian Tournament. It was won by Peter Green and Puchen Wang on 4.5\/6, followed by Paul Garbett, Bob Smith and Leonard McLaren on 4. Two more divisions have been added this year : Seniors (over 60 on 1 January 2003) and Under 14 and under 1400 (thanks to William Lynn for sponsoring this section). There are also two additional special prizes : $50 for the best non-prize-winning South Islander and $50 for the best non-prize-winning North Islander outside Auckland and Wellington. The next Grand Prix event is the 26TH WAITAKERE LICENSING TRUST OPEN on May 3 and 4. This is a class one event boasting $5000 prize-money – the top prize-fund of any tournament in the country. Entry forms are currently at the printers and should be available shortly. One more issue from last year’s Grand Prix: Hilton Jacobs has yet to claim his prize and has not provided a postal address. Could someone who knows Hilton please jog his memory. Otherwise, I presume his winnings are a donation for a shout for hard-working Councillors?<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span>
\nThe date of the North Island Inter-Schools finals has been confirmed as September 14. Wanganui will host this play-off, which will incorporate regional winners plus the top two teams from Auckland. The South Island Primary, Intermediate & Secondary finals will also be held at the end of term 3, in Christchurch. The North-South play-offs to decide the NZ Champions will be held on October 18.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHESS FOR GIRLS WEEK<\/span>
\nThis is scheduled for the week of 16 June. Canterbury is holding a girls’ tournament on June 16, with NZCF Female Convenor Viv Smith attending to run a coaching workshop. The Auckland Girls Championship is being run on June 17; it has attracted over 100 girls each year so far. Other clubs are more than welcome to join in by organising girls’ tournaments in that week. Certainly the more the merrier!<\/span><\/p>\n

CARBONATED SCORESHEETS<\/span>
\nNZCF has a stock of good quality carbonated scoresheets for sale. They’re $18 for 200, or $30 for 400. Contact the Secretary, Bob Mitchell.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span>
\nAs always, articles, games (especially annotated), club and tournament reports are welcome. It would also be nice to spruce up the magazine with some good chess photos. Don’t be shy; send your contributions as soon as possible to the Editor Graeme Trass, at triangle@world-net.co.nz or by post to “NZ Chess”, P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730. He would like to get the April issue out on time, but this is largely in the hands of contributors!<\/span><\/p>\n

That’s all for now. Until next time, keep pushing those pieces!<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith President,
\nNZ Chess Federation Inc<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 13: FEBRUARY 9, 2003<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello once again to all you fellow chessplayers. After a holiday break NZCF Council (and the bulletin) is back in full swing with another busy year ahead.<\/p>\n

2003 NZCF COUNCIL<\/span>
\nCouncil has retained a solid core of workers from last year, and also has some valuable “new blood”. The full Council elected at the AGM is : President – Bob Smith Secretary – Bob Mitchell Treasurer – currently vacant, Quentin Johnson remains in charge until the end of February. Councillors – Viv Smith, Felicity Timings, Jayne Richardson Regional Councillors – Michael Freeman (Wellington), Cedric Backhouse (Wellington), Craig Hall (Canterbury), Duncan Watts (Otago).<\/p>\n

Council held its first meeting at the end of January. It started at 7.30pm and finished at 25 past midnight! In case that causes anyone thinking of standing for Council in the future to have second thoughts, I hasten to add that only the first meeting tends to be that long. Oceania Zone President Gary Bekker attended for an hour, addressing Councillors on a range of issues, including the possibility of FIDE rating more NZ tournaments, the benefits of electronic chess boards, and possible arbiters’ and organisers’ workshops. Council decided on the composition of a range of committees, which will be further extended this year to utilise the skills of people throughout the country.<\/p>\n

COUNCIL COMMITTEES<\/span>
\nJunior Development – Felicity Timings (Convenor), Viv Smith, Jacinta Buist (Cant), Craig Hall (Cant), Martin Sims (Palmerston North) Representatives will also be appointed from Wellington and Otago.
\nSponsorship – Jayne Richardson (Convenor), Paul Spiller, Bob Smith. With regional members to be appointed.
\nPromotion and Publicity – Bob Smith (Convenor), Michael Freeman (Webmaster), Graeme Trass (Magazine Editor). Several more appointments are pending.
\nFemale Chess – Viv Smith (Convenor), Jacinta Buist, Felicity Timings. Other regional appointments pending.
\nTournament Committee – Hilton Bennett (Convenor) Bob Smith, Paul Spiller. Ratings Committee – Rowan Wood (Ratings Administrator), Viv Smith (Ratings Officer and Convenor), Bob Gibbons.
\nSelectors – Michael Freeman (Convenor), Bob Gibbons, Arthur Pomeroy.
\nRules Revision – Bob Smith (Convenor), Hilton Bennett, Bob Mitchell, Craig Hall.
\nNZCF Webmaster – Michael Freeman.
\nNational Coach – FM Ewen Green.
\nGrand Prix – Bob Smith (Administrator), Hilton Bennett, Alexei Kulashko (GP webpage).
\nRegistrar of Master Points – Bob Mitchell Magazine Committee – Graeme Trass (Editor), Martin Sims.(Proofreader), Felicity Timings (Junior Chess), Overseas Editor to be confirmed.
\nFIDE Delegate: Michael Freeman
\nZonal Sub Committee: Bob Smith, (Convenor) Hilton Bennett, Jayne Richardson, Paul Spiller.
\nThe President is an ex-officio member of all committees.<\/p>\n

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SECRETARY<\/span>
\nAfter the retirement from Council of Jack Frost after two years as Secretary, Council is pleased to have obtained the services of Bob Mitchell as NZCF Secretary. A former police superintendent who is now semi-retired, Bob is also experienced in strategic planning and computing. He was NZCF Secretary for five years in the 1980’s when Council was in Wellington. Bob is keen to tighten up our administration and it is already clear that he will be a great asset. Bob will deal with most day to day queries, and will refer those he cannot answer immediately to the appropriate Councillor or Committee. His e-mail address is robertmi@ihug.co.nz<\/p>\n

AND OUR NEW SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE CONVENOR<\/span>
\nJayne Richardson is relatively new to chess circles, but she has ideal credentials for an area that is becoming increasingly important. Jayne has a background in sales and marketing, and has been very successful in fund-raising for her local kindergarten. She is actively involved in the North Harbour Junior Chess Club, where her son plays. She is a very energetic person and, with the help of others around the country, is optimistic of making good progress in the area of sponsorship and fund-raising.<\/p>\n

AFFILIATIONS, REGISTRATIONS<\/span>
\nClub affiliations are now due and payable before March 31, please. A
\nreminder: the fees are $40 for full members and $30 for associates. Player registrations are also due. These are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors. I would also repeat my plea at the Annual General Meeting: if you have juniors who are not yet competing in Federation tournaments, they can be registered for free as junior exempt. Just e-mail the NZCF Secretary with a list of such players and their birthdates and he will add them to the list of registered players. This can also be done with children who compete in NZCF’s inter-schools’ competition. If all clubs do this we can easily triple the number of registered players. Incidentally, any birthdates supplied are welcome (not just juniors). With the introduction of the NZ Senior Championship (over 60) and a move towards FIDE rating more New Zealand tournaments, such details will be very useful.<\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENTS<\/span>
\nThe following are confirmed and likely venues for NZCF Tournaments this
\nyear:
\n111th Congress – Wellington (end of the year)
\nNorth Island Championships – probably Waitemata, to be confirmed this month. July 14 – 18. This will be FIDE rated. South Island Championships – Ashburton CC September 29 to October 3 (dates to be confirmed) NZ Junior – probably Wanganui, to be confirmed this month. July 7 to 11. NZ Seniors Championships – probably Wanganui, concurrently with the NZ Junior. NZ Women’s Championships – probably Waitemata, around Anzac Day (April 25).<\/p>\n

CONGRATULATIONS<\/span>
\nCongratulations to Wanganui Chess Club and to Paul Spiller for organising two excellent tournaments recently. Wanganui hosted the 110th NZ Chess Congress, and did a splendid job. The Championship was won by Australians IM Alex Wohl and FM Tim Reilly, followed by IM Anthony Ker, who thus retained his NZ title. The NZ Major Open was won by John MacDonald, with the amazing score of 11\/11 (I’m told this has been done before; does anyone have any details?) The NZ Rapid Championship was won by IM Russell Dive, while the NZ Lightning Championship (now an official tournament with a trophy) was taken out by 13-year-old Puchen Wang. The other point of note was that Tony Dowden gained enough points in the NZ Championship to earn his NZ Master title. Well done, Tony! At the end of January Paul Spiller ran the highly successful Howick and Pakuranga Times International Open. The field included a GM and 2 IM’s, as well as numerous FM’s and a number of promising juniors. IM Peter Froelitch from Germany (apparently moving to Australia) won the event from GM Drazen Sermek. IM Anthony Ker was again the leading New Zealander. The sensation of the tournament occured in the last round when Leonard McLaren beat GM Sermek (as far as I am aware this is the first time an untitled New Zealander has beaten a GM at home; can anyone confirm that?). A number of players gained good rating boosts from the tournament, while several juniors now have rating blocks of 4 or more games towards a FIDE rating (they need 9 rated games).<\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span>
\nAs advised the hard copy of the end of year rating list was delayed because of problems with the initial list produced. Bob Gibbons is in the process of getting the amended list printed, which should be with clubs within a fortnight. The correct list is on the NZ Chess webpage. Club officials and tournament organisers, please e-mail or send in your tournament results as soon as possible to Ratings Officer Viv Smith at bobviv@xtra.gen.nz or to the NZCF post box P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1. Prompt action ensures accurate ratings and could save you from the wrath of club members! We recently received results from one club tournament held in 2001! Needless to say, such a delay causes problems. Help us to help you. Club members, tournaments rated in the current 6 month period will soon be listed on the NZ Chess webpage, so if an event you expected to be included isn’t, talk to your club official!<\/p>\n

PLAYERS’ SURVEY<\/span>
\nHilton Bennett is finalising an e-mail survey of clubs and players, seeking opinions on a wide range of issues, including the formats and time controls of the NZ Championship and the North and South Island Championships. Anyone wishing to be included should send their e-mail address to Hilton at hiltonb@wave.co.nz , or to NZCF Secretary Bob Mitchell.<\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX 2003<\/span>
\nFinal results from 2002 have been circulated and prizes were presented to many of the winners at the conclusion of the Howick & Pakuranga Times Auckland International Open last month. For those who missed it, the winners
\nwere:
\nOpen – Anthony Ker (WN) 56.4 pts 1st $500, Paul Garbett (NS) 55.4 pts 2nd $350, Bob Smith (WT) 50 pts 3rd $250, David Guthrie (WN) 43.73 pts 4th $200, Alexei Kulashko (AC) 39.4 pts 5th $150 Under 2000 – Puchen Wang (AC) 72.5 pts 1st $300, Daniel Han (AC) 56.4 pts 2nd $200, Ben Giles (GA) 46.5pts 3rd $150 Under 1700 – Brendon Reedy (CA) 52 pts 1st $250, Jeremy Browne 46 pts 2nd $150, Hilton Jacobs (HP) 42.4 pts 3rd $100 Under 1400 – Gino Thornton (NS) 67 pts 1st (taking junior prize), Michael Zhang (AC) 57.5 pts 2nd $150, Thomas Gothorp (GA) 39.9 pts 3rd $100, Blair Robertson (HA) 38.83 4th $50 Junior – Daniel Han (AC) 55 pts 1st (taking Under 2000 prize), Gino Thornton
\n(NS) 54.5 pts 2nd $150, Evginia Charomova (NS) 52.5 pts 3rd $100, Aaron Cossey (PT) 49.5 pts 4th $50 Female – Viv Smith (WT) 68 pts 1st $150, Evginia Charomova (NS) 67.5 pts 2nd (taking junior prize), Sue Maroroa (AC) 46.5 pts 3rd $100, Edith Otene (AC) 43.5 pts 4th $50 I need postal addresses for Brendon Reedy and Hilton Jacobs, who have yet to claim their prizes. Can anyone help?<\/p>\n

All players now start again on zero points in all divisions. The first notified GP event of 2003 is Howick Pakuranga’s Latvian Tournament on March 16, a Class One event (maximum points in all qualifying grades). Time control 30 minutes each. Entry forms and other details from Kees Van Den Bosch ph (09) 5775285 or e-mail kvdbstj@clear.net.nz Other clubs planning Grand Prix events should notify me as soon as possible. Rules for this year’s Grand Prix will be circulated in the next couple of weeks. They will be substantially the same as those used in last year’s very successful inaugural season.<\/p>\n

JUNIOR BADGES SCHEME<\/span>
\nLevels one and two (pawn and knight) of this six-level test for juniors are now available, complete with markings. Levels three and four are being worked on now. The attractive badges and certificates can be obtained by e-mailing Junior Convenor Felicity Timings. The cost is $4.50 for 100 or more, or $4.75 for 50 to 100, plus postage. Council recommends a retail price to the children of $6 for badge and certificate. Mixed orders are fine (half and half pawn and knight, for instance). At least 500 children have already sat the pawn test, and indications are that the demand for the knight badge will also be high.<\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span>
\nThis year the North Island primary, intermediate and secondary titles will be decided by an all-play-all final between the winners of the regional contests, plus the first two in each section from Auckland (due to size and numbers competing). Wanganui has volunteered to host the final in the last week of term 3 (sometime between September 15 and 21). Clubs organising regional competitions should aim to hold them in term 2, or early term 3 at the latest. The South Island Primary, Intermediate & Secondary finals will also be held at the end of term 3, in Christchurch. NZCF will be aiming to hold the North-South matches to decide the NZ Champions in all 3 divisions early in term 4 (starts 6 October).<\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span>
\nThe deadline is looming for the February issue(officially 10 February). Please get any games, club reports etc asap to the Editor Graeme Trass, at triangle@world-net.co.nz or by post to “NZ Chess”, P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730. Photos are always appreciated to spruce up reports and articles. The February issue will feature an extensive report on the 110th NZ Congress.<\/p>\n

FEES<\/span>
\nSome clubs seem uncertain about fees due during the season. So to clarify things, here’s a list: Club affiliation – $40 full members, $30 associate. Registrations – $13 seniors, $6.50 juniors. Inter-schools levy – $1 per child for all regional events. Grand Prix – Class 1: $150 for Auckland and Wellington, $130 all other areas. Class 2 – $100 Auckland and Wellington, $80 all other areas. Class 3 – $50 Auckland and Wellington, $30 all other areas. Tournament levies : $3 a head for rated tournaments, except for New Zealand Championship – $20 a player, NZ Major Open $12 a player, NZ Rapid Championship $10 a player, North Island Championship $10 a player, South Island Championship $10 a player, North Island Rapid Championship $5 a player, South Island Rapid Championship $5 a player, NZ Women’s Championship, NZ Senior Championship and NZ Lightning Championship nil, internal club tournaments nil.<\/p>\n

MARTIN DREYER MARRIES<\/span>
\nTwo times NZ Chess Champion Martin Dreyer took the plunge in Auckland yesterday, when he married Gemma Salabit. The couple took their vows in an elaborate ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Ellerslie, followed by a reception at the Carlton Hotel. A number of well-known chess-players were among the sizeable number of guests, and telegrams included one from Wellington Chess Club and another from a G. Kasparov, thanking Martin for his help and support! I’m sure everyone joins me in wishing Martin and his new wife every happiness.<\/p>\n

A QUESTION FOR CHESS HISTORIANS<\/span>
\nI recently received the following query from Peter Stockhausen, President of the Canadian Chess Federation. Anyone who can help please e-mail me. “I’m writing to you regarding a chess historical question. Together with Dr. Divinsky from Vancouver I’m working on the life and work of Tassilo Von Heydebrand und Der Lasa (1818-1898) As you might be aware, Von der Lasa was one of the strongest chess players of his time having defeated both Anderssen and Staunton in set matches. He was a prolific player and we have in our possession close to 400 of his games, an astounding number for that time. He was also a renowned author (Handbuch des Schachspiels), historian, researcher and chess book collector. (At his death his library contained 2.700+ volumes) By profession von der Lasa was a diplomat for Prussia. After his retirement in 1880, von der Lasa undertook many trips in Europe, to do research on his chess collection and work. In addition he undertook at least one trip around the world for the same purpose (visiting India, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Cuba, and, of course to play chess. From what we know, he was in New Zealand in November and December of 1887. During his stay he played a two game match with your Champion Mr. Benbow in Wellington. Both games were drawn Would you have any information on his visit? Do you know of any chess historian in New Zealand who might have any information or do you know if there are any newspaper reports available from this time?”<\/p>\n

Happy chessing until next time,<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation Inc
\n
\n<\/span>
\nNew Zealand Chess Federation Inc.
\nAnnual Report 2002<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The past year has been another period of substantial progress for New Zealand chess.
\nNZCF Councillors have worked hard on consolidating the gains of the previous year and on introducing the new initiatives detailed in this report.
\nAn especially pleasing feature of the year has been the growing level of support from clubs and individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX
\nOne of the success stories of 2002 was the introduction of a nationwide chess Grand Prix. The competition, offering prizes across almost the whole chess spectrum, stimulated tournament interest throughout the year and helped to boost entries in almost all events.
\nThe final tournament of this year’s Grand Prix, the NZ Rapid Championship, will take the final tally of Grand Prix events for 2002 to an impressive 21.
\nThe inaugural sponsor, Global Chess Enterprises, has been extremely pleased with the competition and has agreed to support the Grand Prix again in 2003.\u00a0 I am sure chessplayers throughout the country will join me in expressing their appreciation.<\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHESS BADGES
\nThis new scheme is now underway after a lot of hard work in developing the concept, tests, badges and certificates. It involves six levels of tests, each one with its own unique badge and certificate. The level one test is now available, level two will be ready very soon, and the other tests will be produced in order, following an outline drawn up by Council. The initial reaction from children has been overwhelmingly favourable, with every indication that this scheme will be a big hit across the country. I would like to commend members of the Junior Development Committee for all their work in developing this idea, especially Convenor Felicity Timings and Vivian Smith.<\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION
\nThe second year of the national inter-schools competition has proved increasingly popular, with more clubs running competitions and many more children taking part.
\nIn Auckland close to a thousand children took part in the primary and intermediate competitions alone. The numbers were similar in Christchurch’s competition, which encompasses much of the South Island.
\nHamilton, Masterton, Wellington and Wanganui also held highly successful schools competitions.
\nCouncil again encountered some difficulties with the timing of the secondary schools event, but has plans in place to overcome this next year.
\nIn the meantime, congratulations to Wellington’s Tawa College, who beat South Island Secondary School Champions Aranui High School to become the inaugural NZ Secondary School Chess Champions.
\nCongratulations also to Auckland’s St Heliers Primary, this year’s North Island and NZ Primary Schools Champions. They defeated South Island Champions Ilam Primary to take the title. The NZ Intermediate Schools Final between North Island Champions Remuera (Auckland) and South Island Champions Heaton (Christchurch) is being contested this weekend by phone.
\nMany thanks to all the dedicated organisers involved in what has become a major nationwide undertaking. I would especially like to thank Junior Development Committee members Jacinta Buist, Allan Short and Viv Smith for all their hard work. The very able driving force behind the overall competition was Felicity Timings.
\nThere are still regions not holding schools competitions which really should be. Club organisers, please consider if you can spare a little time next year to support what is a very worthwhile and satisfying competition.<\/p>\n

FEMALE CHESS
\nThe second annual “Girls Chess Week” was again highly successful, attracting over a hundred girls to a one-day competition in Auckland and forty in Christchurch.
\nThe New Zealand Women’s Championship held in Auckland soon after attracted eleven players, a little down on last year but still well up on the depths of two years ago when only four players took part. The timing of the Championship is being reviewed for next year.
\nCouncil would like to encourage more regions to support the Girls for Chess Week, which is a key part of on-going efforts to develop female chess.<\/p>\n

NZ SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
\nIn keeping with Council’s desire to stimulate chess across all sectors, a New Zealand Senior Championship was introduced, for players over 60.\u00a0 The inaugural turnout for the event was small, but Council is hopeful that this event, boasting the Ortvin Sarapu Memorial Trophy, will become an increasingly significant tournament.
\nWith the advent of the Senior Championship, it will now be necessary to provide birthdates of players over 60.<\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD
\nNew Zealand again sent both men’s and women’s teams to the bi-ennial World Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia.
\nThanks to donations, a successful grant application and the representatives fund established three years ago, the ten players and two officials received almost five hundred dollars each towards their fares. Donations from supporters reached a final tally of $1930 – on behalf of the teams, thank you everyone.
\nCouncil believes New Zealand’s participation in the Olympiad is essential, providing a focus for up and coming players and giving us a measure of where we stand in the world chess community.<\/p>\n

NZCF PATRON
\nDr Ray Thomson was unanimously re-elected NZCF Patron for 2002.
\nDuring the year I have kept Ray informed of Council’s plans and progress, and have found him consistently helpful and supportive, despite his busy schedule.
\nRay is again the major sponsor of this year’s Congress.
\nOn behalf of all chessplayers throughout New Zealand, I extend my grateful thanks to Ray for his continuing support.<\/p>\n

FAREWELLS
\nDuring 2002 we bade a sad farewell to several chess stalwarts.
\nMalcom Foord, life member of\u00a0 Otago Chess Club, died in April, aged 80.
\nHowick Chess Club President Ken Williams, passed away in September, aged 71.
\nAlso in September, Hastings chess identity Dave Lynch passed away at the age of 92. Dave was a former New Zealand Champion and NZ Correspondence Champion.
\nAnd in October New Plymouth Chess Club Patron Ken Austin died. Ken was active in chess as administrator and player for more than 60 years.<\/p>\n

NEW MEMBERS
\nDuring the year it was a pleasure to welcome two new associate members: Masterton Chess Club and Remuera Junior Chess Club. Their addition means that NZCF has gained four new affiliates in the past two years.<\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS
\nAt the time of writing NZCF has 435 registered members; 24 more than at the same time last year.
\nHowever, if all clubs registered all their members and forwarded the details of non-paying juniors, I believe the number of registered players could easily be boosted to 1000.
\nI would like to encourage clubs to do this in 2003.<\/p>\n

RATINGS
\nThe Council’s decision to provide the Swissperfect pairing programme free of charge to all affiliates has made the processing of most tournaments much easier, both for clubs and NZCF rating officer Viv Smith.
\nMost clubs are now using Swissperfect, and simply sending the tournament files by e-mail. Thanks to those clubs who have taken the time to become familiar with what is a fairly easy and convenient programme.<\/p>\n

Ratings administrator Rowan Wood has done his usual stirling job in producing the six monthly rating lists. There have been some difficulties with late results and missing details, especially the birthdates of juniors.
\nI would again ask tournament organisers to try to be more assiduous in these areas next year.
\nCouncil remains hopeful of producing one or two interim lists on the webpage next year, with the understanding that these would be purely indicative of progress and in no way official.<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETINS
\nDuring the year clubs and interested players continued to receive regular e-mail bulletins, which have proved an invaluable way of keeping people informed.
\nThe bulletins have not yet expanded into a forum for discussion as well, which was my initial hope. But perhaps that may yet happen. Clubs also received regular e-mail updates of progress in the Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix.<\/p>\n

NZ CHESS WEBPAGE
\nThe NZ Chess webpage maintained by Councillor Michael Freeman has become increasingly important, as a source of information and chess news.
\nThroughout the year Michael has continued his invaluable work in this area, and deserves a big vote of thanks.<\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESSES
\nThanks to Wanganui Chess Club for organising and hosting the 110th New Zealand Chess Congress. They have put in a great deal of work to ensure Congress maintains the high standards of recent years. Wellington Chess Club is the confirmed host for next year’s Congress.<\/p>\n

PUBLICITY
\nThroughout the year a satisfactory level of publicity for chess was again achieved, with at least two television reports, several major articles in the New Zealand Herald, and widespread coverage of tournaments in local newspapers. However, it remains a continuing struggle to boost our sport’s profile with the media, given the regular exposure afforded to other larger sports. With your help, we will keep trying!<\/p>\n

NZCF TOURNAMENT WINNERS
\nThe 109th New Zealand Championship, hosted by Canterbury, was won by Anthony Ker. Martin Haag, of Germany, was second, followed by Russell Dive and Tony Dowden.
\nThe NZ Major Open was won by Barry Martin-Buss, with Nick Cummings and Michael Turner second equal.
\nThe NZ Rapid Championship was won by Russell Dive, with Paul Garbett, Tony Dowden and David Guthrie sharing second.
\nThe North Island Championship, hosted by Hamilton, was won by Mark Van Der Hoorn and Daniel Han.
\nThe North Island Rapid Championship was won by Bob Smith, Leonard McLaren and Daniel Han.
\nThe South Island Championship, hosted by Canterbury, was won by Tony Dowden, Matthew McNabb and Graeme Spain.
\nThe South Island Rapid Championship was won by Matthew McNabb, with Chris Baker second.
\nThe New Zealand Women’s Championship, run by Waitemata, was won by Viv Smith and Edith Otene.
\nThe Women’s Reserve Championship was won by Serra Tang.
\nThe New Zealand Junior Championship, hosted by Wellington Chess Club, was won by Jessie Wilson, with Sergi Tkatchenko second.
\nThe inaugural New Zealand Senior Championship, hosted by Auckland Chess Centre, was won by Victor Portougal.<\/p>\n

ACF INTERNET MATCH
\nCongratulations to the South Island team, which has beaten all the Australian states to take first place in the inaugural inter-state internet match organised by the Australian Chess Federation.
\nAt the time of writing, the North Island team also has a chance of sharing first, if it wins its last game.
\nHopefully NZ will be invited again next year!<\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE
\nEditor Graeme Trass has continued his hard work in producing the national magazine.
\nA new juniors’ column has been introduced, written by Felicity Timings, in a bid to boost support for the magazine. However increased production costs mean “NZ Chess” is still not paying its way. A concerted drive is intended in 2003 to increase the number of subscribers. Clubs can help by placing bulk orders for what is an interesting and informative record of chess in this country and overseas.<\/p>\n

THANKS
\nTo all Councillors and the many other people throughout the country who have helped to administer and promote chess throughout the year, I would like to express my personal thanks.
\nI realise the many commitments that people face these days. But, if we want to make progress, your efforts are essential.
\nThere are too many of you to list, but believe me, your work is much appreciated.<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION
\nNZCF Council has worked hard on behalf of chess and its affiliates throughout 2002.
\nWe have again made big strides in the area of junior chess; there are already clear indications that the new junior badge scheme will be a winner and will result in more juniors playing, as well as generating a continuing modest income for NZCF and affiliates involved.
\nThe Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix was another innovation which I am particularly excited about.
\nUnfortunately Council is losing several of its willing workers in 2003. Jack Frost is stepping down as Secretary after two years, as it would be difficult to perform his duties from China!
\nQuentin Johnson, who has been a huge asset to Council as Treasurer, is returning to his southern roots, and Bruce Wheeler is also stepping down after a year as Councillor.
\nOn behalf of Council and chess players throughout the country I would like to thank Jack, Quentin and Bruce for their efforts, which are greatly appreciated. Council looks forward to their continued support at club level as it pushes ahead with initiatives in the year to come.
\nWe are fortunate to retain the nucleus of a willing band of workers.
\nI personally look forward to another productive year, and hope that all affiliates will assist as Council strives to advance the cause of the royal game in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, New Zealand Chess Federation Inc.
\n21 November, 2002<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 12: SEPTEMBER 23, 2002<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello once again to all you fellow chessplayers out there. As usual there is<\/span>\u00a0plenty of news and information to impart.<\/span><\/p>\n

First of all a sad note this month, with the death of Howick Pakuranga Chess<\/span>\u00a0Club President Ken Williams.<\/span><\/p>\n

KEN WILLIAMS R.I.P.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ken was a keen chess enthusiast for much of his life. He was a prominent<\/span>\u00a0member of the Remuera Chess Club until it closed in the late 1970’s, when he<\/span>\u00a0joined Howick-Pakuranga. In his later years Ken was the driving force behind<\/span>\u00a0the club’s junior sessions, spending many voluntary hours teaching children<\/span>\u00a0chess and organising tournaments for them. I personally remember Ken as a<\/span>\u00a0quietly spoken, amenable person who was easy to get along with and always<\/span>\u00a0willing to help promote the game. A good turnout of chess players paid their<\/span>\u00a0respects at Ken’s funeral. He was 71.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL 2002<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand teams leave for Slovenia in a month.<\/span>\u00a0Most of the players face travel costs of $2600 or more. With 12 players and<\/span>\u00a0officials, that makes a total bill of over $31,000.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Olympiad appeal fund has now reached $1130 – just short of $100 each.<\/span>\u00a0Two new donations have been received since the last bulletin – $600 from<\/span>\u00a0Otago Chess Club, raised by a special President’s Olympiad Appeal, and $100<\/span>\u00a0from IM Ben Martin, all the way from Israel. On behalf of the players, many<\/span>\u00a0thanks to both donors and those previously acknowledged, who were: Ted Frost<\/span>\u00a0$50 Quentin Johnson $50 Thomas Gothorp $5 Upper Hutt Chess Club $100, R.J.<\/span>\u00a0Glass $100, H. P. Bennett $30, B. Millar $25, B. Poole $50,V Wang $20.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Olympiad appeal remains open for another month; please consider if you<\/span>\u00a0can help our international representatives on their way. Donations can be<\/span>\u00a0sent to: NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD TEAM MANAGER<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to unforseen circumstances Michael Freeman has had to withdraw as Team<\/span>\u00a0Manager and Men’s Team Captain; NZCF Vice-President Hilton Bennett has been<\/span>\u00a0appointed as his replacement in both those capacities. Hilton’s<\/span>\u00a0organisational and people skills are well known to most players around the<\/span>\u00a0country. While Michael will be missed at the Olympiad, Hilton will be an<\/span>\u00a0excellent substitute. There is no change to Women’s Team Captain, with Mark<\/span>\u00a0Van der Hoorn commited to the task of helping our women’s team achieve their<\/span>\u00a0best possible result.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

This inaugural NZCF event was played at the Auckland Chess Centre in July.<\/span>\u00a0Players over 60 at 1 January 2002 were eligible for the ORTVIN SARAPU<\/span>\u00a0MEMORIAL TROPHY, which was won by Victor Portougal, from Waitemata.<\/span>\u00a0Congratulations to Victor.<\/span>\u00a0The field for the first year was small, but NZCF is hopeful that support for<\/span>\u00a0the tournament will grow each year; it is an important part of NZCF<\/span>\u00a0Council’s efforts to cater for all members and stimulate chess across a wide<\/span>\u00a0spectrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW NZCF CLUBS<\/span><\/p>\n

It is my pleasure to officially welcome Masterton Chess Club and Remuera<\/span>\u00a0Junior Chess Club as new associate members of NZCF.<\/span>\u00a0No objections were received from existing clubs during the two month<\/span>\u00a0“probation period” specified by the rules.<\/span>\u00a0It is great to see the Federation growing; many thanks to the organisers who<\/span>\u00a0have helped to get these clubs going and now have the responsibility of<\/span>\u00a0running them.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

A plea from Rating Officer Viv Smith: When sending in results, please<\/span>\u00a0include details such as time control, number of rounds, dates played and<\/span>\u00a0note any new players (a separate word document if sending by e-mail). Such<\/span>\u00a0information is essential in processing tournaments for rating purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, a reminder that using the Swissperfect programme provided to all clubs<\/span>\u00a0by NZCF not only makes it easier to run tournaments, but also makes the job<\/span>\u00a0of Ratings Officer far simpler. The files generated by Swissperfect are<\/span>\u00a0already in an acceptable format and do not have to be retyped – saving many<\/span>\u00a0hours of work! Clubs are also reminded that another 6-monthly ratings list<\/span>\u00a0is due out in November, so if you want your tournaments included, keep those<\/span>\u00a0results rolling in please!<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX 2002<\/span><\/p>\n

Clubs will have received updates after each Grand Prix event of the leaders<\/span>\u00a0in the inaugural Grand Prix.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most recent tournaments were the Otago Spring Rapid (class 3), won by CM<\/span>\u00a0Tony Dowden (4.5\/5) and the Maruia Open (class 3), won by FM Roger Nokes<\/span>\u00a0(5\/5).<\/span><\/p>\n

The South Island Championship is currently in progress in Christchurch. It<\/span>\u00a0is probably a class 3 event, and is followed this Saturday, SEPTEMBER 28, by<\/span>\u00a0the South Island Rapid Championship (class 3). 6 round swiss, time control<\/span>\u00a030 minutes each. Entry fees $30 and $15 juniors Prizes dependent on entries.<\/span>\u00a0There is still time to enter the rapid. You should contact Craig Hall<\/span>\u00a0chall@inet.net.nz or by phone (03)3858750 or (021) 1289543<\/span><\/p>\n

Also coming up fast (OCTOBER 5 & 6) is the third Class One event of the<\/span>\u00a0year, the 29th NORTH SHORE OPEN (North Shore CC, Auckland).<\/span>\u00a0It is a five round swiss in two separate grades. Time control 40 in 1hr 20<\/span>\u00a0plus 10 minutes guillotine, with an extra 15 seconds per move from the<\/span>\u00a0start. Half point byes available on any of the 3 Saturday rounds. Entry fees<\/span>\u00a0$35, $25 juniors. Prize-fund $2400 ($500 first in the Open, $280 first in<\/span>\u00a0the B Grade). Contact Peter Stuart pstuart@xtra.co.nz or phone (09) 4456377<\/span><\/p>\n

The following weekend it’s the capital’s turn, with the WELLINGTON RAPID<\/span>\u00a0TOURNAMENT (Wellington CC, Class 3, Wellington) Saturday, OCTOBER 12. 6<\/span>\u00a0round swiss, time control 30 minutes each. Entry fees $30, $20 juniors, $15<\/span>\u00a0schoolpupils. Prizes: 1st $160, others dependent on entries. Contact Ross<\/span>\u00a0Jackson rosslin@paradise.net.nz ph (04)9021707<\/span><\/p>\n

Grand Prix Leaders:<\/p>\n

Open: R. Smith 50, A. Kulashko, D. Guthrie 39.4, P. Garbett 37.9, P. Green<\/span>\u00a031.5, D. Han 29.5, L. McLaren 28.4, M. Van der Hoorn 26.5,<\/span>\u00a0P. Wang 20.5,<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 2000: P. Wang 58.4, D. Han 56.4, B. Giles 46.5, F. Fuatai 29.5, S.<\/span>\u00a0East 25.5, M. Wojnar 22.9, M. Turner 21.75<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1700: H. Jacobs 42.4, B. Reedy 40, E. Charomova 36, H. Modlik & A.<\/span>\u00a0Cossey 34.9, J. Browne 32, G. Thornton 27.5, P. Rossiter 27, G. Pocock 23, H. Gold 20.33<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1400: M.Zhang 57.5, G. Thornton 56, T. Gothorp 36.5, T. Maroroa 28.67,<\/span>\u00a0S. Maroroa 26, R. Stierand 22.67<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior: D. Han 55, E. Charomova 51, A. Cossey 49.5, P. Wang 40.5, G.<\/span>\u00a0Thornton 34, M. Zhang 32, J. Wilson 24, E. Book 20<\/span><\/p>\n

Female: E. Charomova 67.5, V. Smith 57, S. Maroroa 46.5, E. Otene 43.5, D.<\/span>\u00a0Prinsloo 22<\/span><\/p>\n

110th NZ CHESS CONGRESS – WANGANUI<\/span><\/p>\n

All clubs should have received brochures for this year’s NZ Chess Congress.<\/span>\u00a0Wanganui is continuing to do a great job in organising Congress, and we can<\/span>\u00a0look forward to a very enjoyable time in the River City. The NZ<\/span>\u00a0Championship, NZ Major Open, NZ Rapid Championship and NZ Lightning<\/span>\u00a0Championship will be held at the Wanganui Collegiate Hotel and Motor Inn,<\/span>\u00a0122 Liverpool St, Wanganui. Wanganui Chess Club has arranged the following<\/span>\u00a0accomodation rates at the venue: single $70 a night; twin\/double $40 per<\/span>\u00a0person a night; triple\/quad $27.50 per person a night. The venue has<\/span>\u00a0cafe\/bar facilities and is directly off the Main Street with a wide variety<\/span>\u00a0of eating establishments. The NZ Championship and Major Open will start on<\/span>\u00a0January 2, 2003. Congress will comprise the final events in the 2002 Global<\/span>\u00a0Chess Enterprises Grand Prix. Enquiries: Allan Short\u00a0allan.short@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/span>\u00a0or Gordon Hoskyn ph (06)3436101<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR BADGE SCHEME<\/span><\/p>\n

Council is almost ready to launch a 6 level test for juniors, which will<\/span>\u00a0involve badges and\u00a0 certificates for successful candidates. The Level One<\/span>\u00a0test is complete, while the framework has been done for the others. The<\/span>\u00a0level one test has already been successfully trialled on a number of<\/span>\u00a0children. A lot of work has gone into designing the badges, which will be<\/span>\u00a0something that children will definitely want! Council believes that this<\/span>\u00a0scheme will become popular among juniors, as they collect all six badges and<\/span>\u00a0improve their understanding of chess.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span><\/p>\n

This is now moving on to play-offs to find North Island and South Island<\/span>\u00a0winners in primary, intermediate and secondary divisions.<\/span>\u00a0The North Island Intermediate and Primary regional winners have decided to<\/span>\u00a0play face to face in Wanganui next month. The teams involved are:<\/span>\u00a0Intermediate – Discovery (Wellington), Kokohuia (Wanganui), Remuera<\/span>\u00a0(Auckland)<\/span>\u00a0Primary – Easter Hutt (Wellington), St George’s (Wanganui), St Heliers<\/span>\u00a0(Auckland)<\/span><\/p>\n

The North Island secondary winners are Westlake Boys(Auckland), St Paul’s<\/span>\u00a0Collegiate(Central NI), Wanganui High School(Wanganui), Tawa<\/span>\u00a0College(Wellington). They will be playing knockout matches to decide the<\/span>\u00a0North Island Champion.<\/span><\/p>\n

The North Island primary, intermediate and secondary champions will then<\/span>\u00a0play final matches to decide this year’s NZ Champions.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

Please get your contributions in for the October issue! Tournament reports,<\/span>\u00a0club news and annotated games are very welcome. They should be e-mailed to:<\/span>\u00a0Graeme Trass, Editor, “NZ Chess”, at triangle@world-net.co.nz or by post to<\/span>\u00a0“NZ Chess”, P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730.<\/span>\u00a0Photos are also appreciated to spruce up reports and articles.<\/span><\/p>\n

GM EDUARD GUFELD<\/span><\/p>\n

I have just learnt that Grandmaster Eduard Gufeld, whom many New Zealand<\/span>\u00a0players knew, has died at the age of 66. Gufeld suffered a stroke a<\/span>\u00a0fortnight ago and had been in a coma since then in a Los Angeles Hospital.<\/span>\u00a0Gufeld, who was once among the strongest players in the world, visited New<\/span>\u00a0Zealand on at least one occasion, winning many friends and fans with his<\/span>\u00a0enthusiastic personality and love for chess. Gufeld was a prolific author,<\/span>\u00a0writing more than a hundred chess books. Over the board, he liked nothing<\/span>\u00a0more than a complicated game full of combinations and unexpected twists and<\/span>\u00a0turns. There will be a full tribute to this remarkable man in October “NZ<\/span>\u00a0Chess”, plus a selection of games.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please remember club officials: print off this bulletin and make it<\/span>\u00a0available at your club. As a journalist, I believe communication is vital –<\/span>\u00a0and I am sure that all other NZCF Councillors would agree with me!<\/span><\/p>\n

Happy chessing,<\/span>
\nBob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation Inc
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 11: JULY 19, 2002<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello everyone. Much has been happening in New Zealand chess since my last<\/span>\u00a0bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD TEAM<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand teams to compete at the World Chess Olympiad in Slovenia<\/span>\u00a0from October 25 to November 11 have been selected.<\/span><\/p>\n

They are: Men’s team – FM Alexei Kulashko (Auckland), IM Russell Dive<\/span>\u00a0(Wellington) , Igor Bjelobrk (Melbourne), FM Bob Smith(Auckland), FM Scott<\/span>\u00a0Wastney(Melbourne), CM Tony Dowden(Dunedin)<\/span><\/p>\n

Women’s team – Vivian Smith, Edith Otene, Evginia Charomova, Sue Maroroa<\/span>\u00a0(all from Auckland).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Men’s Team Captain and overall Team Manager is ICM Michael Freeman(Midhirst). The Women’s Team Captain is Mark Van Der Hoorn (Wellington).<\/p>\n

Competition for the men’s team was keen, with several players unlucky to<\/span>\u00a0miss out. New Zealand Champion Anthony Ker was unavailable, while FM Paul<\/span>\u00a0Garbett withdrew at a late stage. IM Russell Dive and CM Tony Dowden were<\/span>\u00a0included automatically as a result of their performances in the 109th NZ<\/span>\u00a0Championship in Christchurch. In choosing the remaining four players, the<\/span>\u00a0selectors – International Arbiter Bob Gibbons, ICM Michael Freeman and<\/span>\u00a0Arthur Pomeroy – put some emphasis on activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Women’s Team is a blend of experience and youth. Several leading players<\/span>\u00a0were not available, and this has given some promising juniors a great<\/span>\u00a0opportunity. On board one Vivian Smith will compete at her 11th Olympiad – a<\/span>\u00a0NZ record – while Edith Otene is also a seasoned campaigner. But Evginia<\/span>\u00a0Charomova and Sue Maroroa are debutantes. 13-year-old Evginia is already the<\/span>\u00a0second highest rated female in New Zealand, and recently finished fourth<\/span>\u00a0equal in the North Island Championship (5.5\/8). Going to the Olympiad will<\/span>\u00a0be a great learning experience for 11-year-old Sue Maroroa. She recently won<\/span>\u00a0the Waitakere Licensing Trust Junior Tournament with 5\/5 and is the Auckland<\/span>\u00a0Girls Under 12 Champion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Donations are still coming in slowly for the Olympiad appeal. Travel costs<\/span>\u00a0are around $2500 for each player, so all contributions are very much<\/span>\u00a0appreciated. The latest donations are: Ted Frost $50 Quentin Johnson $50<\/span>\u00a0Thomas Gothorp $5.<\/span>\u00a0Previously acknowledged:Upper Hutt Chess Club: $100, R.J. Glass: $100, H. P.<\/span>\u00a0Bennett: $30, B. Millar: $25,B. Poole $50,V Wang $20, bringing the total so<\/span>\u00a0far to $430. Many thanks to all the above. There is still a long way to go<\/span>\u00a0to cover the travel costs of our national representatives. Remember, every<\/span>\u00a0little bit helps. Olympiad donations can be sent to: NZCF, P.O. Box 216<\/span>\u00a0Shortland St, Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW NZCF CLUBS<\/span><\/p>\n

Two new clubs have applied for associate membership of the New Zealand Chess<\/span>\u00a0Federation. They are : Masterton Chess Club, and Remuera Junior Chess Club.<\/span>\u00a0I can attest that both clubs are very active in promoting chess and will be<\/span>\u00a0valuable additions to our membership.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF regulations provide a two-month period for existing clubs to register<\/span>\u00a0with NZCF any objection to applications by new members.<\/span>\u00a0In the meantime, both Masterton and Remuera Junior chess clubs will be<\/span>\u00a0treated as full associate members.<\/span><\/p>\n

NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to Mark Van Der Hoorn and Daniel Han, who tied for first in<\/span>\u00a0the recent North Island Championship in Hamilton(6.5\/8).<\/span>\u00a0Mark’s result builds on a string of good performances that have lifted his<\/span>\u00a0rating over 2200, while Daniel has proved that he is a junior of exceptional<\/span>\u00a0potential. Two other juniors did especially well in this open swiss:<\/span>\u00a012-year-old Puchen Wang and 13-year-old Evginia Charomova finished in a tie<\/span>\u00a0for fourth with Ben Giles (5.5\/8). To my knowledge 5.5\/8 is the highest<\/span>\u00a0score that a female has achieved in the North Island Championship, let alone<\/span>\u00a0a female who is just 13! If anyone has information on that point, I would be<\/span>pleased to hear from them.<\/span>\u00a0Third place in the tournament went to Ralph Hart, with 6\/8.<\/span><\/p>\n

NORTH ISLAND RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

Organising club Hamilton was pleased with a turnout of 52 players for this<\/span>\u00a0one-day rapid event. Leonard McLaren struck a telling blow with a win over<\/span>\u00a0Paul Garbett in round 4. This left McLaren and Bob Smith in the lead with 4\/4. Smith turned down the first draw offer but took the second in their round<\/span>\u00a05 encounter, leaving the pair with a narrow lead going into the final round.<\/span>\u00a0Garbett’s efforts to beat Smith in round 6 failed, while McLaren also drew,<\/span>\u00a0with Hart. Daniel Han made the most of a slightly easier last round pairing,<\/span>\u00a0beating Brian Millar to tie for first with Smith and McLaren (5\/6). The<\/span>\u00a0tournament capped a great week for Han, who shared two North Island titles.<\/span>\u00a0It also consolidated Smith’s lead in the inaugural Grand Prix, while McLaren<\/span>\u00a0moved into GP contention with his second consecutive shared first, following<\/span>\u00a0his tie in the 25th Waitakere Licensing Trust Open.<\/span><\/p>\n

SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

This will be held in Christchurch by Canterbury Chess Club in September, as usual. It will be an 8-round swiss. Entry fees: $60 and $30 for juniors. The<\/span>\u00a0South Island Rapid will be played in conjunction with the main event. Both<\/span>\u00a0tournaments will be part of the Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix.<\/span>\u00a0Enquiries: Craig Hall cih13@student.canrebury.ac.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

110th NZ CHESS CONGRESS – WANGANUI<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZ Championship, NZ Major Open, NZ Rapid Championship and NZ Lightning<\/span>\u00a0Championship will be held at the Wanganui Collegiate Hotel and Motor Inn,<\/span>\u00a0122 Liverpool St, Wanganui. Wanganui Chess Club has arranged the following<\/span>\u00a0accomodation rates at the venue:<\/span>\u00a0single $70 a night; twin\/double $40 per person a night; triple\/quad $27.50<\/span>\u00a0per person a night. The venue has cafe\/bar facilities and is directly off<\/span>\u00a0the Main Street with a wide variety of eating establishments. The NZ<\/span>\u00a0Championship and Major Open will start on January 2, 2003.<\/span><\/p>\n

Congress will comprise the final events in the 2002 Global Chess Enterprises<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix. Enquiries: Allan Short allan.short@xtra.co.nz or Gordon Hoskyn<\/span>\u00a0ph (06)3436101<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to Viv Smith and Edith Otene, who shared first in the 2002<\/span>\u00a0NZ Women’s Championship held by Waitemata Chess Club at the Auckland Chess<\/span>\u00a0Centre at Queen’s Birthday Weekend. They both scored 6\/7. It is Edith’s<\/span>\u00a0first NZ title, while Viv has now made it 8. Third on 5\/7 was 13-year-old<\/span>\u00a0Evginia Charomova.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS FOR CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Chess Federation’s second ‘Chess for Girls Week’ was again<\/span>\u00a0very successful with girls’ tournaments being held in Auckland and<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch on the 29th and 30th May respectively. 109 girls aged from 6 to<\/span>\u00a016 took part in the Auckland event, run by Waitemata Chess Club. The Under<\/span>\u00a016 and Under 14 titles were won by Evginia Charomova, while Sue Maroroa won<\/span>\u00a0the Under 12 title. A play-off is scheduled<\/span>\u00a0for the third term to decide the overall Auckland Girls Champion. The Under<\/span>\u00a010 Champion was Sharon Wu; Marija Zutic won the Under 8 title.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Christchurch 40 girls turned out. Last year’s joint NZ Women’s Reserve<\/span>\u00a0Champion Hannah Mason took the overall title of Christchurch Girls Champion.<\/span>\u00a0Age group winners: 6 years Tor Robinson, 7 years Ellen Paquier, 8 years Lucy<\/span>\u00a0Smith, 9 years Kelsey Shepherd, 10 years Manu Somerfield, 11 years Melissa<\/span>\u00a0Cullen, 12 years Rachel Hanover-O’Connor, 13 years Hannah Mason.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2002 NZ Junior Championship, organised by Wellington Chess Club,<\/span>\u00a0produced a few surprises and a new winner.<\/span>\u00a0In a close contest Jessie Wilson from Wellington came out on top with 5.5\/6.<\/span>\u00a0His key victory was in a chaotic game against Evginia Charomova, where he<\/span>\u00a0handled a time scramble better in a worse position. Second was another<\/span>\u00a0Wellingtonian, Sergi Tkatchenko, with Charomova and Andrew Khytko tied for<\/span>\u00a0third (4.5\/6). New Zealand-born Angela Song from Australia took the Under 12<\/span>\u00a0and Under 10 titles with 4\/6, with her brother Raymond half a point behind.<\/span>\u00a0Charomova and Khytko shared the Under 16 and Under 14 titles, while<\/span>Charomova also took the NZ Girls title. 28 players took part.<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS<\/span><\/p>\n

The following international tournaments for juniors are coming up. Juniors<\/span>\u00a0interested in participating should advise Council. Selected players usually<\/span>\u00a0get free accommodation and board, with New Zealand entitled to one player in<\/span>\u00a0most events.<\/span><\/p>\n

World Youth Championship 14 to 22 November Iraklio, Crete, GREECE for Under<\/span>\u00a010, 12, 14, 16 and 18.<\/span>
\nWorld Junior Championship 8 to 21 December Calicut, INDIA<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

This new event started today at the Auckland Chess Centre. Players over 60<\/span>\u00a0at 1 January 2002 are eligible for the handsome ORTVIN SARAPU MEMORIAL<\/span>\u00a0TROPHY, which will be presented by Ortvin’s wife, Barbara. I understand the<\/span>\u00a0inaugural tournament has a small field, but big things can grow from small<\/span>\u00a0beginnings. NZCF is hopeful the prestige and support of this tournament will<\/span>\u00a0grow year by year.<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/p>\n

The inaugural competition is proving a great success. Tournament fields are<\/span>\u00a0up in most events around the country e.g. 102 in the 25th Waitakere<\/span>\u00a0Licensing Trust Open, 52 in the recent North Island Rapid Championship. With<\/span>\u00a0half the year gone, 12 events have been included in the Grand Prix so far.<\/span>\u00a0GP points have so far been awarded to more than 180 players – though some<\/span>\u00a0have points in more than one division. Clubs will have received a recent<\/span>\u00a0update of the standings in all divisions. Remember, the more tournaments<\/span>\u00a0included the better. Also, NZCF Council and myself welcome feedback on the<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix format, although there will be no further changes this season.<\/span>\u00a0As GP Administrator, I believe the current format is working well overall,<\/span>\u00a0but there is always room for some fine-tuning.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix climaxes with the 110th New Zealand<\/span>\u00a0Congress in Wanganui, with the last three GP events being the New Zealand<\/span>\u00a0Championship, Major Open and New Zealand Rapid Championship. But before<\/span>\u00a0that, there are expected to be at least another seven GP tournaments,<\/span>\u00a0including the South Island Championship and Rapid Championship in<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch in September (details, Craig Hall<\/span>\u00a0cih13@student.canterbury.ac.nz ) The next GP events are WAIKATO OPEN<\/span>\u00a0CHAMPIONSHIP (Hamilton CC, Class 2, Hamilton, 16-18 August) Minimum<\/span>\u00a0prize-fund $1000. 6-round swiss (Friday night round) at 45 in 90 plus 15<\/span>\u00a0mins guillotine, optional half point bye in first 5 rounds. Contact Hilton<\/span>\u00a0Bennett e-mail Hilton@wave.co.nz Ph 025 964773 2nd MARUIA OPEN (Ben Giles,<\/span>\u00a0Class 3, Maruia, 31 Aug & 1 Sept) 5 round swiss at 40 in 90 plus 15 mins<\/span>\u00a0guillotine, optional half point bye in first round. Contact Ben Giles e-mail<\/span>\u00a0budapest@actrix.co.nz ph (03) 5238869<\/span><\/p>\n

GP leaders – Open: R. Smith 50, P. Garbett 37.9, P. Green 31.5, A. Kulashko<\/span>\u00a030.9, D. Han 29.5, L. McLaren 28.4, M. Van der Hoorn 26.5, D. Guthrie 24.4,<\/span>\u00a0P. Wang 20.5<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 2000: P. Wang 58.4, D. Han 56.4, B. Giles 46.5, F. Fuatai 29.5, S.<\/span>\u00a0East 25.5, M. Wojnar 22.9, M. Turner 21.75<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1700: E. Charomova 35, H. Modlik & A. Cossey 34.9, H. Jacobs 28.4, B.<\/span>\u00a0Reedy 28, G. Thornton 25.5, G. Pocock 21<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1400: M.Zhang 57.5, G. Thornton 45.83, T. Maroroa 29.5, T. Gothorp<\/span>\u00a024.2, S. Maroroa 23.5, R. Stierand 22.67<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior: D. Han 55, A. Cossey 49.5, E. Charomova 46.5, P. Wang 40.5, M. Zhang<\/span>\u00a032, J. Wilson 24, G. Thornton 21.5, E. Book 20<\/span><\/p>\n

Female: E. Charomova 67.5, V. Smith 57, S. Maroroa 46.5, E. Otene 43.5, D.<\/span>\u00a0Prinsloo 22<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span><\/p>\n

The second year of this competition is in full swing. Competitions have been<\/span>\u00a0held or are soon being held in Wellington, Wanganui, Masterton,<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland (North Shore, West Auckland, Central<\/span>\u00a0Auckland, South Auckland).<\/span>\u00a0There has been huge interest. 224 children played in the North Shore West<\/span>Auckland Primary and Intermediate Competition (organisers – North Harbour<\/span>\u00a0Junior Chess Club), 212 in West Auckland (organisers – Waitemata CC), 190<\/span>\u00a0in Wanganui (organisers Wanganui CC), 116 in Hamilton (organisers Hamilton<\/span>\u00a0CC), 80 in Wellington (inaugural year, organisers Wellington CC), 84 at the<\/span>\u00a0Wellington Secondary Inter-schools (Wellington CC). In addition 800 children<\/span>\u00a0are taking part in the on-going Press Chess Competitions in Christchurch,<\/span>\u00a0involving teams from as far away as the West Coast. Masterton is holding its<\/span>\u00a0inaugural Inter-schools Competition even as I write, and is expecting a big<\/span>\u00a0turnout – NZCF shipped 20 sets and boards to them to help out! Bob and Viv<\/span>\u00a0Smith are holding the Central and South<\/span>\u00a0Auckland competitions next week, with indications that the Central at least<\/span>\u00a0will see another big attendance (160 children played last year).<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as the Auckland area finalists have been confirmed the Auckland<\/span>\u00a0finals will be played, and then onto regional knock-out matches, climaxing<\/span>\u00a0in North Island and South Island finals, and then play-offs for the national<\/span>\u00a0titles between the North and South Island winners in primary, intermediate<\/span>\u00a0and (hopefully) secondary divisions. In last year’s inaugural year there<\/span>\u00a0proved to be insufficient time to complete the secondary championship; this<\/span>\u00a0year the area competitions are being pushed through earlier, so I am hopeful<\/span>\u00a0that the secondary titles can be decided before exams intervene!<\/span>\u00a0Conratulations to all those clubs who have organised Inter-schools<\/span>\u00a0Competitions. The kids love them, and they bring new players into our ranks<\/span>\u00a0and help to increase the profile of chess (and your club!) in New Zealand.<\/span>\u00a0It is a little disappointing that some (major!) clubs are not coming to the<\/span>\u00a0party by organising schools events. Please seriously consider supporting<\/span>\u00a0this very worthwhile competition next year.<\/span><\/p>\n

PLEASE REMEMBER<\/span><\/p>\n

Clubs who have organised Inter-schools Competitions: These involve an NZCF<\/span>\u00a0levy of $3 a team. Please send this to NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St<\/span>\u00a0Auckland 1 as soon as you can. These funds are used for trophies and to<\/span>\u00a0promote junior chess (including the NZCF chess badge grading system which is<\/span>\u00a0currently being finalised).<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

Please get your contributions in for the August issue! Tournament reports,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0club news and annotated games are very welcome. They should be e-mailed to:<\/span>\u00a0Graeme Trass, Editor, “NZ Chess”, at triangle@world-net.co.nz or by post<\/span>\u00a0to “NZ Chess”, P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730.<\/span><\/p>\n

FINALLY<\/span><\/p>\n

Club officials, please print off this bulletin and post it on the notice<\/span>\u00a0board. Communication and ideas are an important part of our mission to<\/span>\u00a0“grow” chess in New Zealand, and make it as enjoyable as possible for<\/span>\u00a0everyone. NZCF Council welcomes feedback – but to get it, people have to<\/span>\u00a0know what’s going on!<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time,<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation Inc<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 10 : MAY 3, 2002<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello again everyone. Firstly, I have some sad news to relate. Otago Chess<\/span>\u00a0Club advises that long-time New Zealand identity Malcolm Foord has passed<\/span>\u00a0away. Malcolm was the epitome of the sort of player who is so important for<\/span>\u00a0chess – reliable, dedicated and a worker for the royal game. But others knew<\/span>\u00a0him better than I did, and there will be a full tribute in “NZ Chess”<\/span>\u00a0magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

MALCOLM FOORD, R.I.P.<\/span><\/p>\n

Otago Chess Club stalwart Malcolm Foord passed away earlier this week at the<\/span>\u00a0age of 80, apparently after a heart attack. Malcolm is believed to have<\/span>\u00a0started playing at the Otago Club in the 1930’s. At his peak he was a strong<\/span>\u00a0player and remained a dedicated chess fan to the last. He played in the<\/span>\u00a0recent Otago Easter Tournament and on the day of his death he had arranged a<\/span>\u00a0game for the next day. Malcolm will be missed.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW NZCF TREASURER<\/span><\/p>\n

Quentin Johnson, of the Auckland Chess Centre, has offered his services as<\/span>\u00a0NZCF Treasurer. This offer has been gratefully accepted.<\/span>\u00a0Quentin, who was recently co-opted to NZCF Council, is a qualified<\/span>\u00a0accountant and should be a great asset to the Federation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roger Perry, who has carried on as Treasurer much longer than he originally<\/span>\u00a0intended, gets a welcome break (to concentrate on his marathon running!)<\/span>\u00a0after three and a half years. On behalf of NZCF I would like to express my<\/span>\u00a0appreciation of Roger’s efforts. He has a family and a demanding job, so<\/span>\u00a0keeping the NZCF books has meant a heavy load. Thank you Roger and welcome<\/span>\u00a0Quentin.<\/span><\/p>\n

AFFILIATIONS, REGISTRATIONS<\/span><\/p>\n

Most clubs are now affiliated. However the rate of player registrations is<\/span>\u00a0still quite slow. Please get these in. Otherwise club members may have to<\/span>\u00a0register at a tournament and reclaim the fee from their clubs. The<\/span>\u00a0registration fees are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors. If you need<\/span>\u00a0more registration cards please e-mail the NZCF Secretary, Jack Frost, at<\/span>\u00a0lbfrost@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL 6 to 11 May FIJI<\/span><\/p>\n

Six New Zealanders are competing in next week’s Zonal. Official<\/span>\u00a0representatives IM Anthony Ker and Viv Smith are joined by FM Bob Smith, NM<\/span>\u00a0Peter Green, Hilton Bennett and Paul Spiller. Good luck to them all. I<\/span>\u00a0understand Anthony’s wife Kathy will also be there to give him the neck<\/span>\u00a0massages that proved so successful at the last New Zealand Championship! The<\/span>\u00a0field of 26 for the Men’s Zonal includes one GM, 3 IM’s and 8 FM’s. The 9<\/span>\u00a0players in the Women’s Zonal include two WIM’s and one WFM. The tournaments<\/span>\u00a0are being held at the Warwick Fiji Hotel Resort , Coral Coast of Viti Levu.<\/span>\u00a0The games can be followed at www.auschess.org.au\/oceania\/fzt.htm<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL – PLEASE HELP OUR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ON THEIR WAY!<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2002 Olympiad is being held in Bled, Slovenia, from October 25 to<\/span>\u00a0November 11. The NZ teams (6 men, 4 women) will be finalised later this<\/span>\u00a0month. In the meantime I urge all chess players throughout New Zealand to<\/span>\u00a0consider making a donation to help with travel costs. Donations to the<\/span>\u00a0Olympiad appeal should be sent to: NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St,<\/span>\u00a0Auckland 1. All contributions will be acknowledged in the NZCF Bulletin and<\/span>\u00a0in “NZ Chess” magazine. Donations received to date: Victor Wang $20, Bill<\/span>\u00a0Poole $50. Many thanks on behalf of the players.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ OLYMPIAD TEAM CAPTAINS : MEN AND WOMEN<\/span><\/p>\n

There is still time to apply for the positions of Men’s and Women’s Team<\/span>\u00a0Captains. Both officials receive free accommodation and meals during the<\/span>\u00a0course of the Olympiad. However at this stage there is no guarantee of<\/span>\u00a0funding towards travel costs. The Men’s and Women’s Team Captains need good<\/span>\u00a0people skills, an ability to motivate players, an objective approach,<\/span>\u00a0leadership qualities, good research skills and, in the case of the Women’s<\/span>\u00a0Team Captain, a sufficient knowledge of chess to be able to help players<\/span>\u00a0prepare for their matches. The team captains usually submit the playing<\/span>\u00a0teams for the day (after consultation) and will often do research for team<\/span>\u00a0members on their upcoming opponents. Anyone interested in the above posts<\/span>\u00a0should write urgently to the NZCF Secretary, Jack Frost\u00a0lbfrost@xtra.co.nz<\/a><\/span>\u00a0or by post to Jack at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX 2002 – RULE AMENDMENT<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has agreed that, in light of concerns from some South Island clubs,<\/span>\u00a0players will be able to include three Class 3 tournaments (under $1000<\/span>\u00a0prize-money) in their 4 counting Grand Prix events, in this inaugural year<\/span>\u00a0only. This should make it easier for South Island organisers to run Grand<\/span>\u00a0Prix tournaments; as GP Administrator, I now look forward to hearing about<\/span>\u00a0new weekend tournament activity in the Mainland!<\/span><\/p>\n

Clubs will have received regular Grand Prix updates. Results from 5<\/span>\u00a0tournaments have so far been included: the Latvian Tournament (Howick-Pakuranga CC, Auckland), the Good Friday Challenge (Global Chess<\/span>\u00a0Enterprises, Auckland), the Otago Easter (Otago CC, Dunedin), the Wellington<\/span>\u00a0Easter (Wellington CC, Wellington, and the Hamilton Rapid (Hamilton CC,<\/span>\u00a0Hamilton). Attendances have been up in almost all of these events – it is<\/span>\u00a0clear that the Grand Prix is creating considerable interest within the chess<\/span>\u00a0community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaders at the moment are:<\/p>\n

Open: FM R. Smith 38, P. Green 31.5, FM P. Garbett 25, FM A. Kulashko 18.5,<\/span>\u00a0FM B. Watson 15.5, P. Wang 15<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 2000: P. Wang 46, F. Fuatai 29.5, S. East 25.5, M. Turner 17.42, B.<\/span>\u00a0Giles 12<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1700: H. Modlik & A. Cossey 34.9, H. Jacobs 27.9, M. Zhang 17.4, E.<\/span>\u00a0Charomova 14, V.Smith 12.4<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1400: M.Zhang 35, S. Maroroa 24.5, G. Thornton 23.5, J. Cursons, C.<\/span>\u00a0Phillips, T. Maroroa & T. Gothorp 10.5<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior: A. Cossey 39, E. Charomova 27.5, M. Zhang 22.5, D. Han 20, P. Wang<\/span>\u00a015, S. Maroroa 13.5.<\/span><\/p>\n

Female: E. Charomova 43.5, S. Maroroa 34.5, V. Smith 29, E. Otene 18, S.<\/span>\u00a0Tang 15<\/span><\/p>\n

The next Grand Prix event is the Kapiti Chess Club’s KAPITI RAPID TOURNAMENT<\/span>\u00a0tomorrow, 4 May, at the Kapiti Community Centre in Paraparaumu. This is a<\/span>\u00a0Class 3 event with the following Grand Prix points available in all<\/span>\u00a0qualifying categories: 1st Class 3: 1st 12, 2nd 9, 3rd 6, 4th 4, 5th 3. A 6<\/span>\u00a0round swiss with a time control of 30 minutes per player. Entry fee: $25<\/span>\u00a0Entries will be accepted on the day. Enquiries: Guy Burns ph (04) 9042002 or<\/span>\u00a0John Whibley ph (04) 9024157.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then comes Waitemata Chess Club’s 25th WAITAKERE LICENSING TRUST CHESS OPEN<\/span>\u00a0on May 25 & 26 at the Lincoln Green Motor Hotel in Henderson, West Auckland.<\/span>\u00a0With prize-money of over $4800, this is a class one event. GP points are<\/span>\u00a0awarded as follows in all qualifying categories: 1st 20, 2nd 15, 3rd 12, 4th<\/span>\u00a09, 5th 6. The tournament comprises four separate 5 round swisses (A,B,C,<\/span>\u00a0Junior -under 14- tournaments).<\/span>\u00a0Time control: 45 moves in 90 minutes plus 15 minutes each. Free drinks and<\/span>\u00a0refreshments for all players and officials after the prize-giving. Entry<\/span>\u00a0fees: $35, $25 juniors, $20 junior tournament, FM’s $20, IM’s free.<\/span>\u00a0Enquiries: Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz ph (09)8172664 025 786282<\/span><\/p>\n

At the start of June the NZ WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP will be a Grand Prix<\/span>\u00a0event – but only for the female division. The Championship, organised by<\/span>\u00a0Waitemata Chess Club, is being held at the Auckland Chess Centre from 1-3<\/span>\u00a0June. There are 2 separate tournaments: the NZ Women’s Championship and the<\/span>\u00a0NZ Women’s Reserve Championship. Both events are intended to be 7 round<\/span>\u00a0swisses, with a time control of 90 minutes each, plus 30 seconds a move from<\/span>\u00a0the start (the same as the upcoming Oceania Zonal in Fiji). Enquiries: Bob<\/span>\u00a0or Viv Smith ph (09) 8172664 or e-mail bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly the NZ JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, organised by Wellington Chess Club,<\/span>\u00a0will be a Grand Prix event – but only for juniors (under 20 at 01\/01\/02).<\/span>\u00a0The Junior Championship is being held in Wellington from July 1-3. It is a<\/span>\u00a06-round swiss. As well as the overall title, players can also win titles in<\/span>\u00a0the following groups: NZ Girls, NZ Schoolgirls, Under 16, Under 14, Under<\/span>\u00a012, Under 10. There must be 5 players in a group for a title to be awarded,<\/span>\u00a0and three for girls’ titles to be awarded. Entry fee $30, plus $6.50 NZCF<\/span>\u00a0registration for unregistered players. Time control: 1hr 45 each for the<\/span>\u00a0whole game. Playing times: 9.30am – 1pm 2pm to 5.30pm Enquiries: Alan<\/span>\u00a0Aldridge Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

THE NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP, organised by Hamilton Chess Club, from 9-13<\/span>\u00a0July will also be a Grand Prix event. This eight-round swiss will be held at<\/span>\u00a0St Pauls Collegiate in Hamilton. Hamilton has arranged a very reasonable<\/span>\u00a0accomodation package based on single rooms, share twin, and dormitory. The<\/span>\u00a0North Island Rapid Championships at the same venue on July 14 will also be a<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix event.<\/span>\u00a0Enquiries re both tournaments: William Lynn Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz or<\/span>\u00a0Hilton Bennett hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

The following month Hamilton hosts another Grand Prix event: the WAIKATO<\/span>\u00a0OPEN. This 6-round swiss will be held on 17,18 and 19 August, with one round<\/span>\u00a0on the Friday evening. An optional bye is offered in any of the first five<\/span>\u00a0rounds. Contact William or Hilton as above.<\/span><\/p>\n

SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span>\u00a0This will be held in Christchurch by Canterbury Chess Club in September, as<\/span>\u00a0usual. It will be an 8-round swiss. Entry fees: $60 and $30 for juniors. The<\/span>\u00a0South Island Rapid will be played in conjunction with the main event. Both<\/span>\u00a0tournaments will be part of the Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix. Other<\/span>\u00a0details yet to be advised. Enquiries: Craig Hall<\/span>\u00a0cih13@student.canrebury.ac.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

110th NZ CHESS CONGRESS – WANGANUI<\/p>\n

The NZ Championship, NZ Major Open, NZ Rapid Championship and NZ Lightning<\/span>\u00a0Championship will be held at the Wanganui Collegiate Hotel and Motor Inn,<\/span>\u00a0122 Liverpool St, Wanganui. The organising club, Wanganui, advises it is a<\/span>\u00a0modern, air-conditioned venue with a choice of both motel and hotel style<\/span>accommodation. Wanganui has arranged the following accomodation rates:<\/span>\u00a0single $70 a night; twin\/double $40 per person a night; triple\/quad $27.50<\/span>\u00a0per person a night. The venue has cafe\/bar facilities and is directly off<\/span>\u00a0the Main Street with a wide variety of eating establishments. The NZ<\/span>\u00a0Championship and Major Open are expected to start on January 2, 2003.<\/span>\u00a0Congress will comprise the final events in the 2002 Global Chess Enterprises<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix. Enquiries: Allan Short allan.short@xtra.co.nz or Gordon Hoskyn<\/span>\u00a0ph (06)3436101<\/span><\/p>\n

GRAND PRIX LEVIES:<\/p>\n

A reminder: tournaments included in the Grand Prix pay the following levies<\/span>\u00a0to NZCF: Auckland or Wellington: Class 1: $150 Class 2: $100 Class 3: $50<\/span>\u00a0All other areas: Class 1: $130 Class 2: $80 Class 3: $30 Tournament<\/span>\u00a0organisers need to advise the Grand Prix Administrator, Bob<\/span>\u00a0Smith, and pay the relevant NZCF levy a month before a Grand Prix event.<\/span>\u00a0The Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix must be mentioned on entry forms. A<\/span>\u00a0copy of the GCE logo can be sent to organisers in Word format upon request.<\/span><\/p>\n

Results to be advised within a fortnight of the completion of the<\/span>\u00a0tournament. The GP Administrator Bob Smith can be contacted at (09) 8172664<\/span>\u00a0(025) 786282, or e-mail bobviv@actrix.gen.nz Postal enquiries\/information to<\/span>\u00a054 Daffodil St Titirangi, Auckland 1007<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS – NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span><\/p>\n

Confirmed inter-schools competitions and the organising clubs so far are:<\/span>\u00a0West Auckland – Waitemata CC, North Shore – North Harbour Junior CC, Central<\/span>\u00a0Auckland – Chess for Success, South Auckland – Chess for Success, Hamilton –<\/span>\u00a0Hamilton CC, Wanganui – Wanganui CC, Wellington – Wellington CC,<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch (covering a large portion of the South Island) – Christchurch<\/span>\u00a0CC<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, Peter Stuart is running the annual Auckland Inter-Secondary<\/span>\u00a0Schools Competition, and David Shead is planning to run an inter-schools<\/span>\u00a0competition in Masterton. If any clubs are holding inter-schools<\/span>\u00a0competitions and I haven’t mentioned them, please advise.<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you aren’t running one and should be, also please advise. NZCF Junior<\/span>\u00a0Convenor Felicity Timings is co-ordinating the second year of the NZ<\/span>\u00a0Inter-Schools Championships. Her contact is ftimings@ihug.co.nz All<\/span>\u00a0regional competitions should be completed by the end of term 2 or soon<\/span>\u00a0after, clearing the way for play-offs in the third term.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS FOR CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/p>\n

This is being held in the week from May 27 to June 3, including Queens<\/span>\u00a0Birthday Monday.<\/span>\u00a0Girls tournaments are confirmed in Auckland (Waitemata Chess Club) and<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch (Canterbury Chess Club). There is still time for other regions<\/span>\u00a0to join in. The climax of the week will be the NZ Women’s Championship and<\/span>\u00a0Reserve Championship, organised by Waitemata CC at the Auckland Chess Centre<\/span>\u00a0(details already advised above).<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

This new event will be held at the Auckland Chess Centre in the week of July<\/span>\u00a015 to 21. It will be a six-round swiss for players over 60 at 1 January<\/span>\u00a02002. The number of days and other aspects of the format are still being<\/span>\u00a0finalised. NZCF Councillor Bruce Wheeler and Secretary Jack Frost are<\/span>\u00a0surveying likely individual participants to get their views. The winner will<\/span>\u00a0receive the handsome ORTVIN SARAPU MEMORIAL TROPHY, which will be presented<\/span>\u00a0by Ortvin’s wife, Barbara. Any seniors with opinions about the format should<\/span>\u00a0send them to Bruce prez@i4free.co.nz and Jack lbfrost@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS<\/span><\/p>\n

The following international tournaments for juniors are coming up. Juniors<\/span>\u00a0interested in participating should advise Council. Selected players usually<\/span>\u00a0get free accommodation and board, with New Zealand entitled to one player in<\/span>\u00a0most events (one in each age group at the Youth Championship, and possibly a<\/span>\u00a0team of 5 at the Under 16 Olympiad ).<\/span><\/p>\n

Asian Junior Championship Marawila, SRI LANKA 27 June to 6 July. Free<\/span>\u00a0accommodation and food for one selected player at the Hotel Club Palm Bay.<\/span>\u00a0Other juniors can enter at their own cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

Youth Under 16 Olympiad Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA 20 August to 27 August<\/p>\n

World Youth Championship 14 to 22 November Iraklio, Crete, GREECE for Under<\/span>\u00a010, 12, 14, 16 and 18.<\/span><\/p>\n

World Junior Championship INDIA November to December (exact dates and venue<\/span>\u00a0not known yet)<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

Editor Graeme Trass is currently working on the April issue. Any copy should<\/span>\u00a0be sent to him urgently if you would like it included.<\/span>\u00a0Club news and annotated games are very welcome. The magazine is, of course,<\/span>\u00a0also a forum for opinions about chess. Please support “NZ Chess”. Clubs can<\/span>\u00a0buy bulk issues for $3 a copy. The individual cover price is now $4 – after<\/span>\u00a0the first price increase in 6 years.<\/span>\u00a0Graeme can be reached at triangle@world-net.co.nz or by post at NZ Chess<\/span>\u00a0“P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730. Subscription payments should be posted directly<\/span>\u00a0to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS ONLINE<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF has received very little feedback about this new on-line playing<\/span>\u00a0service. Comments would be appreciated from players who have tried it.<\/span>\u00a0Remember, New Zealand players are offered a free, three month trial. You<\/span>\u00a0should go to www.auschess.org and follow the instructions. At this stage you<\/span>\u00a0should skip the registration stage and log on as guests.<\/span><\/p>\n

ANALOGUE CHESS CLOCK WANTED<\/span><\/p>\n

Abby Thompson at A.K.Thompson@massey.ac.nz is looking for a second-hand<\/span>\u00a0analogue clock at a reasonable price. Anyone able to oblige should contact<\/span>\u00a0her directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

FINALLY<\/span><\/p>\n

I believe chess is on the upsurge. But the more people involved in<\/span>\u00a0administering and promoting the game, the bigger the groundswell will be and<\/span>\u00a0the easier it will be to maintain. We need your help. Please support Council<\/span>\u00a0initiatives such as the Grand Prix, the Inter-schools Competition, Girls<\/span>\u00a0Week – and don’t forget our established tournaments and the value of sending<\/span>\u00a0representatives overseas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time,<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation Inc<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 9 : MARCH 28, 2002<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello again everyone. I hope you are all enjoying your chess. However for<\/span>\u00a0some affiliates, there is still some urgent book-keeping to be done.<\/span><\/p>\n

AFFILIATIONS, REGISTRATIONS<\/span><\/p>\n

I won’t mention here which clubs have not yet sent in their NZCF affiliation<\/span>\u00a0fees, but I will remind everyone that they’re due by March 31 – in three<\/span>\u00a0days time! Remember, the fees are $40 for full affiliates and $30 for<\/span>\u00a0associate members. The returns have been very slow; don’t forget to also<\/span>\u00a0send in details of your club officers and contacts. Player registrations are<\/span>\u00a0also very slow coming in. These fees are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for<\/span>\u00a0juniors. If you need more registration cards please e-mail the NZCF<\/span>\u00a0Secretary, Jack Frost, at lbfrost@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX 2002<\/span><\/p>\n

The inaugural Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix is underway and is off to<\/span>\u00a0an exciting start.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first Grand Prix event of the year – Howick Pakuranga’s Latvian<\/span>\u00a0Tournament on March 17 – attracted a big turnout of 80 players (up from 46<\/span>\u00a0last year), including most of Auckland’s top players and some of<\/span>\u00a0Wellington’s best.<\/span><\/p>\n

The joint winners in the Open Tournament with 4.5\/6 were FM Alexei Kulashko,<\/span>\u00a0FM Paul Garbett, FM Bob Smith and NM Peter Green, while Daniel Han took out<\/span>\u00a0the Under 1800 Tournament with 6\/6.<\/span><\/p>\n

GRAND PRIX STANDINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grand Prix standings after the Latvian are:<\/p>\n

Open – A. Kulashko, P. Garbett, P. Green, R. Smith 14 points, L. McLaren, F.Fuatai, P. Wang 2 points<\/p>\n

Under 2000 – F. Fuatai 20 points, S. East 15, H. Bennett, N. Gunn, Michael<\/span>\u00a0Turner, N. Goodhue 6.75<\/span><\/p>\n

Under 1700 – V. Smith, H. Jacobs, H. Modlik, A. Cossey, M. Zhang 12<\/p>\n

Under 1400 – M. Zhang 20, P. Morton, V. Nair, R. Stierand, S. Maroroa, G.<\/span>\u00a0Morrison, F. Schipper 7<\/span><\/p>\n

Junior – D. Han 20, M. Zhang 15, D. Xu, E. Charomova, S. Maroroa 9<\/p>\n

Female – V. Smith 20, E. Charomova, S. Maroroa 13.5, E. Otene 9, S. Tang 6<\/p>\n

But that could all change after Easter!<\/p>\n

Tomorrow Wellington Chess Club hosts a 4-day Class 3 Grand Prix Tournament –<\/span>\u00a0the WELLINGTON EASTER OPEN.<\/span>\u00a0There is still time to enter! Contact j.c.gillespie@xtra.co.nz or<\/span>\u00a0Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

And in Auckland there is the one day rapid GOOD FRIDAY CHESS CHALLENGE, a<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix Class Two Tournament.<\/span>\u00a0Contact Paul Spiller at ph (09) 5354962 or 025 595176 e-mail:<\/span>\u00a0spiller.enterprise@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Coming up soon two other Grand Prix events:<\/p>\n

Hamilton Chess Club is running the HAMILTON RAPID CHESS TOURNAMENT on<\/span>\u00a0Sunday, 21 April. A 6-round swiss with a time control of 25 minutes each.<\/span>\u00a0Entry fee: $30, juniors $20. A Class Two Grand Prix Event (prize-fund over<\/span>\u00a0$1000). Enquiries: William Lynn Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Waitemata Chess Club is running the 25th WAITAKERE LICENSING TRUST CHESS<\/span>\u00a0OPEN on May 25 & 26.<\/span>\u00a0Four separate 5 round swisses (A,B,C, Junior -under 14- tournaments).<\/span>\u00a0Prize-fund : over $4800. Free drinks and refreshments for all players and<\/span>\u00a0officials after round 5. Entry fee: $35, $25 juniors, $20 junior tournament,<\/span>FM’s $20, IM’s free. A Class One Grand Prix Event (prize-fund over $2000).<\/span>\u00a0Enquiries: Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz ph (09)8172664 025 786282<\/span><\/p>\n

A REMINDER: GRAND PRIX POINTS AND PRIZES<\/p>\n

Grand prix points are awarded as follows:<\/p>\n

Class 1: 1st 20, 2nd 15, 3rd 12, 4th 9, 5th 6.<\/p>\n

Class 2: 1st 15, 2nd 12, 3rd 9, 4th 6, 5th 4.<\/p>\n

Class 3: 1st 12, 2nd 9, 3rd 6, 4th 4, 5th 3.<\/p>\n

In the case of ties, grand prix points are shared and rounded to two decimal<\/span>\u00a0places.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grand Prix Prizes<\/p>\n

Open: 1st $500 2nd $350 3rd $250 4th $200 5th $150<\/p>\n

Under 2000: 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $150<\/p>\n

Under 1700: 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $100<\/p>\n

Under 1400 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50<\/p>\n

Junior: 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50<\/p>\n

Female: 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50<\/p>\n

GRAND PRIX LEVIES:<\/p>\n

Tournaments included in the Grand Prix pay the following levies to NZCF:<\/p>\n

Auckland or Wellington: Class 1: $150 Class 2: $100 Class 3: $50<\/p>\n

All other areas: Class 1: $130 Class 2: $80 Class 3: $30<\/p>\n

Tournament organisers need to advise the Grand Prix Administrator, Bob<\/span>\u00a0Smith, and pay the relevant NZCF levy a month before a Grand Prix event.<\/span>\u00a0The Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix must be mentioned on entry forms.<\/span><\/p>\n

The GCE Logo is attached in Word format for use on entry forms and in<\/span>\u00a0publicity. Results to be advised within a fortnight of the completion of the<\/span>\u00a0tournament. The GP Administrator can be contacted at (09) 8172664 (025)<\/span>\u00a0786282, or e-mail bobviv@actrix.gen.nz Postal enquiries\/information to 54<\/span>\u00a0Daffodil St Titirangi, Auckland 1007<\/span><\/p>\n

NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP – HAMILTON<\/span><\/p>\n

Hamilton has offered to host the North Island Championships in July. This<\/span>\u00a08-round swiss is expected to be held from 8-12 July.<\/span>\u00a0Venue: St Pauls Collegiate. Hamilton has arranged a very reasonable<\/span>\u00a0accomodation package based on single rooms, share twin, and dormitory.<\/span><\/p>\n

The North Island Rapid Championships will also be held in conjunction with<\/span>\u00a0this event – expected date 13 July. Both these tournaments will be part of<\/span>\u00a0the Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix. Enquiries: contact William Lynn<\/span>\u00a0Kenneth.Lynn@opus.co.nz or Hilton Bennett hiltonb@wave.co.nz Thanks are due<\/span>\u00a0to Hamilton Chess Club for offering to run the North Island events; NZCF<\/span>\u00a0Council had hoped that an Auckland Club would offer this year, as the North<\/span>\u00a0Island Champs haven’t been held in Auckland for quite some years. But there<\/span>\u00a0was a distinct lack of volunteers!<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP – AUCKLAND<\/span><\/p>\n

This will be held at Queens Birthday Weekend at the Auckland Chess Centre,<\/span>\u00a0organised by the Waitemata Chess Club. Thanks are due to both these clubs<\/span>\u00a0for supporting this event. NZCF Council is hoping to build on the increase<\/span>\u00a0in numbers achieved last year, especially as the Women’s Championship will<\/span>\u00a0follow soon after the National Girls Chess Week.<\/span><\/p>\n

110th NZ CHESS CONGRESS – WANGANUI<\/span><\/p>\n

Wanganui Chess Club has provided Council with an update on progress in<\/span>\u00a0organising the 2002\/3 New Zealand Chess Congress.<\/span>\u00a0The NZ Championship, NZ Major Open, NZ Rapid Championship and NZ Lightning<\/span>\u00a0Championship will be held at the Wanganui Collegiate Hotel and Motor Inn,<\/span>\u00a0122 Liverpool St, Wanganui. Wanganui advises it is a modern, air-conditioned<\/span>\u00a0venue with a choice of both motel and hotel style accommodation. Wanganui<\/span>\u00a0has arranged the following accomodation rates: single $70 a night;<\/span>\u00a0twin\/double $40 per person a night; triple\/quad $27.50 per person a night.<\/span>\u00a0The venue has cafe\/bar facilities and is directly off the Main Street with a<\/span>\u00a0wide variety of eating establishments. The NZ Championship and Major Open<\/span>\u00a0are expected to start on January 2, 2003. Congress will comprise the final<\/span>\u00a0events in the 2002 Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix. Enquiries: Allan<\/span>\u00a0Short allan.short@xtra.co.nz or Gordon Hoskyn ph (06)3436101<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the following NZCF events are included in this season’s Grand<\/span>\u00a0Prix:<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2002\/3 New Zealand Rapid Championship. Contact Wanganui CC as above.<\/p>\n

The South Island Championship – almost certainly in Christchurch, organised<\/span>\u00a0by Canterbury CC. 8-round swiss. Expected dates 23-27 September.<\/span><\/p>\n

The South Island Rapid Championship – in Christchurch in conjunction with<\/span>\u00a0the South Island Champs. Expected date 28 September.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL – PLEASE HELP OUR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ON THEIR WAY!<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2002 Olympiad is being held in Bled, Slovenia, from October 25 to<\/span>\u00a0November 11.<\/span>\u00a0The NZ teams (6 men, 4 women) will be finalised in May. In the meantime I<\/span>\u00a0urge all chess players throughout New Zealand to consider making a donation<\/span>\u00a0to help with travel costs. Donations to the Olympiad appeal should be sent<\/span>\u00a0to: NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland 1.<\/span>\u00a0All contributions will be acknowledged in the NZCF Bulletin and in “NZ<\/span>\u00a0Chess” magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ OLYMPIAD TEAM CAPTAINS : MEN AND WOMEN<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZ Chess Federation calls for expressions of interest in the posts of<\/span>\u00a0Men’s and Women’s Team Captains for the 2002 Olympiad in Slovenia. Both<\/span>\u00a0officials will receive free accommodation and meals during the course of the<\/span>\u00a0Olympiad. However at this stage there is no guarantee of funding towards<\/span>\u00a0travel costs. The Men’s and Women’s Team Captains will need good people<\/span>\u00a0skills, an ability to motivate players, an objective approach, leadership<\/span>\u00a0qualities, good research skills and, in the case of the Women’s Team<\/span>\u00a0Captain, a sufficient knowledge of chess to be able to help players prepare<\/span>\u00a0for their matches. The team captains usually submit the playing teams for<\/span>\u00a0the day (after consultation) and will often do research for team members on<\/span>\u00a0their upcoming opponents. Anyone interested in the above posts should write<\/span>\u00a0to the NZCF Secretary, Jack Frost lbfrost@xtra.co.nz or by post to Jack at<\/span>\u00a0P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS – NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITION<\/span><\/p>\n

All clubs will receive information within the next week or so regarding this<\/span>\u00a0year’s NZ Inter-schools Competition.<\/span>\u00a0It will basically be run in the same format as last year; NZCF Council hopes<\/span>\u00a0more clubs will help out this year with regional competitions.<\/span>\u00a0The aim is to run all regional competitions towards the end of Term 2,<\/span>\u00a0clearing the way for play-offs in the third term.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS FOR CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/p>\n

Details of the Girls for Chess Week will also be sent to clubs shortly. This<\/span>\u00a0is scheduled for the end of May.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council has bought a trophy for this new event, which will be named in<\/span>\u00a0memory of the late Ortvin Sarapu. Barbara Sarapu has agreed to this request<\/span>\u00a0and will almost certainly present the trophy to the inaugural winner. This<\/span>\u00a0competition, for players over 60 on 01\/01\/02, is set to be held in July.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF is keen to get the views of seniors around the country on the format<\/span>\u00a0i.e. 2 rounds a day versus 1; time controls?<\/span>\u00a0Clubs will shortly receive a separate questionnaire by e-mail and are asked<\/span>\u00a0to either pass on the views of their senior members or ask them to reply<\/span>\u00a0directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW COUNCILLORS<\/span><\/p>\n

Quentin Johnson, now of the Auckland Chess Centre and previously of the Canterbury Chess Club, has been co-opted onto NZCF Council to fill the<\/span>\u00a0vacant Auckland Councillor position. Canterbury Chess Club President Craig<\/span>\u00a0Hall has been co-opted as the Canterbury Regional Councillor. Craig was also<\/span>\u00a0Regional Councillor last year. Welcome to them both; I am sure their<\/span>\u00a0administrative skills and input will prove valuable during the coming year.<\/span><\/p>\n

SWISS PERFECT – PLEASE USE IT!<\/span><\/p>\n

I would encourage clubs again to use the Swiss Perfect pairing programme<\/span>\u00a0provided by the Federation. It is an excellent product which makes running<\/span>\u00a0tournaments far easier. It also makes rating tournaments much easier, both<\/span>\u00a0from the point of view of the organiser and NZCF’s rating committee. The<\/span>\u00a0print out can be e-mailed directly to the Rating Officer, Viv Smith, at<\/span>\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz Council recently received some old-style pairing cards<\/span>\u00a0for rating. While these will be accepted and processed at the moment,<\/span>\u00a0Council would like clubs to work towards a situation where all results are<\/span>\u00a0simply sent by e-mail in a format that doesn’t need more input (i.e. Swiss<\/span>\u00a0Perfect)<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

“NZ Chess” Editor Graeme Trass has been ill recently and this has led to a<\/span>\u00a0further delay in production of the February issue.<\/span>\u00a0However, this should be out in the next fortnight and Graeme hopes to have<\/span>\u00a0the April issue out on time. So there will be 2 issues out in quick<\/span>\u00a0succession. Council has resolved to raise the cover price of the magazine<\/span>\u00a0from $3.50 to $4 and the bulk rate from $2.50 to $3. This increase applies<\/span>\u00a0from the April issue, but does not affect subscribers who have already paid<\/span>\u00a0their annual sub in advance. Please note this is the first price increase<\/span>\u00a0for “NZ Chess” in 6 years. It is necessary to offset increases in production<\/span>\u00a0costs. Council is also investigating ways to boost circulation levels. Any<\/span>\u00a0ideas are welcome. Please note Graeme has changed his e-mail address.<\/span>\u00a0Contributions,correspondence or subscription requests should now be sent to<\/span>\u00a0triangle@world-net.co.nz Graeme’s postal address remains “NZ Chess “P.O. Box<\/span>\u00a01627 Taupo, 2730. Subscription payments should now be posted directly to<\/span>\u00a0him, rather than NZCF. “NZ Chess” is currently seeking more advertisers; if<\/span>\u00a0anyone is interested or knows someone who may be interested, please contact<\/span>\u00a0Graeme.<\/span><\/p>\n

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS ONLINE<\/span><\/p>\n

A reminder that this on-line playing service is up and running. It is a<\/span>\u00a0joint initiative between the Australian Chess Federation, NZCF and US<\/span>\u00a0company Games Parlor. There are over 20,000 US Chess players registered for<\/span>\u00a0this service. New Zealand players are invited to take part in a free,<\/span>\u00a0three-month trial.<\/span>\u00a0Interested players should go to www.auschess.org and follow the<\/span>\u00a0instructions. At this stage you should skip the registration stage and log<\/span>\u00a0on as guests. NZCF Council would appreciate comment from players who try<\/span>\u00a0this service – so far we have had no feedback!<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL 6 to 11 May FIJI<\/span><\/p>\n

Warwick Fiji Hotel Resort , Coral Coast of Viti Levu from 6 to 11 May. NZ<\/span>\u00a0Champion Anthony Ker is New Zealand’s official Men’s representative, while<\/span>\u00a0NZ Women’s Runner-Up Viv Smith has accepted the official Women’s spot after<\/span>\u00a0Ella Mikhailik advised of her unavailability. Other New Zealand players<\/span>\u00a0taking part at this stage are FM Bob Smith and Paul Spiller. There is still<\/span>\u00a0time for others to enter. The accommodation rate at a beautiful Fijian<\/span>\u00a0resort is more than reasonable (Fiji $67.50 a night per person for a<\/span>\u00a0double). Why not combine a pleasant holiday in Fiji with some chess? Go to<\/span>\u00a0www.auschess.org.au\/oceania\/fzt.htm for more information (and pictures of<\/span>\u00a0the lovely venue!)<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS<\/span><\/p>\n

The following international tournaments for juniors are coming up. Juniors<\/span>\u00a0interested in participating should advise Council.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children’s Olympiad Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA July\/August (precise dates not<\/span>\u00a0yet available)<\/span><\/p>\n

World Youth Championship 14 to 22 November GREECE Crete, Greece for Under<\/span>\u00a010, 12, 14, 16 and 18.<\/span><\/p>\n

World Junior Championship 19 September to 2 October ARMENIA Yerevan, Armenia<\/span>\u00a0for boys and girls under 20<\/span><\/p>\n

ONE LAST NOTE<\/span><\/p>\n

Club officials, PLEASE print out this bulletin and post it at your club. I<\/span>\u00a0am sure players are interested in what’s going on. And anyone who would like<\/span>\u00a0to be added to the direct circulation list, just e-mail me at<\/span>\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Until the next time, I wish you all good chessing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation Inc<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 8 : FEBRUARY 12, 2002<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Welcome back everyone. I hope you all enjoyed a good Christmas break and are<\/span>\u00a0ready for a good year of chess – both playing and promoting our favourite<\/span>\u00a0game.<\/span><\/p>\n

INTRODUCING THE 2002 COUNCIL<\/span><\/p>\n

The following Councillors were elected at the NZCF Annual General Meeting:<\/p>\n

President – Bob Smith Vice-President – Hilton Bennett Secretary – Jack Frost
\nCouncillors – Viv Smith, Bruce Wheeler, Felicity Timings
\nWellington Regional Councillors – Michael Freeman, Russell Dive
\nDuncan Watts has since been co-opted as Otago Regional Councillor
\nCanterbury Chess Club has advised it will nominate a Canterbury Regional Councillor after its Annual General Meeting this month.<\/p>\n

Council is currently looking at co-opting a Treasurer before its February<\/span>\u00a0meeting; in the meantime retiring Treasurer Roger Perry is looking after the<\/span>\u00a0books.<\/span><\/p>\n

COUNCIL COMMITTEES<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2002 Council had its first meeting late last month – ending some minutes<\/span>\u00a0before we turned into pumpkins! – and formed the following committees:<\/span><\/p>\n

Tournament – Hilton Bennett (Convenor), Bob Smith, Paul Spiller
\nSponsorship – Bob Smith (Convenor), Felicity Timings, Paul Spiller, Martin<\/span>\u00a0Dreyer
\nJunior Development – Felicity Timings (Convenor), Bob Smith, Ewen Green<\/span>\u00a0(National Coach), Craig Hall (more likely to be added)
\nRating – Bob Gibbons (Convenor), Rowan Wood (Ratings Administrator), Viv<\/span>\u00a0Smith (Ratings Officer)
\nFemale Chess – Viv Smith (Convenor), Jacinta Buist, one more to be co-opted
\nPlanning – Hilton Bennett (Convenor), Russell Dive, Bruce Wheeler
\nPublicity – Bob Smith, Felicity Timings
\nSelectors – Bob Gibbons (Convenor), Michael Freeman, Arthur Pomeroy.
\nFIDE delegate – Michael Freeman
\nRegistrar of Master Points – Viv Smith<\/span><\/p>\n

GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most exciting developments this year is the inaugural Global<\/span>\u00a0Chess Enterprises Grand Prix.<\/span>\u00a0All clubs should have received details of the Grand Prix last month. It’s<\/span>\u00a0now underway!<\/span><\/p>\n

The first confirmed Grand Prix Tournament is Howick Pakuranga’s Latvian<\/span>\u00a0Tournament on Sunday, 17 March.<\/span>\u00a0Howick has raised its prize-fund so that the tournament will be in the top<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix Category – Class One.<\/span>\u00a0This means maximum Grand Prix points will be available.<\/span>\u00a0The minimum prize-fund for the Latvian is $2000, distributed as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

Open: 1st $400 2nd $250 3rd $150 Under 1800: 1st $300 2nd $150 3rd $75
\nUnder 1500: 1st $200 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nJuniors Under 14 at 28\/02\/02 1st: $175 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nThe Latvian Tournament is a 6 round 30-30 rapid event. Entry fee: $30,<\/span>\u00a0juniors $20.
\nEnquiries: Kees van den Bosch kvdbstj@clear.net.nz or phone (09) 5775285<\/span><\/p>\n

Other confirmed Grand Prix Tournaments at this stage include:
\nWellington Easter Open – Grand Prix Class 3 Event from 29 March to 1 April,<\/span>\u00a0organised by the Wellington Chess Club.<\/span>\u00a0Other details yet to be advised. Enquiries: John Gillespie<\/span>\u00a0j.c.gillespie@xtra.co.nz or Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

The 25th Waitakere Licensing Trust Open. Organised by Waitemata Chess Club,<\/span>\u00a0date in May to be confirmed shortly. This will also be a Class One Grand<\/span>\u00a0Prix event. 5 round swiss in 3 or 4 separate divisions. Anticipated<\/span>\u00a0prize-fund: $3500+ Venue: Lincoln Green Motor Hotel, West Auckland. More<\/span>\u00a0details available soon. Enquiries: Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz phone<\/span>\u00a0(09)8172664 or (025)786282<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the following NZCF events are included in this season’s Grand<\/span>\u00a0Prix:<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2002\/3 New Zealand Championship and Major Open, Wanganui. Expected<\/span>\u00a0starting date – January 2, 2003.<\/span>\u00a0Enquiries: Wanganui Chess Club c\/- Kevin Yorston klyortson@xtra.co.nz or<\/span>\u00a0phone Gordon Hoskyn (06)3436101<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2002\/3 New Zealand Rapid Championship. Contact Wanganui CC as above<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0North Island Championship – Almost certainly in Auckland. Venue to be<\/span>\u00a0advised. 8-round swiss. Expected dates 8-12 July.<\/span>\u00a0The North Island Rapid Championship – in Auckland in conjunction with the<\/span>\u00a0North Island Champs. Expected date 13 July.<\/span><\/p>\n

The South Island Championship – almost certainly in Christchurch, organised<\/span>\u00a0by Canterbury CC. 8-round swiss. Expected dates 23-27 September.<\/span>\u00a0The South Island Rapid Championship – in Christchurch in conjunction with<\/span>\u00a0the South Island Champs. Expected date 28 September.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Junior Championship – Organised by the Wellington CC first<\/span>\u00a0week of the July school holidays.Expected start date 1 July.<\/span>\u00a0Enquiries: John Gillespie j.c.gillespie@xtra.co.nz or<\/span>\u00a0Alan_Aldridge@paradise.net.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Women’s Championship – almost certainly in Auckland. Details<\/span>\u00a0to be advised.<\/span><\/p>\n

GRAND PRIX STRUCTURE – KEY POINTS<\/span><\/p>\n

Three Tournament categories:
\nClass 1 – prize fund greater than $2,000
\nClass 2 – prize fund from $1,000 to $2,000
\nClass 3 – prize fund less than $1,000<\/p>\n

Grand prix points are awarded as follows:
\nClass 1: 1st 20, 2nd 15, 3rd 12, 4th 9, 5th 6.
\nClass 2: 1st 15, 2nd 12, 3rd 9, 4th 6, 5th 4.
\nClass 3: 1st 12, 2nd 9, 3rd 6, 4th 4, 5th 3.
\nIn the case of ties, grand prix points will be shared and rounded to two<\/span>\u00a0decimal places.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grand Prix Prizes<\/p>\n

Open: 1st $500 2nd $350 3rd $250 4th $200 5th $150
\nUnder 2000: 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $150
\nUnder 1700: 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $100
\nUnder 1400 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nJunior: 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nFemale: 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $50
\nA player can win only one prize, but may compete in several divisions.<\/span>\u00a0He\/she will be allocated the largest prize won at the end of the season.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0A player’s best four results will determine his or her placing.Players<\/span>\u00a0cannot include more than two class 3 tournaments in their four<\/span>\u00a0“counting” events.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings used: The standard ratings in the November 2001 NZCF list. To<\/span>\u00a0qualify for Grand Prix points a tournament must have at least three<\/span>\u00a0players within the relevant rating group, and a rating “spread” of at least<\/span>\u00a0100 points.<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix points will be awarded in qualifying rating divisions, regardless<\/span>\u00a0of whether players win prizes at an individual tournament.<\/span>\u00a0There is no differentiation between points offered at standard and rapid<\/span>\u00a0events.<\/span>\u00a0Juniors are under 20 on 1 January, 2002.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grand Prix Levies:<\/p>\n

Tournaments included in the Grand Prix pay the following levies to NZCF
\nAuckland or Wellington: Class 1: $150 Class 2: $100 Class 3: $50
\nAll other areas: Class 1: $130 Class 2: $80 Class 3: $30
\nTournament organisers need to advise the Grand Prix Administrator, Bob<\/span>\u00a0Smith, and pay the relevant NZCF levy a month before a Grand Prix event.<\/span>\u00a0The Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix must be mentioned on entry forms.<\/span>\u00a0Results to be advised within a fortnight of the completion of the<\/span>\u00a0tournament. The GP Administrator can be contacted at (09) 8172664 (025)<\/span>\u00a0786282, or e-mail\u00a0bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Postal enquiries\/information to 54 Daffodil St Titirangi, Auckland 1007<\/span><\/p>\n

109th NZ CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to IM Anthony Ker (Wellington), who convincingly won the<\/span>\u00a0109th NZ Chess Championship in Christchurch.<\/span>\u00a0Anthony scored 8.5\/11. Second with 7 was German visitor Martin Haag,<\/span>\u00a0followed by IM Russell Dive (Wellington) and NM Tony Dowden (Otago) on 6.5.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZ Major Open was won by Barry Martin-Buss (Waitemata), also with<\/span>\u00a08.5\/11, followed by Michael Turner and Nick Cummings (both Wellington) on 8.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

IM Russell Dive continued his domination of this event, finishing clear<\/span>\u00a0first on 7\/9. Second equal were FM Paul Garbett, David Guthrie and NM Tony<\/span>\u00a0Dowden on 6.5<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ LIGHTNING CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

IM Anthony Ker and FM Scott Wastney tied for first, with IM Russell Dive and<\/span>\u00a0FM Bob Smith 3=.<\/span><\/p>\n

2002 OLYMPIAD – SLOVENIA<\/span><\/p>\n

Following the 109th NZ Championship NZCF Council has selected IM Anthony<\/span>\u00a0Ker, IM Russell Dive and NM Tony Dowden for the NZ Open team to play at this<\/span>\u00a0year’s Olympiad in Slovenia from 27 October to 13 November. Another 3<\/span>\u00a0players will be selected after the Zonal<\/span>\u00a0Tournament in Fiji in May.<\/span>\u00a0Council also intends to send a NZ Women’s Team of 4 players to the Olympiad.<\/span><\/p>\n

OLYMPIAD APPEAL<\/span><\/p>\n

As in previous years, Council is launching an Olympiad fund-raising appeal<\/span>\u00a0to help pay the travel costs of our national representatives.<\/span>\u00a0I urge all chess players throughout New Zealand to consider making a<\/span>\u00a0donation. NZCF Council regards our participation in the Olympiad<\/span>\u00a0as vital : it raises New Zealand’s profile, supports the World Federation,<\/span>\u00a0provides invaluable experience for our players, gives upcoming players<\/span>\u00a0something to aspire to and provides one of the few opportunities that New<\/span>\u00a0Zealanders have to gain IM (and even GM) norms. The more titled players (and<\/span>\u00a0the more rated players) we have in New Zealand the better; it makes<\/span>\u00a0organising and FIDE rating tournaments much easier. Donations to the<\/span>\u00a0Olympiad appeal should be sent to: NZCF, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St,<\/span>\u00a0Auckland 1. All contributions will be acknowledged in the NZCF Bulletin and<\/span>\u00a0in “NZ Chess” magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

JUNIOR CHESS<\/span><\/p>\n

The National Inter-schools Competition will be run again this year,<\/span>\u00a0following the success of the inaugural year. Junior Chess Convenor Felicity<\/span>\u00a0Timings is currently drafting information for clubs, which you should<\/span>\u00a0receive early next month. Clubs are likely to be asked to run local<\/span>\u00a0competitions a little earlier this year (towards the end of term 2), so that<\/span>\u00a0the secondary school play-offs and finals can be played without exams<\/span>\u00a0getting in the way. Felicity is also currently compiling a data base of all<\/span>\u00a0junior clubs, or clubs that run junior sessions, throughout the country.<\/span>\u00a0If you run sessions especially for juniors, could you please e-mail the<\/span>\u00a0details to her at ftimings@ihug.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS FOR CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/p>\n

This concept proved highly successful last year and will be run again this<\/span>\u00a0year. Council hopes that, as with the national inter-schools competition,<\/span>\u00a0more clubs will participate this time round. The Girls Week is scheduled for<\/span>\u00a0the end of May. More details coming soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council has approved in principle the idea of introducing a NZ Seniors<\/span>\u00a0Championship. The Tournament Committee is currently drawing up draft<\/span>\u00a0regulations. The competition is likely to be for players over 60. The<\/span>\u00a0inaugural Championship is expected to be hosted by the Auckland Chess<\/span>\u00a0Centre, which suggested this excellent idea. More details in the next<\/span>\u00a0bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n

SWISS PERFECT<\/span><\/p>\n

All affiliated clubs should now have their own copy of the SwissPerfect<\/span>\u00a0pairing programme, provided free by NZCF. If anyone has any problems with<\/span>\u00a0their codes, please let us know. The programme is proving very useful at my<\/span>\u00a0own club and I am sure it will be a great asset in some of the large junior<\/span>\u00a0competitions we are likely to be involved in this year.<\/span>\u00a0Remember, the results print-out from Swiss Perfect is fine for submitting<\/span>\u00a0tournaments for rating, and can be attached and e-mailed directly<\/span>\u00a0to the Rating Officer, Viv Smith, at bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/span><\/p>\n

By now all clubs should have received affiliation and registration forms.<\/span>\u00a0These are due back (with payments) by 31 March. Please return the necessary<\/span>\u00a0forms as soon as possible to The Secretary NZCF, Jack Frost, P.O. Box 216<\/span>\u00a0Shortland St Auckland 1.<\/span><\/p>\n

A reminder: Affiliation fees are $40 for full members and $30 for<\/span>\u00a0associates. The registration fees are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors.<\/span>\u00a0A point to ponder: Several delegates at the NZCF AGM queried why all clubs<\/span>\u00a0are not required to register all their members. I have to admit I don’t know<\/span>\u00a0why; chess seems to be about the only sport in this country where you can<\/span>\u00a0join a club and not join the national federation. In my opinion this<\/span>\u00a0approach weakens our strength and our influence; the fewer registered<\/span>\u00a0members we have the less power we have. I would encourage all clubs to<\/span>\u00a0register their members. If you have junior members who do not play outside<\/span>\u00a0the club, they can also be registered as junior exempt players and do not<\/span>\u00a0pay a registration fee until they play in an NZCF rated tournament. Fill in<\/span>\u00a0registration cards for them and send a copy to NZCF. Let’s get those numbers<\/span>\u00a0up! If you need more registration cards, please e-mail the NZCF Secretary,<\/span>\u00a0Jack Frost, at lbfrost@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

CONGRESS AFTERMATH<\/span><\/p>\n

Many players will be aware of the unfortunate situation that arose in round<\/span>\u00a04 of the 109th NZ Championship and the consequences.<\/span>\u00a0Council has considered the events and has resolved to issue the following<\/span>\u00a0statement:<\/span>\u00a0“Council has considered the arbiter’s decision and other reports and<\/span>\u00a0correspondence in respect of Bob Smith’s conduct on the completion of his<\/span>\u00a04th round game. While Council feels Bob’s conduct was inappropriate, he has<\/span>\u00a0acknowledged this sufficiently and further action is not considered<\/span>\u00a0necessary.”<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES<\/span><\/p>\n

In the light of the circumstances that arose at the 109th Congress, where<\/span>\u00a0play was interrupted for 25 minutes by a band practice, the NZCF Tournament<\/span>\u00a0Committee is drafting a set of standing guidelines for clubs organising<\/span>\u00a0Congress and other NZCF events.<\/span>\u00a0The intention is to ensure organisers are well aware beforehand of the<\/span>requirements and how to avoid potential pitfalls.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONGRESS REMIT<\/span><\/p>\n

Wanganui’s remit aimed at providing an alternative schedule, condensing<\/span>\u00a0Congress into 9 days, was passed at the Annual General Meeting by 12 votes<\/span>\u00a0to 5, with 3 abstentions. The schedule provides for 2 games on 4 days, with<\/span>\u00a0Congress starting on January 2 instead of December 28. I understand Wanganui<\/span>\u00a0is likely to adopt this schedule for the 110th Congress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Numerous players at the AGM felt that it was time to look at the whole<\/span>\u00a0structure of Congress – the timing, the time control, the length, the<\/span>\u00a0composition of the tournaments. In line with the feeling of the AGM, Council<\/span>\u00a0intends to conduct a survey of players to gauge opinions.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

“NZ Chess” Editor Graeme Trass has changed his e-mail address.<\/span>\u00a0Contributions,correspondence or subscription requests should now be sent to<\/span>\u00a0triangle@world-net.co.nz Graeme’s postal address remains “NZ Chess “P.O. Box<\/span>\u00a01627 Taupo, 2730. Subscription payments should now be posted directly to<\/span>\u00a0him, rather than NZCF. “NZ Chess” is currently seeking more advertisers; if<\/span>\u00a0anyone is interested or knows someone who may be interested, please contact<\/span>\u00a0Graeme.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS SUPPLIES WEB PAGE<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand’s only long-running chess and equipment suppliers now have their<\/span>\u00a0own webpage. Brian and Colleen Foster of New Zealand Chess Supplies can be<\/span>\u00a0found at www.chess.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

PETER STUART, INTERNATIONAL ARBITER<\/span><\/p>\n

It has been drawn to my attention that NM Peter Stuart’s achievement in<\/span>\u00a0gaining the International Arbiter title was not mentioned in the 2001-2<\/span>\u00a0Annual Report. I must apologise for this oversight. As Peter was awarded the<\/span>\u00a0title at the Istanbul Olympiad at the end of 2000 and an article on this was<\/span>\u00a0published in “NZ Chess” February 2001, I mistakenly assumed his<\/span>\u00a0accomplishment had been noted in the preceding Annual Report.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peter was officially presented with his IA certificate, along with a letter<\/span>\u00a0of congratulations from NZCF, late last year (the wheels of FIDE turn<\/span>\u00a0slowly!). It is pleasing that New Zealand now has two qualified arbiters<\/span>\u00a0(Bob Gibbons is our other IA). NZCF’s Tournament Committee is currently<\/span>\u00a0looking at the possibility of training sessions for people interested in<\/span>\u00a0becoming competent (and qualified) Directors of Play.<\/span>\u00a0We would be pleased to have feedback on this idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS ONLINE<\/span><\/p>\n

This new on-line playing service is now available. It is a joint initiative<\/span>\u00a0between the Australian Chess Federation, NZCF and US company Games Parlor.<\/span>\u00a0There are over 20,000 US Chess players registered for this service. New<\/span>\u00a0Zealand players are invited to take part in a free, three-month trial.<\/span>\u00a0Interested players should go to www.auschess.org and follow the<\/span>\u00a0instructions. At this stage you should skip the registration stage and log<\/span>\u00a0on as guests. NZCF Council would appreciate comment from players who try<\/span>\u00a0this service.<\/span><\/p>\n

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS<\/span><\/p>\n

The following international tournaments are coming up. Juniors interested in<\/span>\u00a0participating in the various events should advise Council.<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL 6 to 11 May FIJI<\/p>\n

Warwick Fiji Hotel Resort , Coral Coast of Viti Levu from 6 to 11 May. NZ<\/span>\u00a0Champion Anthony Ker is New Zealand’s official Men’s representative, while<\/span>\u00a0NZ Women’s Champion Eleanora Mikhailik has been offered the Women’s spot but<\/span>\u00a0has yet to confirm her availability. The Zonal is however, open to other<\/span>\u00a0players. Why not combine a pleasant holiday in Fiji with some chess? Go to<\/span>\u00a0www.auschess.org.au\/oceania\/fzt.htm for more information (and pictures of<\/span>\u00a0the lovely venue!)<\/span><\/p>\n

13th GOODRICKE INTERNATIONAL OPEN 17 to 27 March INDIA<\/p>\n

An 11-round Swiss which should offer an IM norm. Total prize-fund: $10,500. New Zealand has been invited to send one representative, who must have a<\/span>\u00a0reasonably high FIDE rating (2250+ is probably o.k.).<\/span>\u00a0The organisers are offering free board and lodging, free local transport and<\/span>\u00a0medical assistance if necessary!<\/span>\u00a0Other details are available at :\u00a0www.goodrickechess.com<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Anyone wishing to take part should advise NZCF Council as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Asian Youth Championships Under 10,12,14 and 16 Boys and Girls. Tehran, IRAN
\n28 March to 4 April<\/p>\n

Children’s Olympiad Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA July\/August (precise dates not<\/span>\u00a0yet available)<\/span><\/p>\n

World Youth Championship 14 to 22 November GREECE<\/span>\u00a0Crete, Greece for Under 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18.<\/span><\/p>\n

World Junior Championship 19 September to 2 October ARMENIA<\/span>\u00a0Yerevan, Armenia for boys and girls under 20<\/span><\/p>\n

That’s about all for now folks. I’ve probably forgotten something! But I<\/span>\u00a0hope you find this bulletin informative and interesting.<\/span>\u00a0Remember, I would very much like to see the bulletin develop into a forum<\/span>\u00a0for discussion of various ideas and am happy to include people’s thoughts on<\/span>\u00a0chess matters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Happy chess playing!<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation Inc<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 7: DECEMBER 12, 2001<\/p>\n

109th NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESS<\/span><\/p>\n

A reminder everyone: please get in your entries for the NZ Championship and<\/span>\u00a0Major Open in Christchurch!<\/span>\u00a0Council is still considering whether the Championship will be a swiss or<\/span>\u00a0round robin: that decision will be made very soon; more information on<\/span>\u00a0entries will help.<\/span>\u00a0The top two New Zealanders in this year’s Championship automatically win<\/span>\u00a0places in next year’s Olympiad team to go to Slovenia.<\/span>\u00a0Any queries about Congress should be directed to Chris Wright at<\/span>\u00a0wrights@xtra.co.nz. The Congress programme can be downloaded<\/span>\u00a0from http:\/\/nzchesscongress109.tripod.com\/<\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t forget – if you can’t make the main event there is the NZ Lightning<\/span>\u00a0Championship on 6 January and the NZ Rapid Championship<\/span>\u00a0on 10 and 11 January.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING<\/span><\/p>\n

Please advise NZCF Council by 15 December of your club delegates for the<\/span>\u00a0NZCF AGM at the<\/span>\u00a0Millennium Hotel In Christchurch at 7.45pm on 5 January, 2002.<\/span><\/p>\n

Delegates confirmed so far are: Auckand Chess Centre – Jack Frost,<\/span>\u00a0Waitemata – Bob Smith, Otago – Tony Dowden,<\/span>\u00a0Wanganui – Tony Dowden.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0That leaves an awful lot of clubs yet to advise who will be representing<\/span>\u00a0them!<\/span><\/p>\n

Clubs should have received by now : 1\/ the agenda 2\/ the draft accounts 3\/<\/span>\u00a0the annual report.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nominations put forward by the closing date of 31 October were:
\nPresident – Bob Smith Vice-President – Hilton Bennett Secretary – Jack Frost
\nCouncillors – Viv Smith, Bruce Wheeler, Felicity Timings.
\nWellington Regional Councillors – Russell Dive and Michael Freeman<\/p>\n

As mentioned previously, there is only one remit : Wanganui’s proposal for<\/span>\u00a0an alternative, shorter format for Congress.<\/span>\u00a0This has been circulated to clubs by e-mail and standard post.<\/span><\/p>\n

2002 GLOBAL CHESS ENTERPRISES GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council approved the basic format of the Global Chess Enterprises Grand<\/span>\u00a0Prix at its December meeting.<\/span>\u00a0There will be three weighted categories of tournaments, with those in the<\/span>\u00a0top category (based on prize-money) paying a higher levy<\/span>\u00a0but worth more Grand Prix points. Tournaments held outside the main centres<\/span>\u00a0will be given a discount on their levies.<\/span>\u00a0Players’ top four results will count towards overall placings. There will be<\/span>\u00a0Open, Under 2000, Under 1600, Junior and Female divisions.<\/span>\u00a0Some players will, of course, be able to contest several divisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

All official NZCF tournaments will be included in the Grand Prix, with the<\/span>\u00a02002\/3 New Zealand Congress in Wanganui being the final event.<\/span>\u00a0Thus so far confirmed Grand Prix tournaments are: North Island Championship,<\/span>\u00a0North Island Rapid, South Island Championship, South Island Rapid, 110th NZ<\/span>\u00a0Championship, 2002\/3 NZ Major Open. The 2002 NZ Junior Championship and the<\/span>\u00a02002 NZ Women’s Championship are also likely to count in their categories.<\/span>\u00a0It is also anticpated that the Waikato Open will become a Grand Prix event.<\/span>\u00a0Early indications are that Howick’s Latvian Gambit Tournament in March will<\/span>\u00a0be the first Grand Prix event of the year, with Waitemata’s Waitakere<\/span>\u00a0Licensing Trust Open (May), not far behind. If, as expected, North Shore’s<\/span>\u00a0Birkenhead Licensing Trust Open joins the Grand Prix it will be one of at<\/span>\u00a0least 3 tournaments in the top category, the others being the Waitakere<\/span>\u00a0Licensing Trust Open and the 110th Congress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Full details of the Grand Prix, with a break-down of levies and prizes, will<\/span>\u00a0be available to club delegates at the Annual General Meeting on<\/span>\u00a05 January, and will be posted to clubs who do not have delegates physically<\/span>\u00a0present. Clubs will then be asked to advise NZCF Council as soon as possible<\/span>\u00a0if they want an event included in the Global Chess Enterprises Grand Prix.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please support this concept: to me it looks very exciting! Once the Grand<\/span>\u00a0Prix kicks off, running scores for each division will be posted at Grand<\/span>\u00a0Prix tournaments, in NZCF bulletins and in “NZ Chess”.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

The November national list is now on the NZ Chess webpage<\/span>\u00a0http:\/\/ourworld.compuserve.com\/homepages\/nzchess and clubs should have received<\/span>\u00a0hard copies by the end of this week.<\/span><\/p>\n

The top 10 active players are now: 1 A. Kulashko 2380 2 B. Martin 2375 3 R.<\/span>\u00a0Dive 2368 4 A. Ker 2353 5 P. Garbett 2338<\/span>\u00a06 B. Smith 2317 7 L. McLaren 2266 8 S. Wastney 2262 9 R. Sutton 2250 10 M.<\/span>\u00a0Dreyer 2230<\/span><\/p>\n

SWISS PERFECT<\/span><\/p>\n

After impressive trials NZCF Council has decided that the Swiss Perfect<\/span>\u00a0pairing programme would be a valuable asset to tournament organisers around<\/span>\u00a0the country. We are now negotiating a deal with the creator of the programme<\/span>\u00a0to purchase Swiss Perfect licences for every NZCF affiliated club. These<\/span>\u00a0will be made available FREE OF CHARGE, but will remain the property of NZCF<\/span>\u00a0and must be returned in the event of a club disaffiliating or disbanding.<\/span>\u00a0Swiss Perfect will enable clubs to run tournaments much more easily and even<\/span>\u00a0better, Swiss Perfect print-outs can be sent directly to the NZCF rating<\/span>\u00a0officer for rating purposes. This will steamline the whole rating process<\/span>\u00a0and leave very little excuse for late tournament reports. In time Council<\/span>\u00a0forsees Swiss Perfect becoming the main (and preferred) method of submitting<\/span>\u00a0results.<\/span><\/p>\n

NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to Kirkwood Intermediate School, of Christchurch, and<\/span>\u00a0Vauxhall Primary School, of Auckland.<\/span><\/p>\n

In finals played in Auckland earlier this month Kirkwood won the NZ<\/span>\u00a0Intermediate Schools title, beating North Island Champions Sacred Heart in a<\/span>\u00a0close-fought match.<\/span>\u00a0Vauxhall decisively won the NZ Primary Schools title, defeating South Island<\/span>\u00a0Champions Ilam.<\/span>\u00a0Kirkwood and Ilam flew up to Auckland for the matches, while Wanganui<\/span>\u00a0champions Kokohuia Intermediate and Fordell Primary also travelled up for<\/span>\u00a0the North Island play-offs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The matches were played at Sacred Heart College, who organised a luncheon for participants, officials and supporters.<\/span>\u00a0Many thanks to teacher Margaret Graham.<\/span><\/p>\n

The finals generated a lot of interest and enthusiasm (not to mention<\/span>\u00a0tension), with teams returning home vowing to be better prepared next year!<\/span>\u00a0The island and national winners took handsome trophies away with them,<\/span>\u00a0bought from NZCF funds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately exams precluded the secondary finals being played this year,<\/span>\u00a0but we have made a start and will bring forward the secondary schedule next<\/span>\u00a0year to ensure there is time for the finals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many thanks once again to clubs who ran inter-schools competitions this<\/span>\u00a0year; it was well worthwhile.<\/span><\/p>\n

ASIAN CITIES TEAMS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

The next Asian Cities Championship is being held in Yemen in February.<\/span>\u00a0Cities need four players to make up a team. Entries need to be registered by<\/span>\u00a06 January. Anyone interested should contact NZCF Vice-President Bob Gibbons<\/span>\u00a0at\u00a0bob.gibbons@manukau.ac.nz<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Bob is keen to organise a team from Auckland at least, and has all the<\/span>\u00a0details.<\/span><\/p>\n

ASIAN JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS (Under 18)<\/span><\/p>\n

This is being held at Bikaner, Rajasthan in India from 27 December 2001 to 4<\/span>\u00a0January 2002.<\/span>\u00a0Twin share accommodation and food will be provided for any selected<\/span>\u00a0participant. New Zealand has the right to send one player.<\/span>\u00a0Anyone interested should contact NZCF.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

The deadline for contributions to the December “NZ Chess” is tomorrow, 13<\/span>\u00a0December.<\/span>\u00a0They should be sent directly to the Editor, Graeme Trass at<\/span>\u00a0triangle@voyager.co.nz or write to “NZ Chess” P.O. Box 1627 Taupo,<\/span>\u00a02730. In changes aimed at streamlining procedures Graeme will also be<\/span>\u00a0handling subscriptions directly from now on, and from next year will be<\/span>\u00a0introducing a common renewal date for all subscribers. The December magazine<\/span>\u00a0will be printed on 18 December and distributed shortly after. This will<\/span>\u00a0bring “NZ Chess” back on publication schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF HANDBOOK<\/span><\/p>\n

There has been no response so far to Council’s request for a volunteer to<\/span>\u00a0update and produce a hard copy of the NZCF handbook each year. Anyone<\/span>\u00a0interested should contact me, or write to NZCF at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St,<\/span>\u00a0Auckland. The handbook will continue to be made available on the NZ Chess<\/span>\u00a0webpage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, I wish all chessplayers throughout the country and their families<\/span>\u00a0and friends an enjoyable Christmas. I hope you get the (chess) presents you<\/span>\u00a0want and that you find the time to relax and read a good (chess) book.<\/span><\/p>\n

To those of you playing in Congress, I look forward to seeing you in<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch!<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 6 : NOVEMBER 17, 2001<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

109th NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESS<\/span><\/p>\n

The premiere chess event of the year is almost upon us. I urge chessplayers<\/span>\u00a0from around the country to support this year’s New Zealand Chess Congress in<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing conditions at the Millennium Hotel should be excellent, and<\/span>\u00a0Organiser Chris Wright has put many hours into making the 109th Congress a<\/span>\u00a0success.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NZ Championship and NZ Major Open kick off on 28 December – leaving<\/span>\u00a0plenty of time to open Christmas presents before heading for the garden<\/span>\u00a0city.<\/span><\/p>\n

The preliminary closing date for both tournaments is 30 November, so get<\/span>\u00a0your entries in soon! After that, there is a 20% surcharge.<\/span>\u00a0As previously mentioned there is a web page dedicated to Congress.<\/span>\u00a0It is at http:\/\/nzchesscongress109.tripod.com\/ The programme can be<\/span>\u00a0downloaded, as well as games from previous NZ Championships. The top two New<\/span>\u00a0Zealanders in this year’s Championship will automatically win places in next<\/span>\u00a0year’s Olympiad team to go to Slovenia. Any queries about Congress should be<\/span>\u00a0directed to Chris Wright at wrights@xtra.co.nz. All clubs should have<\/span>\u00a0received printed programmes quite some time ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

At this stage it now appears unlikely that GM Volzhin will be playing after<\/span>\u00a0all, but many of New Zealand’s top players are expected to compete – and<\/span>\u00a0Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton will be opening the event.<\/span>\u00a0Don’t forget – if you can’t make the main event there is the NZ Lightning<\/span>\u00a0Championship on 6 January and the NZ Rapid Championship on 10 and 11<\/span>\u00a0January.<\/span><\/p>\n

2002 CHESS GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/p>\n

I am pleased to advise that a sponsorship agreement has been reached for a<\/span>\u00a0nationwide Chess Grand Prix, which will start early next year. Global Chess<\/span>\u00a0Enterprises will support this concept for the inaugural year. Council<\/span>\u00a0anticipates a prize-fund of at least $3000. The Grand Prix will run over<\/span>\u00a0numerous tournaments throughout the country, which will be weighted<\/span>\u00a0according to prize-money offered. Tournament organisers will be able to<\/span>\u00a0have events included in the Grand Prix upon payment of a levy. The exact<\/span>\u00a0details will be confirmed by Council at its December meeting and circulated<\/span>\u00a0to affiliates. I expect there to be overall Grand Prix prizes, junior<\/span>\u00a0prizes, and rating division prizes. There may also be prizes for female<\/span>\u00a0players. Running scores will be posted at Grand Prix tournaments, in NZCF<\/span>\u00a0bulletins and in “NZ Chess” The 110th New Zealand Congress in Wanganui is<\/span>\u00a0expected to be the final Grand Prix event for the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Council’s Sponsorship Committee will vigorously pursue on-going sponsorship<\/span>\u00a0during the year. The support of Global Chess Enterprises is greatly<\/span>\u00a0appreciated to help start off what Council believes can be a valuable<\/span>\u00a0stimulus to tournaments around New Zealand.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings Convenor Bob Gibbons will have the 6-monthly rating list available<\/span>\u00a0this month.<\/span><\/p>\n

A major problem in updating the list has been the number of clubs which have<\/span>\u00a0been extremely late in submitting tournament results. Some results have been<\/span>\u00a0sent in as late as 9 months after the event!<\/span>\u00a0Council has refrained from taking a punitive approach this year, but I would<\/span>\u00a0urge club officials and tournament organisers to improve their performance<\/span>\u00a0in this area, please. Viv Smith has spent many, many hours processing a<\/span>\u00a0flood of last minute tournament cards, some of which have not included<\/span>\u00a0necessary details (such as dates, time controls, player codes, details of<\/span>\u00a0unrated players).<\/span><\/p>\n

The new 6-monthly list will be on the webpage<\/span>\u00a0ourworld.compuserve.com\/homepages\/nzchess as soon as it’s available.<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP – PUCHEN & EVGINIA APPEAL<\/span><\/p>\n

11-year-old Puchen Wang and 12-year-old Evginia Charomova competed at the<\/span>\u00a0World Youth Championship<\/span>\u00a0in Spain from October 20 to November 3.<\/span>\u00a0Both performed very creditably: Puchen finished 25=\/117 in the Under 12 Open<\/span>\u00a0category, scoring 6.5\/11<\/span>\u00a0(+4, -2, =5).<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of the players in this section were a year older than Puchen, so this<\/span>\u00a0result is a testimony to Puchen’s exceptional talent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Evginia started slowly in her first major international event, but rallied<\/span>\u00a0well to finish 33=\/78 in the Under 12<\/span>\u00a0Girls Category, with 5.5\/11 (+4, -4, =3).<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time the children’s fares, entry fees and other expenses<\/span>\u00a0(including uniforms!) were fully funded,<\/span>\u00a0thanks to successful applications by NZCF for substantial grants, and the<\/span>\u00a0support of the chess community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to all those who contributed to the appeal for Puchen and Evginia;<\/span>\u00a0your support was crucial in enabling two of our most promising juniors to<\/span>\u00a0gain invaluable experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following contributions are acknowledged:<\/p>\n

Lion Foundation $2500
\nScottwood Group $2000
\nAuckland Chess Association $ 100
\nUpper Hutt Chess Club $ 100
\nWaitemata Chess Club $ 100
\nMax Wigbout $ 50
\nNew Plymouth Chess Club $ 28
\nHilton Bennett $ 30
\nBob Bowler $ 20<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, Puchen and Evginia received the following individual\u00a0contributions:<\/span><\/p>\n

Puchen – Auckland Chess Centre $300
\nEvginia – Westlake Girls High School $750<\/span>,\u00a0North Shore Chess Club $300<\/span>,\u00a0Russian Club $ 50<\/span><\/p>\n

Evginia also raised $170 from members of the public with a simultaneous<\/span>\u00a0exhibition at the Milford Shopping Centre. This featured on Late Edition<\/span>\u00a0News on TV One and on “What Now” a few days later. A third appearance for<\/span>\u00a0chess on TV this year!<\/span><\/p>\n

ICM Michael Freeman accompanied Puchen and Evginia as coach and chaperone.<\/span>\u00a0He believes both children should be happy with their results in fields that<\/span>\u00a0were very strong. For example, Puchen’s Under 12 Category included 17 FIDE<\/span>\u00a0rated players, with the top seed rated at 2398!<\/span><\/p>\n

Many thanks to Michael for looking after and preparing the children; there<\/span>\u00a0will be a full report on the trip<\/span>\u00a0in the December “NZ Chess” magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to Eleanora Mikhailik, the new NZ Women’s Chess Champion.<\/span>\u00a0Ella broke a string of three title wins by her Waitemata clubmate Viv Smith,<\/span>\u00a0scoring 4.5\/6, just ahead of Viv on 4\/6. Then came Edith Otene on 3.5 and<\/span>\u00a0Helen Courtney on 0.<\/span><\/p>\n

These four played a double round robin to decide the title – but results did<\/span>\u00a0not always reflect some of the positions achieved – especially in Helen’s<\/span>\u00a0case!<\/span><\/p>\n

As well as the top group, another 9 girls played for the NZ Women’s Reserve<\/span>\u00a0Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

This brought the overall participation to 13, compared to 4 last year – a<\/span>\u00a0welcome result of Council’s initiatives this year in promoting female chess.<\/span>\u00a0The Reserve title was shared by Sue Maroroa of Auckland and Hannah Mason of<\/span>\u00a0Christchurch, with 6.5\/7.<\/span>\u00a0Third place on 5\/5 was shared by Serra Tang and Natasha Fairley.<\/span>\u00a0A full report on the tournament and games are in the October “NZ Chess”.<\/span><\/p>\n

LIGHTNING CHESS SPECTACULAR<\/span><\/p>\n

This event, sponsored by the Onehunga Business Association, proved very<\/span>\u00a0successful and a popular part of Onehunga’s Ancient Games Spectacular day.<\/span>\u00a0Throughout the day there were always crowds watching 12 of the country’s<\/span>\u00a0best players competing in a double round robin lightning tournament.<\/span>\u00a0Eventual winner was FM Paul Garbett, who scored 17\/22 and did not lose a<\/span>\u00a0game until round 16.<\/span>\u00a0Close behind with 16.5 was FM Alexei Kulashko, who scored two more wins than<\/span>\u00a0Paul, but suffered a few more losses.<\/span>\u00a0Third equal a respectable margin behind were IM Russell Dive and FM Martin<\/span>\u00a0Dreyer.<\/span>\u00a0A full report is in the October NZ Chess magazine, due out this coming week.<\/span>\u00a0The Onehunga Business Association was delighted with the calibre of the<\/span>\u00a0field and the interest shown by the public. It is keen to continue a link<\/span>\u00a0with chess and is considering future promotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW MEMBERS<\/span><\/p>\n

I am pleased to say there were no objections received within the two month<\/span>\u00a0period concerning the applications of two new clubs to become associate<\/span>\u00a0members of the Federation.<\/span>\u00a0I therefore take great pleasure in welcoming the Mount Maunganui RSA Chess<\/span>\u00a0Club and the North Harbour Junior Chess Club to the fold. The latter<\/span>changed its name slightly from North Shore Junior Chess Club to avoid a<\/span>\u00a0similarity of names.<\/span><\/p>\n

MT MAUNGANUI SIMUL<\/span><\/p>\n

One of our new members, Mt Maunganui RSA Chess Club, gave me and my wife Viv<\/span>\u00a0a very warm welcome a few weeks back when I visited to play a simul. Club<\/span>\u00a0President Rick McGuinness and his wife Barbra (correct spelling) wined and<\/span>\u00a0dined us on Saturday and then 25 club players, including some from Rotorua<\/span>\u00a0and Tokoroa, paid $5 each to play in the simul on Sunday. When I arrived Idiscovered the Mt Maunganui Club had offered two free dinners to anyone who<\/span>\u00a0won! The club had already outlaid quite a few dollars promoting the event,<\/span>\u00a0so this was a powerful incentive not to make too much of a fool of myself!<\/span>\u00a0In the event, I was pleased to concede just one draw, and the club saved its<\/span>\u00a0dinners. Everyone enjoyed the simul, which achieved good publicity.<\/span>\u00a0An article had appeared in the local paper before the event, and a reporter<\/span>\u00a0from the paper came along on the day to take photos and write a story. Well<\/span>\u00a0done Mt Maunganui RSA! The more publicity for our favourite game the better.<\/span><\/p>\n

NATIONAL INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS<\/span><\/p>\n

These are necessarily running late because of delays in holding some<\/span>\u00a0competitions. However, all North Island and South Island finalists have been<\/span>\u00a0confirmed in the three sections (secondary, intermediate and primary) and<\/span>\u00a0play-offs are to be begin soon. The secondary matches may be delayed because<\/span>\u00a0of exams. But I am confident we will find inaugural North Island, South<\/span>\u00a0Island and New Zealand Champions in all three divisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next year these competitions may have to be brought forward a little. Many<\/span>\u00a0thanks to all clubs who organised schools tournaments this year. Those who<\/span>\u00a0didn’t, how about it in 2002?<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENTS COMING UP<\/span><\/p>\n

HAMILTON (LAST CHANCE) RAPID Sunday 2 December.<\/p>\n

A 6 round 25-25 tournament in two grades. Prizes : Open – 1st $100 2nd $50<\/span>\u00a0Grade Prize $30<\/span>\u00a0Under 1350 – 1st $60 2nd $30 Grade Prize $30. Entry fees : $25, juniors $15.
\nDetails from William Lynn 07 8341893 bus. or 078395334 res. By e-mail from<\/span>\u00a0Hilton Bennett hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

ASIAN JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS (Under 18)<\/p>\n

This is being held at Bikaner, Rajasthan in India from 27 December 2001 to 4<\/span>\u00a0January 2002.<\/span>\u00a0Twin share accommodation and food will be provided for any selected<\/span>\u00a0participant. New Zealand has the right to send one player. Anyone interested<\/span>\u00a0should contact NZCF.<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENTS BEEN AND GONE<\/span><\/p>\n

The SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP from 24-28 September was shared by IM Ben<\/span>\u00a0Martin and FM Scott Wastney with 6.5\/8. They were followed by Charles Ker<\/span>\u00a0and Tony Dowden on 5.5.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tournament was sponsored by Broadbase Otago Ltd and organised by Otago<\/span>\u00a0Chess Club.<\/span><\/p>\n

The SOUTH ISLAND RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP on 29 September also went to Scott<\/span>\u00a0Wastney with 5.5\/6.<\/span>\u00a0Runner-up with 4.5 was Charles Ker.<\/span><\/p>\n

The BIRKENHEAD LICENSING TRUST OPEN , run by North Shore Chess Club on 22 &<\/span>\u00a023 September, was won by FM Bob Smith and Ben Giles with 4\/5. Next on 3.5<\/span>\u00a0came FM Paul Garbett, FM Bruce Watson and Philip Hair.<\/span>\u00a0The B Grade was won by Aaron Cossey with 4.5\/5, followed on 4\/5 by William<\/span>\u00a0Forster, Stuart East, Daniel Johns, Stanislav Shatalin and David Xu. Report<\/span>\u00a0and games: October NZ Chess.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t forget, contributions are always welcome for our bi-monthly magazine.<\/span>\u00a0The next issue, due out next week, will be jampacked with tournament news<\/span>\u00a0and games from a busy period of the year.<\/span>\u00a0If you haven’t ordered it yet, or you want to contribute an interesting game<\/span>\u00a0or article (clubs, some local news would be good) e-mail the Editor Graeme<\/span>\u00a0Trass at triangle@voyager.co.nz or write to “NZ Chess” P.O. Box 1627 Taupo,<\/span>\u00a02730.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF HANDBOOK<\/span><\/p>\n

North Shore Chess Club has expressed concern that the NZCF Handbook is now<\/span>\u00a0only available on the NZ Chess webpage, and that Council has no plans to<\/span>\u00a0publish hard copies of amendments.<\/span>\u00a0As previously explained, Council felt that putting the handbook on the<\/span>\u00a0webpage would make it more readily accessible and more easily updated, as<\/span>\u00a0well as saving funds. The time involved in producing updated hard copies<\/span>\u00a0could also be devoted to other matters more related to the promotion of<\/span>\u00a0chess. However, upon discussion Council feels that North Shore’s view has<\/span>\u00a0some merit. Therefore, we are seeking a volunteer from among the wider chess<\/span>community who would be prepared to update the handbook once a year and<\/span>\u00a0produce a hard copy version to be distributed to clubs. Anyone interested<\/span>\u00a0should contact me, or write to NZCF at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING<\/span><\/p>\n

All clubs will have received e-mail notice of the AGM, which is at the<\/span>\u00a0Millennium Hotel In Christchurch at 7.45pm on 5 January, 2002.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nominations received by the closing date of 31 October were:<\/p>\n

President – Bob Smith Vice-President – Hilton Bennett Secretary – Jack Frost
\nCouncillors – Viv Smith, Bruce Wheeler, Felicity Timings.
\nWellington Regional Councillors – Russell Dive and Michael Freeman<\/p>\n

There is only one remit, from Wanganui Chess Club, which reads as follows:<\/p>\n

Wanganui Chess Club Remit (for a substitution of section 2.1 clauses 2.1.1<\/span>\u00a0to 2.1.4 inclusive of the NZCF Tournament Regulations for the Annual<\/span>\u00a0Congress)<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Annual Congress<\/p>\n

The Annual Congress shall consist of the New Zealand Championship, the<\/span>\u00a0Major Open, the New Zealand Rapid Championship and such subsidiary<\/span>\u00a0tournaments as the controlling authority shall decide.<\/span><\/p>\n

1.1.2 Dates<\/p>\n

The Annual Congress shall commence on either the 28th December (schedule A)<\/span>\u00a0or 2nd January (Schedule B) in each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Schedule A<\/p>\n

Schedule A shall commence on the 28th December. There shall be either one or<\/span>\u00a0two rest days, at the discretion of the controlling authority. If there is<\/span>\u00a0one rest day, it shall fall after round seven. If there are two rest days,<\/span>\u00a0they shall fall after rounds four and eight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing Times<\/p>\n

There shall be one session each playing day. The final round shall commence<\/span>\u00a0at 10.00 am. Each other round shall start at a time between 12.00 noon and<\/span>\u00a01.00 pm, such start time being determined by the controlling authority, and<\/span>\u00a0stated on the entry form for Congress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time Controls<\/p>\n

Each game shall be a maximum of seven hours duration, played in a single<\/span>\u00a0session with time controls of forty (40) moves within the first two hours,<\/span>\u00a0then twenty (20) moves in the third hour, and a further 30 minutes in which<\/span>\u00a0to complete the game except that where a sufficient number of digital timers<\/span>\u00a0is available for a tournament the time control shall be 40 moves in 100<\/span>\u00a0minutes followed by 20 moves in 50 minutes and then a ten-minute guillotine<\/span>\u00a0period with additional time of 30 seconds per move from move one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Schedule B<\/p>\n

Schedule B shall commence on 2nd January. There shall be one rest day that<\/span>\u00a0shall fall after round six.<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing Times<\/p>\n

The schedule shall have 2 games on day one, three, and after the rest day.<\/span>\u00a0Each other playing day shall have one session. The final round shall<\/span>\u00a0commence at 10.00 am. Each other day with one game per day shall start at a<\/span>\u00a0time between 12.00 noon and 1.00 pm. The days with two games shall commence<\/span>\u00a0the first game at a time between 9.00am and 10.00am, and the second game at<\/span>\u00a0a time between 6.00pm and 7.00pm. The start times shall be determined by the<\/span>\u00a0controlling authority, and stated on the entry form for Congress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time Controls<\/p>\n

Each game shall be a maximum of five hours duration, played in a single<\/span>\u00a0session with time controls of forty (40) moves within the first two hours,<\/span>\u00a0and a further 30 minutes in which to complete the game except that where a<\/span>\u00a0sufficient number of digital timers is available for a tournament the time<\/span>\u00a0control shall be 40 moves in 90 minutes and then a fifteen-minute guillotine<\/span>\u00a0period with additional time of 30 seconds per move from move one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basically this would allow for the annual Congress to start later and be<\/span>\u00a0condensed into 9 days, rather than 13, by playing 2 games on some days.<\/span>\u00a0There are, of course, pros and cons to this proposal, but Council feels it<\/span>\u00a0is worthy of consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Feedback is welcome – and of course club delegates will have the opportunity<\/span>\u00a0for discussion at the AGM. Please advise NZCF of your delegate in writing by<\/span>\u00a015 December.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s been a busy chess year, but there is still much to be done.<\/span>\u00a0I don’t know about you all, but I’m looking forward to playing some good<\/span>\u00a0games at Christchurch from 28 December.<\/span><\/p>\n

See you there!<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 5 : SEPTEMBER 3, 2001<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Much has happened since my last bulletin, and there is a great deal of chess<\/span>\u00a0activity on the immediate horizon.<\/span><\/p>\n

WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP – PUCHEN & EVGINIA APPEAL<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council has selected NZ Junior Champion Puchen Wang (at the age of 11!)<\/span>\u00a0and runner-up Evginia Charomova (aged 12!) to represent New Zealand at the<\/span>\u00a0World Youth Championship in Spain from October 20 to November 3.<\/span>\u00a0Puchen will be competing in the Under 12 Open category, while Evginia will<\/span>\u00a0play in the Under 12 Girls Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their participation is, however, dependent on raising a substantial amount<\/span>\u00a0towards travel costs for Puchen and Evginia and a coach\/chaperone. Total<\/span>\u00a0travel costs will be around $6000. NZCF Council is trying to help raise some<\/span>\u00a0of this, with applications to likely sponsors, but it is a tough task. To<\/span>\u00a0give chessplayers around the country the chance to support these two<\/span>\u00a0extremely promising young players, NZCF is opening an appeal. Any<\/span>\u00a0individuals or clubs can send contributions to : PUCHEN & EVGINIA APPEAL,<\/span>\u00a0c\/- NZ Chess Federation, P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland 1. Cheques<\/span>\u00a0should be made out to NZ Chess Federation Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recent results by Puchen : 1st NZ Junior Championship 2001, 1st Devonport<\/span>\u00a0Junior Tournament 2001, NZ Junior of the Year 2000, 5th NZ Major Open<\/span>\u00a0Championship 2000 (all ages), 5th World Under Championships 2000.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recent results by Evginia: 2nd NZ Junior Championship 2001, 2nd Devonport<\/span>\u00a0Junior Tournament 2001, 1st Auckland Girls Championship 2001, 2nd Waitakere<\/span>\u00a0Licensing Trust Open C Grade (all ages) 2001, 4th Australian Under 12<\/span>\u00a0Championships 2000, 1st Under 12 Sydney Junior Championships 2000. Evginia<\/span>\u00a0has recently beaten all but one of the last NZ Women’s Olympiad team! (they<\/span>\u00a0haven’t played yet).<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

The first results are coming in from inter-schools championships around the<\/span>\u00a0country. In Auckland Waitemata Chess Club attracted 268 children to the West<\/span>\u00a0Auckland Inter-schools Competition (27 primary teams, 20 intermediate, 20<\/span>\u00a0secondary). The primary winner was Konini, while the intermediate section<\/span>\u00a0was shared by Glen Eden and Henderson, who also tied a play-off match. Glen<\/span>\u00a0Eden qualified for the Auckland finals on the basis of their original match.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kelston and Avondale shared the secondary title, but do not qualify for<\/span>\u00a0Auckland finals as the Auckland Secondary Champion is decided by the<\/span>\u00a0existing Auckland Inter-schools Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wanganui held its inaugural Schools Chess Tournament late last month,<\/span>\u00a0attracting 96 children. Wanganui High School convincingly won the secondary<\/span>\u00a0section. Kokohuia took the Intermediate title, while Fordell Primary won a<\/span>\u00a0play-off against St Annes for the primary title.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Christchurch, Illam Primary has won the primary championship. Other<\/span>\u00a0results should be available soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other clubs who have run or are running inter-schools competitions include<\/span>\u00a0Wellington (24 secondary teams confirmed) , Howick-Pakuranga and North<\/span>\u00a0Shore. I would like to hear from more clubs about their plans, and NZCF<\/span>\u00a0needs results and reports please after the competitions are completed.<\/span><\/p>\n

109th NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESS<\/span><\/p>\n

Preparations are well advanced, with a number of new developments.<\/span>\u00a0DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER JIM ANDERTON has agreed to open Congress on 28<\/span>\u00a0December. Mr Anderton lists chess among his favourite hobbies, so he should<\/span>\u00a0be able to make a reasonable move on board one!<\/span><\/p>\n

Also coming : GRANDMASTER ALEXANDER VOLZHIN from Russia (2539). After<\/span>\u00a0playing at Congress, GM Volzhin may be available to coach and lecture<\/span>\u00a0potential NZ Olympiad team members.<\/span><\/p>\n

Congress Organiser Chris Wright has now set up a web page dedicated to the<\/span>\u00a0109th Chess Congress. In the first two weeks it had 158 hits from 10<\/span>\u00a0countries. The address is http:\/\/nzchesscongress109.tripod.com\/ .The<\/span>\u00a0Congress programme can be downloaded, as well as games from previous NZ<\/span>\u00a0Championships.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council has decided that the top two New Zealanders in this year’s<\/span>\u00a0Championship will automatically win places in next year’s Olympiad team to<\/span>\u00a0go to Slovenia. Any queries about Congress should be directed to Chris<\/span>\u00a0Wright at wrights@xtra.co.nz. Printed programmes should be available at your<\/span>\u00a0club in the near future.<\/span><\/p>\n

“NZ CHESS” MAGAZINE<\/span><\/p>\n

As clubs will know from an e-mail I circulated in July, there has been a<\/span>\u00a0change of Editor for “NZ Chess”.<\/span>\u00a0Ted Frost, who edited the magazine for 8 years, stepped down in mid-July,<\/span>\u00a0after unfortunately taking umbrage at some private correspondence by a<\/span>\u00a0Councillor. It is a pity to lose such a good worker, and I would like to put<\/span>on record Council’s appreciation of the effort that Ted has put in over the<\/span>\u00a0years. Ted remains an NZCF Regional Councillor and a trustee of “Chess<\/span>\u00a0Friends”.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are very fortunate that GRAEME TRASS agreed to take over as Editor.<\/span>\u00a0Graeme (father of former NZ Junior Champion Ryan) did a wonderful job to<\/span>\u00a0produce the June issue at very short notice. He managed to get the issue out<\/span>\u00a0within 3 weeks of advice that it hadn’t been completed. Graeme is hoping to<\/span>\u00a0produce the August issue within the next three weeks, and then be back on<\/span>\u00a0publication time for the October issue. But I guess that depends on how<\/span>\u00a0tardy some of the correspondents are! If you have copy for the August issue,<\/span>\u00a0please get it to Graeme in the next week at the latest – it is already<\/span>\u00a0overdue! Some tips from Graeme : attached documents need to be in Word 97 or<\/span>\u00a0Works 4. Games should be sent in Figurine TmsCB font if possible. Graeme’s<\/span>\u00a0e-mail address is : triangle@voyager.co.nz The postal address for “NZ<\/span>\u00a0Chess” is P.O. Box 1627 Taupo, 2730. Magazine subscriptions should be sent<\/span>\u00a0to the NZCF Treasurer, Roger Perry, at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland<\/span>1.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW MEMBERS<\/span><\/p>\n

Two new clubs have applied for associate membership of the NZ Chess<\/span>\u00a0Federation : the Mount Maunganui RSA Chess Club and the North Shore Junior<\/span>\u00a0Chess Club. Affiliates have two months to advise NZCF Council if they have<\/span>\u00a0any objections.My personal view is : the more the merrier!<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

Viv Smith has spent many hours catching up on processing a backlog of<\/span>\u00a0tournaments. These have now been completed and sent through to Rating<\/span>\u00a0Officer Rowan Wood. Hopefully a new list should be on the “NZ Chess” website<\/span>\u00a0soon – ourworld.compuserve.com\/homepages\/nzchess. The May 6-monthly list is<\/span>\u00a0currently posted on the web-site.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ CHESS WEBPAGE – ADDITIONS<\/span><\/p>\n

Also on the webpage soon : an up to date version of the NZCF handbook. NZCF Council has decided to publish the handbook on-line so it can be readily<\/span>\u00a0available (and down-loaded) and can be easily up-dated. Hard copies of the<\/span>\u00a0handbook will no longer be printed, thus saving this cost. And clubs will no<\/span>\u00a0longer have to pay for the handbook, as it will be available free of charge<\/span>\u00a0from the web-page.<\/span>\u00a0Already on the webpage – the latest rules of chess, which came into force on<\/span>\u00a0July 1. Webmaster Michael Freeman has included a summary of the changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

By now clubs should have received entry forms for the 2001 New Zealand<\/span>\u00a0Women’s Chess Championship.<\/span>\u00a0This is being run by the Auckland Chess Association at the Auckland Chess<\/span>\u00a0Centre over Labour Weekend, Saturday October 20 to Monday October 22. This<\/span>\u00a0year Championship and Reserve Championships will be held, both being 7 round<\/span>\u00a0swisses. Another interesting change if the adoption of a “fischer” time<\/span>\u00a0control, with players getting an additional<\/span>\u00a030 seconds a move from the start of the game. The time control is 40 in 75,<\/span>\u00a0plus 15 minutes, plus 30 seconds per move from the start. The entry fee is a<\/span>\u00a0very reasonable $40 for seniors, $20 for juniors for the Championship; $30<\/span>\u00a0seniors, $15 juniors for the Reserve. The prize-fund depends on entries.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council is hopeful that in view of its recent initiatives in female<\/span>\u00a0chess and the excellent turnout for the Auckland Girls Championship (128<\/span>\u00a0players) the NZ Women’s Championship will get much more support this year.<\/span>\u00a0Enquiries: Kees Van den Bosch\u00a0kvdbstj@clear.net.nz<\/a>\u00a0If you know anyone who might be interested in playing, please let them knowabout the Women’s Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS COACHING DAY<\/span><\/p>\n

As a follow-up to NZCF’s Girls Chess Week 49 of the top girls from the<\/span>\u00a0Auckland Girls Championship were invited to a free coaching day at the<\/span>\u00a0Auckland Chess Centre on August 12. 32 attended on the Sunday. NZCF Coach<\/span>\u00a0Ewen Green and I did a two hour session each. My morning session<\/span>\u00a0concentrated on the opening and transition to the middle-game. Ewen followed<\/span>\u00a0up with some tactical ideas and middle-game strategies. The day was<\/span>\u00a0well-received by the girls and parents. NZCF Female Chess Committee member<\/span>\u00a0Jacinta Buist is also planning a similar day in Christchurch.<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL 2002<\/span><\/p>\n

Next year’s Oceania Zonal has been confirmed for May 6-12 in Fiji. It will<\/span>\u00a0be held at the Warwick Fiji Hotel Resort.<\/span>\u00a0New Zealand is entitled to one free entry in both the Open and Women’s<\/span>\u00a0Zonal. Other players can compete, but must pay their own expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n

OTHER TOURNAMENTS COMING UP<\/span><\/p>\n

The BIRKENHEAD LICENSING TRUST OPEN will be run in Auckland by the North<\/span>\u00a0Shore Chess Club on 22 & 23 September. The format is two separate five round<\/span>\u00a0swisses (open and under 1700), with a fischer time control of 40 moves in 80<\/span>\u00a0minutes plus 10 minutes to complete the game with 15 seconds additional time<\/span>\u00a0per move. Entry fee $35 (juniors $20). Prize Fund $2300. Players can take a<\/span>\u00a0half point bye in any of the first three rounds. Contact Neil Gunn<\/span>\u00a0ngunn@beca.co.nz or Peter Stuart pstuart@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

The SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS. Clubs should have received entry forms for<\/span>\u00a0this event by e-mail.<\/span>\u00a0The tournament is in Dunedin 24-28 September at the Otago Chess Club rooms,<\/span>\u00a07 Maitland St.<\/span>\u00a0Format : 8 round swiss with a time control of 40 in 105 mins, plus 30<\/span>\u00a0minutes guillotine finish. Entry fee: $60 seniors, $30 juniors or unwaged.<\/span>\u00a0Late fee of $10 on entries received after 19 September. Prize-fund : Minimum<\/span>\u00a0of $300 1st, $200 2nd, $100 3rd. Some billets available (contact Graham<\/span>\u00a0Haase ph 03 4536472). Further Enquiries: Duncan Watts ph (03) 4775226<\/span>\u00a0e-mail: watts.duncan@lycos.com The tournament is sponsored by Broadbase<\/span>\u00a0Otago Ltd.<\/span><\/p>\n

The SOUTH ISLAND RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at the same venue on<\/span>\u00a0Saturday, 29 September.<\/span>\u00a0Entry fee $30 seniors ($15 juniors, unwaged). Prize-fund dependent on entry<\/span>\u00a0fees\/sponsorship. 6 round swiss, 30 minutes each per player.<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENT RESULTS<\/span><\/p>\n

The NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP was won by FM Bruce Watson, with 7.5\/8. Graeme<\/span>\u00a0Spain was second with 6.5, with Henry Votal and Ben Giles third equal with<\/span>\u00a05.5.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NORTH ISLAND RAPID CHAMPIONSHIP was shared by Leonard McLaren and Ralph<\/span>\u00a0Hart (5.5\/6), with Alan Dunn and Ben Giles third equal with 5.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last month’s MARUIA OPEN (a new tournament, in very picturesque\u00a0surroundings – see full article on NZ Chess webpage) was won by NZ Champion<\/span>\u00a0Scott Wastney with 4.5\/5, 2= John Van Ginkel and Shane Hudson on 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

The PAPATOETOE RAPID was shared by Paul Garbett and Leonard McLaren on 4\/5,<\/span>\u00a0with Bob Smith 3rd on 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NELSON COLE CUP was won by Scott Wastney (4.5\/5), with Bruce Donaldson<\/span>\u00a0and Arie Nijman 2= on 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENT CHESS UPDATE<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Tournament Committee Convenor Hilton Bennett has sent out by e-mail the<\/span>\u00a0first of regular “tournament updates”. Hilton would like details of any<\/span>\u00a0upcoming events and results. He can be contacted at hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

DEVONPORT OPEN JUNIOR CHESS TOURNAMENT<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Female Chess Committee member Felicity Timings organised a very<\/span>\u00a0successful weekend tournament for children under 13 last month. It attracted<\/span>\u00a0108 entrants and was won by PUCHEN WANG, with EVGINIA CHAROMOVA among those<\/span>\u00a0sharing second (she lost only to Puchen). Director of Play was David Shead,<\/span>\u00a0while NZCF Coach Ewen Green also helped out. The tournament achieved<\/span>\u00a0excellent coverage in the NZ Herald, with a large article and photo.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW PLYMOUTH QUERY<\/span><\/p>\n

New Plymouth Chess Club has just introduced a new honours board, but is<\/span>\u00a0missing two names from its list of club champions. The years concerned are<\/span>\u00a01970 and 1973. Anyone who can help with these “missing links” should e-mail<\/span>\u00a0the club at np_chess@hotmail.com<\/span><\/p>\n

FEES<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF has had a few enquiries about fees recently. A reminder: registration<\/span>\u00a0fees are $13 for seniors, $6.50 for juniors. Tournament levies for open<\/span>\u00a0tournaments are $3 a head. Club affiliation fees are $40 for full<\/span>\u00a0membership, $30 for associates. Please keep them coming in so chess can<\/span>\u00a0grow!<\/span><\/p>\n

A final note: I believe that much has already been achieved this year in<\/span>\u00a0promoting chess. But to continue what I see as a significant ground swell we<\/span>\u00a0need your help! So please, continue enjoying playing the game but remember,<\/span>\u00a0if we want chess to grow in New Zealand we all have to play a part.<\/span><\/p>\n

Happy chessing,<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation<\/p>\n


\nNZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 4 : JULY 13, 2001<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

I have just returned from a two-week family holiday in the Queensland<\/span>\u00a0sunshine, during which I had talks with Australian Chess Federation<\/span>\u00a0President Graeme Gardiner. I was impressed with his forward thinking and<\/span>\u00a0positive approach, and am pleased that NZCF has developed a closer<\/span>\u00a0relationship with the ACF. Communication and<\/span>\u00a0co-operation will be a big help in our efforts to promote chess throughout<\/span>\u00a0Australasia.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a shock to arrive back to the current “big freeze” here. But I think<\/span>\u00a0my typing fingers have now acclimatised enough to update you all on what’s<\/span>\u00a0been happening – and what’s coming up – for our favourite sport.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS’ CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/p>\n

This inaugural event was a resounding success. Girls only tournaments were<\/span>\u00a0held in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin during the week from 28 May to 1<\/span>\u00a0June.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Auckland the organising club,Waitemata, received an incredible 128<\/span>\u00a0entries. Publicity releases resulted in primetime nationwide television<\/span>\u00a0coverage on TVNZ’s One News, and an extensive article in the New Zealand<\/span>\u00a0Herald, with a<\/span>\u00a0big photo of promising junior Eugenia Sharomova. There was also coverage in<\/span>\u00a0the local West Auckland newspaper.<\/span><\/p>\n

The large turnout caused a few teething problems, mainly in terms of doing<\/span>\u00a0the pairings, but these should be eliminated next year by the use of the<\/span>\u00a0computer pairing system “swiss perfect” (currently being trialled by NZCF’s<\/span>\u00a0tournament committee).<\/span><\/p>\n

Canterbury Chess Club also ran a very successful girls championship, with<\/span>\u00a0over 30 entries, and local newspaper coverage. Principal organiser Jacinta<\/span>\u00a0Buist – who has joined NZCF’s Female Chess Committee – is keen to run<\/span>\u00a0another tournament again next year. A highlight in Christchurch was a simul<\/span>\u00a0by South Island Champion Ben Giles, who also helped as arbiter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Otago’s Girls Tournament was a little more low-key, with 10 participants.<\/span>\u00a0However, that is still more than double the number of females who played in<\/span>\u00a0the last New Zealand Women’s Championship! Otago stalwart Graham Haase<\/span>\u00a0organized the event.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF provided special certificates for all three competitions. This cost –<\/span>\u00a0which was nominal – was virtually the Federation’s only expense for<\/span>\u00a0invaluable, positive publicity, the chance for many more girls to experience<\/span>\u00a0the delights of chess and an opportunity to identify potential members of<\/span>\u00a0our future women’s olympiad teams!<\/span><\/p>\n

I would like to personally thank all those involved in the Girls Chess Week,<\/span>\u00a0especially my wife Viv (NZCF’s Female Chess Committee Convenor) who was a<\/span>\u00a0driving force behind the concept.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council has now decided to follow up with a coaching day in August for<\/span>\u00a0leading participants.<\/span><\/p>\n

A play-off is also planned between the regional champions (using the<\/span>\u00a0internet or e-mail) to find a New Zealand Girls Chess Champion. Wellington<\/span>\u00a0Chess Club is also now working on organising a girls championship at a later<\/span>\u00a0date.<\/span><\/p>\n

The overall regional winners were : Auckland – Eugenia Sharomova , Natasha<\/span>\u00a0Fairley and Samantha Smith (1=); Christchurch – Hannah Mason ; Dunedin –<\/span>\u00a0Nicola Porteous.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be more on the inaugural Girls Chess Week in “NZ Chess” magazine<\/span>\u00a0(Editor – Ted Frost tedfrost@xtra.co.nz Why not enquire about a bulk order<\/span>\u00a0for your club members?)<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

The time is almost upon us to start this competition. Hopefully clubs are<\/span>\u00a0now looking at venues for their tournaments and will be sending out entry<\/span>\u00a0forms to schools in the next month. Please advise NZCF Council when you have<\/span>\u00a0run<\/span>\u00a0your schools tournament. We need details of the winners and assessments of<\/span>\u00a0how the events went. This will enable us to arrange regional play-offs – the<\/span>\u00a0next stage of the competition – and look at any suggested improvements for<\/span>\u00a0next year.<\/span><\/p>\n

109th NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESS<\/span><\/p>\n

There has been a change of venue since my last bulletin. Regretfully Rydges<\/span>\u00a0Hotel in Christchurch pulled the rug out from under the feet of organiser<\/span>\u00a0Chris Wright, opting for a more lucrative client instead.<\/span>\u00a0However, I am pleased to announce that Chris, acting on behalf of the<\/span>\u00a0Canterbury Chess Club, was quick to find (and lock in) an alternative venue.<\/span>\u00a0The 2001-2 NZ Chess Congress will now be held at the Millennium Hotel, which<\/span>\u00a0should be a first class setting for our premier tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chessplayers interested in playing in either the NZ Championship (2000+ NZCF<\/span>\u00a0or 2100 FIDE) or the NZ Major Open can e-mail Chris Wright at<\/span>\u00a0wrights@xtra.co.nz.<\/span><\/p>\n

110th NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESS<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council is pleased to confirm Wanganui Chess Club as the host of the<\/span>\u00a02002-3 New Zealand Chess<\/span>\u00a0Congress. Congratulations to them; I am sure we all look forward to another<\/span>\u00a0well organised event in Wanganui.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bids remain open for the following Congress in 2003-4, with the venue due to<\/span>\u00a0be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting in Christchurch in January. We<\/span>\u00a0also invite applications to host next year’s North Island and South<\/span>\u00a0Island Championships.<\/span><\/p>\n

2002 CHESS GRAND PRIX<\/span><\/p>\n

Sponsorship committee member Paul Spiller is following up some possible<\/span>\u00a0sponsorship avenues for the nationwide Grand Prix due to start next year. I<\/span>\u00a0hope to be able to report some progress in the next bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

The six-monthly ratings are posted on the “NZ Chess” website –<\/span>\u00a0ourworld.compuserve.com\/homepages\/nzchess.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hard copies have been sent to all affiliated clubs. More regular updating of<\/span>\u00a0the ratings on our webpage has been complicated by the resignation of Daniel<\/span>\u00a0Johns and the Smiths’ family holiday! But hopefully this can be achieved by<\/span>\u00a0the next bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

This was run by the Auckland Chess Centre in the first week of the July<\/span>\u00a0School Holidays. The event attracted 31 entries and was won by Puchen Wang,<\/span>\u00a0with 6\/7 (who also won the Under 12 title). Second with 5.5\/7 was Eugenia<\/span>\u00a0Sharomova, who led the competition until scoring three draws in the closing<\/span>\u00a0three rounds. Nevertheless this must surely be the best result ever in the<\/span>\u00a0Championship by a girl. R. Trass, M. Manihera and D. Han tied for third.<\/span>\u00a0Congratulations to all the above, and thanks to the ACC and organiser Aidan<\/span>\u00a0for running the Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENTS<\/span><\/p>\n

Hamilton is currently running the North Island and North Island Rapid<\/span>\u00a0Championships. They will also be holding the WAIKATO OPEN over the weekend<\/span>\u00a0of 18 and 19 August, a 6-round swiss with one round on the Friday night (17<\/span>\u00a0August). There is an optional half point bye in any of the first 5 rounds.<\/span>\u00a0Contact Hilton Bennett hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

The SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS are in Dunedin from 24 – 28 September at the<\/span>\u00a0Otago Chess Club rooms, 7 Maitland St. Otago advises that some billet<\/span>\u00a0accommodation is likely to be available, and it is also negotiating<\/span>\u00a0discounted motel accommodation. The South Island Rapid Championships will<\/span>\u00a0also be held at the same venue, on Saturday 29 September. For more details<\/span>\u00a0contact Duncan Watts trewern@ihug.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

The BIRKENHEAD LICENSING TRUST OPEN will be run in Auckland by the North<\/span>\u00a0Shore Chess Club on 22 & 23 September. The format will be two separate five<\/span>\u00a0round swisses (open and under 1750), with a fischer time control.<\/span>\u00a0Prize-fund : $2200. Contact Neil Gunn ngunn@beca.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Another upcoming event is the PAPATOETOE OPEN. This is usually in August,<\/span>\u00a0but no details have been received as yet. Katrine Metge katrine_@ihug.co.nz<\/span>\u00a0may be able to help with inquiries. Please note there is an underscore after<\/span>\u00a0katrine in this address.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

This has been confirmed for Labour Weekend at the Auckland Chess Centre. It<\/span>\u00a0will be run under the auspices of the Auckland Chess Association. At this<\/span>\u00a0stage players interested in competing should contact Viv or myself<\/span>\u00a0vivbob@actrix.gen.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

DEVONPORT OPEN JUNIOR CHESS TOURNAMENT<\/span><\/p>\n

With the assistance of National Coach Ewen Green and long-time junior chess<\/span>\u00a0worker David Shead, NZCF Female Chess Committee member Felicity Timings is<\/span>\u00a0running this event on 18 and 19 August at the Devonport Community House.<\/span>\u00a0Participants must be under 13 years old at 1 January. The format is a<\/span>\u00a07-round swiss, with 30 minutes each on the clock. Entry fee $10. Enquiries<\/span>\u00a0to Felicity Timings ftimings@ihug.co.nz Clubs, please tell your juniors<\/span>\u00a0about this event. The more chess the better!<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT’S HAPPENING OUT THERE<\/span><\/p>\n

Leading Wanganui players have been active in junior chess. Barry Williams is<\/span>\u00a0teaching the game at Churton School, and he and Gordon Hoskyn are also<\/span>\u00a0teaching children at Westmere Primary.<\/span><\/p>\n

In West Auckland Viv and I are now teaching chess at four schools, as well<\/span>\u00a0as taking more than 20 juniors each Monday at Waitemata’s Junior Club.<\/span><\/p>\n

I believe North Shore Chess Club has now also restarted a weekly junior<\/span>\u00a0club.<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the sort of grassroot efforts we need to grow our game!<\/p>\n

Until next time, keep pushing those pieces.<\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation<\/p>\n


\nNZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 3 : MAY 17, 2001<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello once again. My apologies for the slight delay in this bulletin:<\/span>\u00a0because of personal circumstances Council’s latest meeting was deferred<\/span>\u00a0until early May, and I have also been busy organising the annual Waitakere<\/span>\u00a0Trust Chess Open.<\/span><\/p>\n

GIRLS CHESS WEEK<\/span><\/p>\n

The most pressing item on our agenda at the moment is the planned “Girls<\/span>\u00a0Chess Week” From 28 May to 1 June.<\/span>\u00a0Female Chess Convenor Viv Smith has e-mailed details to all affiliates,<\/span>\u00a0asking various clubs to organise one individual one-day girls tournament<\/span>\u00a0each during that week. Details of the format were included, plus a draft<\/span>cover letter to schools. So all that each club needs to hold such an event<\/span>\u00a0is one principal organiser and two people willing to spend one day running<\/span>\u00a0it.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF Council will be providing special certificates for age group winners at<\/span>\u00a0no cost to organising clubs, while hopefully clubs will be able to provide<\/span>\u00a0the odd book prize for participants from the income from entry fees. These<\/span>\u00a0have been set at a modest $5 to encourage as many girls to play as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

At this stage I regret that not many clubs appear to have “picked up the<\/span>\u00a0baton and run with it”. However, I can report an enthusiastic response from<\/span>\u00a0Canterbury Chess Club, where Jacinta Buist is doing great work with junior<\/span>\u00a0chess, along with NZCF’s Canterbury Regional Councillor, Craig Hall.<\/span>\u00a0Canterbury’s girls tournament is all go, and Council looks forward to<\/span>\u00a0hearing about it afterwards. Similarly in Auckland Waitemata Chess Club has<\/span>\u00a0sent out entry forms for an Auckland Girls Championship to nearly 500<\/span>\u00a0schools. I would encourage more clubs to get behind this project. But<\/span>\u00a0whatever numbers the Girls Chess Week attracts, my personal view is that it<\/span>\u00a0is worth the effort to encourage more females to play chess and identify<\/span>\u00a0more promising girl players. I believe that within a relatively short time<\/span>\u00a0this could result in a significant increase in the numbers of females<\/span>\u00a0playing chess in New Zealand, a subsequent rise in the standard of their<\/span>\u00a0play and some real competition for the NZ Women’s Olympiad team!<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t forget about this competition, which hopefully clubs will support next<\/span>\u00a0term.<\/span>\u00a0You have all the information. Remember, if your club does not run a schools<\/span>\u00a0teams tournament, children in your area will miss out on the chance to<\/span>\u00a0compete in what Council believes will be a very enjoyable and successful<\/span>\u00a0event.<\/span><\/p>\n

I have heard that there is some confusion about whether clubs should be<\/span>\u00a0running primary, intermediate and secondary events.<\/span>\u00a0The simple answer to that is : if there is an established secondary schools<\/span>\u00a0competition already running in your area (as in Auckland, for example) you<\/span>\u00a0do not need to run a secondary schools event. You can do if you wish, but it<\/span>\u00a0will not decide the secondary champion from your area. The champion will be<\/span>\u00a0the winner of the existing competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the winners of your primary and intermediate competitions will be the<\/span>\u00a0champions for your area and will advance to further play-offs.<\/span><\/p>\n

109th NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESS<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2001-2 NZ Chess Congress will be held in Christchurch, hosted by<\/span>\u00a0Canterbury Chess Club.<\/span><\/p>\n

Organisation is well-advanced, with a top-class venue confirmed. The<\/span>\u00a0tournament will be held at the plush Rydges Hotel. I have seen photos of the<\/span>\u00a0venue, and it looks certain to maintain the high standards of recent years.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year’s Championship will be an important selection event for next<\/span>\u00a0year’s Olympiad in Slovenia, so all contenders for the New Zealand Open Team<\/span>\u00a0are encouraged to set two weeks aside to play in Christchurch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Principal organiser for Congress is Canterbury Chess Club Vice-President<\/span>\u00a0Chris Wright. Chris is very enthusiastic about Congress and has already done<\/span>\u00a0a huge amount of work to ensure it will be a major highlight of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

There has already been considerable interest from overseas in gthe 109th<\/span>\u00a0Congress ; it seems likely that several overseas IM’s will be competing,<\/span>\u00a0with an IM norm on offer. For those below the Championship cut-off (2000<\/span>\u00a0NZCF or 2100 FIDE) don’t forget the NZ Major Open. This was a fascinating<\/span>\u00a0and fighting tournament last year, and should be so again.<\/span><\/p>\n

For direct details about Congress e-mail Chris Wright at wrights@xtra.co.nz.<\/p>\n

110th NEW ZEALAND CHESS CONGRESS<\/span><\/p>\n

Wanganui Chess Club has put in a bid to host the 2002-3 New Zealand Chess<\/span>\u00a0Congress. In light of Wanganui’s excellent record in organising NZCF events,<\/span>\u00a0Council is very favourably disposed towards this application, and will<\/span>\u00a0confirm it if there are no further bids in the next month. Council also<\/span>\u00a0welcomes applications to host the following Congress in 2003-4, the venue<\/span>\u00a0for which should be confirmed by the Annual General Meeting in Christchurch<\/span>\u00a0early next year.<\/span><\/p>\n

We also invite applications to host next year’s North Island and South<\/span>\u00a0Island Championships.<\/span><\/p>\n

OTHER TOURNAMENT VENUES<\/span><\/p>\n

Details of the North Island Championship are now confirmed. Hamilton Chess<\/span>\u00a0Club is hosting the North Island from 9-13 July (8 round swiss), with the<\/span>\u00a0North Island Rapid Championship on 14 July.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hamilton is also running the Waikato Open over the weekend of 18 and 19<\/span>\u00a0August, a 6-round swiss with one round on the Friday night (17 August).<\/span>\u00a0There is an optional half point bye in any of the first 5 rounds. Contact<\/span>\u00a0Hilton Bennett hiltonb@wave.co.nz re the North Island or Waikato Open.<\/span><\/p>\n

South Island Championship – Otago, anticipated dates 24-29 September Contact<\/span>\u00a0Duncan Watts trewern@ihug.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ junior and Age Group Championships – Auckland Chess Centre, first week of<\/span>\u00a0the July School holidays, starting 2 July.<\/span>\u00a0Contact Bruce Wheeler prez@i4free.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Please advise of any other upcoming events, if you would like them<\/span>\u00a0advertised in the Bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL<\/span><\/p>\n

Congratulations to New Zealand Champion Scott Wastney, who gained the Fide<\/span>\u00a0Master Title at the Oceania Zonal on Australia’s Gold Coast late last month.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event was won by IM Gluzman with 7\/9 after a play-off with Mark Chapman,<\/span>\u00a0who earned the IM title. Scott finished fifth with a very creditable 5.5 .<\/span>\u00a0Fellow Kiwis Alan Dunn and Stephen Lukey scored 5 and 3.5 respectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

New Zealand’s representative in the Women’s Zonal, Viv Smith, took some time<\/span>\u00a0to find her feet. After three early losses, she did not lose another game,<\/span>\u00a0but the damage was already done. Viv scored 2.5\/8. The tournament was won by<\/span>\u00a0Ngan Phan-Koshnitsky, who gained the WIM title.<\/span><\/p>\n

A full report and games will appear in the June issue of “NZ Chess”.<\/span>\u00a0Subscribe now by e-mailing the Editor, Ted Frost, at<\/span>\u00a0tedfrost@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

24TH WAITAKERE TRUST OPEN<\/span><\/p>\n

The country’s biggest weekender on 5 & 6 May was won by New Zealand’s<\/span>\u00a0top-ranked player, FM Alexei Kulashko.<\/span>\u00a0Alexei scored 4.5\/5 to head off IM Russell Dive and Leonard McLaren. NZ<\/span>\u00a0Champion Scott Wastney was among those in fourth place. The A grade featured<\/span>\u00a011 players rated over 2000. The B gtrade was won by Henry Vital, while<\/span>\u00a0Thomas Gothorp earned a bonus prize with 5\/5 in the C grade. 74 players<\/span>\u00a0competed in the tournament, organised by Waitemata Chess Club and sponsored<\/span>\u00a0by the Waitakere Licensing Trust. A full report and games will appear in the<\/span>\u00a0June “NZ Chess” magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

ACF INTERNET MATCH<\/span><\/p>\n

North and South Island teams are competing in an interstate teams’ internet<\/span>\u00a0match organised by the Australian Chess Federation. Our first game pits the<\/span>\u00a0North Island versus the South Island. Both teams involve some of our top<\/span>\u00a0players, including IMs Dive, Ker(North Island) and Small (South Island) and<\/span>\u00a0FM’s Kulashko, Smith, Dreyer, Ewen Green (North Island) and Love (South<\/span>\u00a0Island). Other strong players involved include NM Peter Green, Tony Dowden<\/span>\u00a0and former NZ Champion Peter McKenzie. But perhaps the South Island has the<\/span>\u00a0most significant member : International Correspondence Master Michael<\/span>\u00a0Freeman. Both teams are about to start at least one other concurrent match<\/span>\u00a0against an Australian state.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

The new six-monthly ratings are now posted on the “NZ Chess” website –<\/span>\u00a0ourworld.compuserve.com\/homepages\/nzchess.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hard copies should be sent to clubs within the next few weeks.<\/p>\n

The top 20 on the latest list are:
\n1 Alexei Kulashko 2395
\n2 Bob Smith 2363
\n3<\/span>\u00a0Russell Dive 2360
\n4 Anthony Ker 2351
\n5 Paul Garbett 2335
\n6 Richard Sutton 2265
\n7 Leonard McLaren 2245
\n8 Martin<\/span>\u00a0Dreyer 2244
\n9 Scott Wastney 2230
\n10 Stephen Lukey 2215
\n11 Bruce Watson 2204
\n12 Ewen Green 2193
\n13 Peter<\/span>\u00a0Stuart 2172
\n14 Mark Sinclair 2169
\n15 Peter Green 2165
\n16 Charles Ker 2145
\n17 Michael Freeman 2139
\n18 Tony Love<\/span>\u00a02137
\n19 Robert Goris 2136
\n20 Tim Hare 2123<\/span><\/p>\n

Council is still aiming to update the ratings on the website every month. I<\/span>\u00a0apologise that we have been unable to do this so far, but am still hopeful<\/span>\u00a0that we can do so in the near future. Progress in this area has been<\/span>\u00a0complicated by the following development.<\/span><\/p>\n

RESIGNATION<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings Officer Daniel Johns has tendered his resignation. Viv Smith has<\/span>\u00a0offered to update ratings monthly, and will be liaising with Ratings<\/span>\u00a0Convenor Bob Gibbons on how this can be achieved. On behalf of Council I<\/span>\u00a0would like to thank Daniel for his work in administering chess over several<\/span>\u00a0years.<\/span><\/p>\n

COUNCIL COMMITTEES<\/span><\/p>\n

Jacinta Buist from Christchurch has been co-opted on to the Female Chess<\/span>\u00a0Committee. As mentioned earlier, Jacinta is a driving force in girls and<\/span>\u00a0junior chess in Christchurch. She will be a welcome addition as Council<\/span>\u00a0strives to boost the numbers of female chess players.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT’S HAPPENING OUT THERE<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF National Coach Ewen Green has been busy at grassroots. Ewen has passed<\/span>\u00a0on his enthusiasm for the game to 160 children at Vauxhall School on<\/span>\u00a0Auckland’s North Shore. Apparently Ewen’s blindfold chess displays have been<\/span>\u00a0a big hit.<\/span><\/p>\n

The school now has a thriving chess club with more than 80 children<\/span>\u00a0involved, and are planning a children’s tournament in August. Ewen and<\/span>\u00a0another long-time chess identity, David Shead, are helping to run the event,<\/span>\u00a0at the end of which Ewen will play a simultaneous exhibition. Principal<\/span>\u00a0organiser Felicity Timings (a teacher) has plans to have a notable rugby<\/span>\u00a0player open the tournament!<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, I have also been busy with the future of our game. That currently<\/span>\u00a0includes teaching chess at two schools each week, taking a club junior<\/span>\u00a0session each week and organising ladders and chess championships at three<\/span>\u00a0schools.<\/span><\/p>\n

I would like to hear about others who are busy promoting chess around the<\/span>\u00a0country. Don’t forget, I would also like to know what chess-players are<\/span>\u00a0doing off the board.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until next time, keep on enjoying your chess. And remember, as they often<\/span>\u00a0say across the Tasman, apathy is the real enemy when it comes to promoting<\/span>\u00a0our great game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>2 : MARCH 25, 2001<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello again everyone. I hope all clubs have got off to a great start to the<\/span>\u00a0season.<\/span>\u00a0NZCF Council has continued to beaver away to promote chess.<\/span>\u00a0Our most recent meeting was again four and a half hours long (!) – hopefully<\/span>\u00a0they’ll get shorter soon.<\/span>\u00a0But our time has been well spent, and I can report some major developments.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW PATRON<\/span><\/p>\n

Firstly, I am pleased to welcome Dr Ray Thomson as our new Patron and<\/span>\u00a0sponsor.<\/span>\u00a0Ray is a very successful businessman and chess enthusiast, who has not<\/span>\u00a0played regularly for some years because of business and family commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n

I was introduced to him by NZCF Councillor Martin Dreyer. Following a very<\/span>\u00a0congenial meeting we had further discussions and I put forward some firm<\/span>\u00a0proposals. Ray then agreed to take up the role of Patron and to provide<\/span>\u00a0$6000 each year towards the annual chess Congress.<\/span><\/p>\n

On behalf of Council I have made a series of undertakings – not least of<\/span>\u00a0which is that we will maintain contact with Ray and keep him informed of<\/span>\u00a0what is happening in chess in this country.<\/span><\/p>\n

The April issue of “NZ Chess” will feature an introductory article on our<\/span>\u00a0new Patron, as well as more about our agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND INTER-SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Inter-Schools Championship is all systems go! Council has<\/span>\u00a0approved a\u00a0 final format and details are in the post to all clubs. They will<\/span>\u00a0also be sent via e-mail and a “word” attachment, so that amendments to entry<\/span>\u00a0forms can easily be made. Please get behind this project and organise an<\/span>\u00a0inter-schools competition in your area, as outlined in the proposals!<\/span><\/p>\n

GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT<\/span><\/p>\n

The tournament committee is finalising the details of this competition,<\/span>\u00a0which will definitely start next year.<\/span>\u00a0Discussions are continuing with a potential sponsor.<\/span>\u00a0Council hopes as many clubs as possible will include tournaments in the<\/span>\u00a0Grand Prix, which should help to boost playing attendances around the<\/span>\u00a0country.<\/span><\/p>\n

RATINGS<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has now confirmed that updated national ratings will be available monthly on the “NZ Chess” website -ourworld.compuserve.com\/homepages\/nzchess.<\/p>\n

Six monthly lists will still be sent to clubs in hard copy.<\/span>\u00a0Ratings Officer Daniel Johns has also agreed that tournament results can be<\/span>\u00a0sent to him by e-mail, providing they are in the correct format and that he<\/span>\u00a0can access them easily.<\/span>\u00a0Daniel’s e-mail address is : daniel@pharos.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

CHESS FOR FEMALES<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has decided to run a “Girls Chess Week” in May, during which some<\/span>\u00a0clubs will be approached to run schoolgirls’ individual chess tournaments. We hope this will encourage more girls to participate in the NZ Junior<\/span>\u00a0Championships in July, and in the NZ Women’s Championship, which has now<\/span>\u00a0been re-scheduled for Labour Weekend (October). Prior to the Women’s<\/span>\u00a0Championship a weekend coaching seminar for females is also planned. Council<\/span>\u00a0still needs a club to organise the NZ Women’s Championship. This is not a<\/span>\u00a0large undertaking. Please e-mail our Female Chess Convenor, Viv Smith, at<\/span>\u00a0bobviv@ctrix.gen.nz if your club would like to host this event, or write to<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0NZCF at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland.<\/span><\/p>\n

PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY<\/span><\/p>\n

I still need to hear from many of our top male, female and junior players! If you fit that description please send me biographical details and one or<\/span>\u00a0two photos of yourself for the NZCF publicity file. This will be invaluable<\/span>\u00a0in promoting tournaments and getting publicity.<\/span><\/p>\n

COUNCIL COMMITTEES<\/span><\/p>\n

I am pleased to welcome Canterbury Chess Club President Craig Hall as Canterbury Regional Councillor.<\/span>\u00a0Also Russell Dive has agreed to join the planning committee, while Paul<\/span>\u00a0Spiller has come onto the sponsorship committee.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0I expect all three to be valuable additions to the NZCF team.<\/span><\/p>\n

OCEANIA ZONAL<\/span><\/p>\n

Council has selected New Zealand Champion Scott Wastney as our<\/span>\u00a0representative in next month’s Oceania Zonal,<\/span>\u00a0while New Zealand Women’s Champion Viv Smith has been selected for the<\/span>\u00a0Women’s Zonal.<\/span>\u00a0Both have accepted and will compete in those events on Australia’s Gold<\/span>\u00a0Coast from 22-27 April.<\/span>\u00a0The Zonal is also open to other players who, unlike Scott and Viv, will have<\/span>\u00a0to pay for their accommodation and entry fees.<\/span>\u00a0Anyone interested should contact the organiser, Graeme Gardiner, at<\/span>\u00a0ggardiner@somerset.qld.ed.au<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENT VENUES<\/span><\/p>\n

Confirmed venues are:<\/p>\n

North Island Championship – Hamilton, anticipated dates 9-14 July. Contact<\/span>\u00a0Hilton Bennett hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

South Island Championship – Otago, anticipated dates 24-29 September Contact<\/span>\u00a0Duncan Watts trewern@ihug.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

NZ junior and Age Group Championships – Auckland Chess Centre, anticipated<\/span>\u00a0dates 2-6 July. Contact<\/span>\u00a0Bruce Wheeler prez@i4free.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Council is still having discussions regarding the venue for the 2001-2 New<\/span>\u00a0Zealand Congress, and is treating this as a matter of URGENCY. Any club<\/span>\u00a0interested in hosting Congress should make itself known immediately, by<\/span>\u00a0writing to the Federation at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland or by<\/span>\u00a0e-mailing me atbobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Remember, you have $6000 sponsorship to start with.<\/span><\/p>\n

OTHER TOURNAMENT DETAILS I am aware of at this stage are –<\/p>\n

Wellington Easter Chess Tournament – Wellington CC. 12,15 & 16 April. 6<\/span>\u00a0round swiss. Minimum prize-fund $500. Entry fee $30, $20 juniors, family<\/span>\u00a0discount. Time control – 2 hours each player per game. Contact John<\/span>\u00a0Gillespie j.c.gillespie@xtra.co.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Otago Easter Open – Otago CC. 13-16 April. 6 round swiss. Prize-fund to be<\/span>\u00a0confirmed. Entry fee $30, $20 students, juniors, unwaged; $10 schoolpupils.<\/span>\u00a0Time control – 40 in 1hr 45 plus 30 mins sudden death. Contact Duncan Watts<\/span>\u00a0watts.duncan@lycos.com<\/span><\/p>\n

24th Waitakere Trust Chess Open – Waitemata CC (Auckland). Sat & Sun 5-6<\/span>\u00a0May. 3 separate 5 round rated swisses. Minimum prize-fund $3600. Entry fee<\/span>\u00a0$35, $25 juniors, FMs $20, IMs free.<\/span>\u00a0Time control – 45 in 1hr 30 mins plus 15 mins sudden death. Contact Bob<\/span>\u00a0Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/span><\/p>\n

Please advise of any other upcoming events, if you would like them<\/span>\u00a0advertised in the Bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tournament committee convenor Hilton Bennett will also be e-mailing clubs an<\/span>\u00a0d individuals with a regular list of confirmed tournament details, as part<\/span>\u00a0of an endeavour to improve communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/span><\/p>\n

Just a reminder : please get those affiliation and registration forms in!<\/span>\u00a0The official closing date is 31 March. Affiliation fees are now $40 for full<\/span>\u00a0members and $30 for<\/span>\u00a0associates. The registration fees are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors.<\/span><\/p>\n

They should be sent to : NZCF,<\/span>\u00a0P.O. Box 216 Shortland St Auckland.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONGRESS AFTERMATH<\/span><\/p>\n

Following the NZCF Annual General Meeting some issues arose which have left<\/span>\u00a0a lingering shadow over our chess community and the affairs of Council; I<\/span>\u00a0believe it is high time to put them behind us.<\/span>\u00a0The initial result of the election for NZCF President was a surprising one<\/span>\u00a0for me, and in subsequent discussions it became clear (as noted earlier)<\/span>\u00a0that there had been some sort of irregularity in the voting process. In the<\/span>\u00a0heat of the moment there were a number of discussions as to what exactly had<\/span>\u00a0happened and why this situation had arisen. The Immediate Past President,<\/span>\u00a0Peter Stuart, has viewed some of these as an attack on his integrity. If<\/span>\u00a0anyone has drawn this implication from anything that I or anyone else has<\/span>\u00a0said then that is a matter for regret, as I have a high regard for Peter’s<\/span>\u00a0character.<\/span><\/p>\n

I would ask everyone to put such issues aside now and work together for the<\/span>\u00a0advancement of New Zealand chess.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT’S HAPPENING OUT THERE<\/span><\/p>\n

Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club has succeeded in getting a weekly chess column<\/span>\u00a0in their local newspaper – complete with chess puzzle and club results! This<\/span>\u00a0is great exposure for chess; if Howick can do it, perhaps other clubs can<\/span>\u00a0too.<\/span>\u00a0Let’s all make an effort to boost the profile of chess at the grassroots<\/span>\u00a0level. If you would like a copy of Howick’s efforts to strengthen your case<\/span>\u00a0when you approach the local editor I am sure Kees Van Den Bosch<\/span>\u00a0kvdbstj@clear.net.nz or Paul Spiller spiller.enterprise@xtra.co.nz would be<\/span>\u00a0happy to oblige.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT ARE CHESSPLAYERS UP TO OFF THE BOARD<\/span><\/p>\n

Nothing, it appears from my feedback! Obviously the intricacies of the game<\/span>\u00a0have most of us too entranced to bother with other more trivial pursuits. I<\/span>\u00a0didn’t even see any chessplayers I recognised at the Round the Bays Run<\/span>\u00a0(though there were around 75,000 other people). But I still believe many of<\/span>\u00a0you ARE multi-talented. Let me know what you’re up to.<\/span>\u00a0See you across the board sometime<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Smith
\nPresident, NZ Chess Federation<\/p>\n

NZCF BULLETIN NUMBER 1 : MARCH 1, 2001<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Welcome everyone to the first e-mail report on what your Council<\/span>\u00a0representatives are up to (and also what chessplayers are doing throughout<\/span>\u00a0the country).<\/span><\/p>\n

As well as keeping you all informed of Council plans, I welcome feedback<\/span>\u00a0from you all, and hope we can make the monthly bulletins a place for lively<\/span>\u00a0discussion and exchange of ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Typing “March” at the start reminds me that time is indeed marching on and<\/span>\u00a0there is much to be done.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your new Council has begun with a burst of enthusiasm which I hope will not<\/span>\u00a0wane. I trust member clubs will respond in kind and help us in our plans to<\/span>\u00a0expand chess in New Zealand.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING<\/p>\n

In a first meeting lasting four and a half hours Council set up a number of<\/span>\u00a0committees.<\/span><\/p>\n

These include :<\/p>\n

Sponsorship – Bob Smith (convenor), Martin Dreyer, Bruce Wheeler<\/p>\n

Junior Development – Jack Frost (convenor), Ted Frost, Ewen Green<\/p>\n

Female Chess – Viv Smith (with others to be co-opted)<\/p>\n

Promotion and Publicity – Bob Smith<\/p>\n

Ratings – Bob Gibbons (convenor), Daniel Johns, Rowan Wood<\/p>\n

Selectors – Bob Gibbons (convenor), Michael Freeman, Arthur Pomeroy<\/p>\n

FIDE matters – Michael Freeman<\/p>\n

Tournament Committee – Hilton Bennett (convenor), Bob Gibbons<\/p>\n

Planning Committee – Hilton Bennett (convenor), Bruce Wheeler, plus one<\/p>\n

other to be confirmed<\/p>\n

Magazine – Ted Frost<\/p>\n

Some of the above existed before; others are new.<\/p>\n

Council felt the need for an overview of where we are aiming; hence the<\/span>\u00a0Planning Committee, which has a brief of examining what we want to have<\/span>\u00a0achieved in five years time and, in the shorter term, in two years from now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other new committees are Publicity and Promotion and Female Chess, both of<\/span>\u00a0which are desperately in need of more attention, I believe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tournament Committee replaces the technical committee, and will be<\/span>\u00a0responsible for looking at tournament structures and liaising pro-actively<\/span>\u00a0with clubs who are running NZCF events.<\/span><\/p>\n

DEFINITE PROJECTS<\/p>\n

National Inter-Schools Competition:<\/p>\n

By the end of this month clubs should receive information and working kits<\/span>\u00a0for a national inter-schools competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

This will be modelled on a successful format that Waitemata Chess Club has<\/span>\u00a0been using for 10 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their competition has attracted nearly 200 children in each of the past two<\/span>\u00a0years, and has also been a good fund-raiser for the club.<\/span><\/p>\n

Council wants clubs to run two days of competitions involving teams of four<\/span>\u00a0from their local schools.<\/span><\/p>\n

The winners will play off to find city or area champions. Regional play-offs<\/span>\u00a0will follow, resulting in North and South Island Champions and finally New<\/span>\u00a0Zealand primary, intermediate and secondary Champions (using the internet if<\/span>\u00a0necessary in the later stages).<\/span><\/p>\n

Please support this very realistic project! All you need are two club<\/span>\u00a0members willing to contribute two days in the third school term to run the<\/span>\u00a0competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grand Prix Circuit:<\/p>\n

A Grand Prix circuit is to be introduced. We anticipate a start time of next<\/span>\u00a0January – although there is a small possibility of starting earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tournament Committee is currently looking at a format, while the<\/span>\u00a0Sponsorship Committee is talking to a potential sponsor.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grand Prix is likely to be modelled on the Australian version, with<\/span>\u00a0overall prizes in several divisions for players<\/span>\u00a0who score the most points over a series of tournaments, which will be<\/span>\u00a0weighted in some way, perhaps according to<\/span>\u00a0prize-money offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participating tournaments may pay a levy, but should recoup the cost in<\/span>\u00a0increased entries.<\/span><\/p>\n

I believe this concept has the potential to greatly increase the interest in<\/span>\u00a0tournaments around the country,<\/span>\u00a0many of which have (sadly) seen attendances slump in recent years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ratings:<\/p>\n

These should soon be available much more frequently on the “NZ Chess”<\/span>\u00a0website – ourworld.compuserve.com\/homepages\/nzchess. I hope they will be<\/span>\u00a0updated monthly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Six monthly lists will still be sent to clubs in hard copy.<\/p>\n

Promotion and Publicity :<\/p>\n

I am compiling a data base of information and photographs of our top men,<\/span>\u00a0women and junior players,<\/span>\u00a0available to any club running a chess event. I will be aiming to liaise with<\/span>\u00a0club publicity officers to offer and share<\/span>\u00a0ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n

NZCF COUNCILLORS<\/p>\n

The full list of Councillors is now:<\/p>\n

President – Bob Smith<\/p>\n

Vice-President – Bob Gibbons<\/p>\n

Secretary – Jack Frost<\/p>\n

Treasurer – Roger Perry<\/p>\n

Councillors – Viv Smith, Hilton Bennett, Daniel Johns, Martin Dreyer.<\/p>\n

Duncan Watts, Otago Chess Club Secretary, has been co-opted as Otago<\/span>\u00a0Regional Councillor.<\/span><\/p>\n

He joins Wellington regional councillors Ted Frost and Michael Freeman.<\/p>\n

A Regional Councillor for Canterbury is expected to be confirmed at next<\/span>\u00a0week’s Council meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

TOURNAMENT VENUES<\/p>\n

Confirmed venues so far this year are:<\/p>\n

North Island Championship – Hamilton, anticipated dates 9-14 July. Contact<\/p>\n

Hilton Bennett hiltonb@wave.co.nz<\/p>\n

South Island Championship – Otago, anticipated dates 24-29 September Contact<\/p>\n

Duncan Watts trewern@ihug.co.nz<\/p>\n

The venue for the NZ Junior and Age Group Championships (probably 2-6 July)<\/p>\n

will be finalised shortly<\/p>\n

Council is still having discussions regarding the venue for the 2001-2 New<\/span>\u00a0Zealand Congress, and is treating this as a matter of URGENCY. Any club<\/span>\u00a0interested in hosting Congress should make itself known immediately, by<\/span>\u00a0writing to<\/span><\/p>\n

the Federation at P.O. Box 216 Shortland St, Auckland or by e-mailing the<\/span>\u00a0Secretary, Jack Frost, at lbfrost@xtra.co.nz.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is likely to be some sponsorship available, as Council is currently<\/span>\u00a0exploring possibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other tournament details that I am aware of at this stage are –<\/p>\n

The Latvian Tournament – Howick Pakuranga CC (Auckland). Sunday 18 March. 1<\/p>\n

day 6 round rapid rated event. Minimum prize-fund $1025. Entry fee $35, $25<\/p>\n

juniors. Contact Kees van den Bosch kvdbstj@clear.net.nz<\/p>\n

24th Waitakere Trust Chess Open – Waitemata CC (Auckland). Sat & Sun 5-6<\/p>\n

May. 3 separate 5 round rated swisses.<\/p>\n

Minimum prize-fund $3600. Entry fee $35, $25 juniors, FMs $20, IMs free.<\/p>\n

Contact Bob Smith bobviv@actrix.gen.nz<\/p>\n

If you have a tournament coming up, just e-mail me bobviv@actrix.gen.nz and<\/span>\u00a0I will include details in the next bulletin.<\/span><\/p>\n

REGISTRATIONS, AFFILIATIONS<\/p>\n

By now all clubs should have received affiliation and registration forms.<\/p>\n

These are due back (with payments) by 31 March. Let’s get on to this chore<\/span>\u00a0and get it out of our hair! Please return the necessary forms as soon as<\/span>\u00a0possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another reminder : Affiliation fees are now $40 for full members and $30 for<\/span>\u00a0associates. The registration fees are $13 for seniors and $6.50 for juniors.<\/span><\/p>\n

I would encourage clubs to register as many members as they can; the more<\/span>\u00a0players NZCF can claim the better when it comes to applying for funding or<\/span>\u00a0publicity.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT’S HAPPENING OUT THERE<\/p>\n

I’m keen to know what clubs are doing to promote chess in their areas, and<\/span>\u00a0I’m sure others would be interested to read about their projects in the<\/span>\u00a0bulletin. Let’s share our ideas and enthusiasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

One club that’s doing stirling work is one of our newest affiliates .. the<\/span>\u00a0Eastern Knights Club in Gisborne.<\/span>\u00a0They’ve recently had publicity in a Maori newspaper which goes to every<\/span>\u00a0household in the city, and also had half an hour of air time on a local<\/span>\u00a0radio station. Genesis Potini tells me the club (correctly) remembered to<\/span>repeatedly mention a group of sponsors, who helped a sizeable Eastern<\/span>\u00a0Knights team travel to the recent Congress in Auckland.<\/span>\u00a0They included Turanga Health and the Public Health Unit ( a branch of the<\/span>\u00a0hospital).<\/span>\u00a0Incidentally, the top 10-20 chess players in Gisborne are Maori – perhaps a<\/span>\u00a0(relatively) untapped source of new talent for other clubs?<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT ARE CHESSPLAYERS UP TO OFF THE BOARD<\/p>\n

Often we know little about our opponents, apart from their choice of<\/span>\u00a0openings and style of play.<\/span>\u00a0But many have numerous other interests, apart from chess. That can only be<\/span>\u00a0good for a balanced life.<\/span>\u00a0I’d like to hear about what people are up to off the board; I think there<\/span>\u00a0could be some surprising revelations.<\/span><\/p>\n

I’ll start the ball rolling with my own offering: who would believe that I’m<\/span>\u00a0a runner! I completed my third half marathon last weekend (the Hyatt Half<\/span>\u00a0Marathon) in the not too wonderful time of 2 hours and 53 seconds. But at<\/span>\u00a0least I made it!<\/span><\/p>\n

See you at the start line next time.<\/p>\n

Bob Smith<\/p>\n

President, NZ Chess Federation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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