I had some time to checkout the the local chess scene today.
I first went by Hyde Park in down town Sydney where a lunch time crowd had gathered around the giant chess board. I didn't have time to wait around for a game today, I may get another chance later this week.
There was a spot about the board in today's news paper as well.
I then got a chance to play a few blitz games aginst fellow blogger Chee Tan [tanc (happyhippo) from Lousy at Chess]
Chee took me to the North Sydney Chess club, which is one of the strongest clubs in Australia. The club plays in the auditorium of the North Sydney Leagues Club, which has a casino, gym, restaurants etc. in a beautiful facility.Today the club played a 23 board match against another club (Manly). Below are the strongest members of the team. (Most of them did not play today)
I got to play blitz with Eyal Gur, a visitor from Israel, who said that although he does not play in tournaments anymore, was rated 2300 at one time. The score was 4-0 in his favor. I may have had drawing chances in one of them.
Sounds like a awesome experience, Ivan. I hope you have more time to play chess on your trip!
ReplyDeleteBoy, Ivan, that was pretty quick!
ReplyDeleteIt was a real pleasure to meet you. It's a pity you can't make it next week to the North Sydney chess club.
There will be a total of 43 boards playing so it's going to be exciting.
:)
Wow.... rated 2300.
Thanks for putting up the photo!
I didn't fare any better. I lost my game in a winning position last night (D'oh!). My brother-in-law Steven won his game on Board 1. He played a very good game last night.
I'll put up his critical position on my blog later today.
cheers and thanks
I looked at your position before I left, weren't you up a piece.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were going to double rooks and win a pawn as well.
It was nice meeting you and your BIL thanks for taking me to the club.
yeah, i was up a piece and took that pawn which ultimately led to my doom. as Black was just a bit faster in pushing those center pawns. drats. funny how these things tend to bite you in the ass when you least expect it.
ReplyDeleteoh well.
no problem, ivan. hope you had fun! :)
Dear Ivan,
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your way to 2000! I would like to invite you to WGM Natalia Pogonina's website - it would probably help you in your quest.
Would you be so kind as to add a link and/or a banner to Natalia's website?
Thank you in advance,
Peter Zhdanov
Pogonina.com
Hello Ivan
ReplyDeleteI checked for Eyal Gur on the Israeli Chess Federation. As of the year 2005, he was rated 2200, so a strong player indeed.
Good luck in your quest to 2000.