The 2015 Oceania Zonal begins on Saturday at the North Sydney Leagues Club, and at the moment the Open Zonal has around 100 entries. This is the largest field for zonal since the Oceania Zone was formed, and while the majority of entries are from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea are also sending representatives.
The tournament is a qualifier for the upcoming FIDE World Cup, and the top of the field contains a number of players aiming for that event. Current Australian Champion Max Illingworth is the top seed, with Moulthun Ly and Anton Smirnov seeded just behind him.
The event also provides an opportunity for players to earn FIDE titles, with anyone score 50% or above eligible for a Candidate Master title, while 66% earns a FIDE Master title. FIDE have tightened up the regulations for the direct IM title from Zonal's with a player having to finish 1st to receive the title.
The tournament begins on the July 4 at the North Sydney Leagues Club at 1pm. There will be live coverage of the top boards, and spectators are most welcome. Results/pairings etc will be available from the tournament website.
(** I am a paid official for this event **)
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