Top seed GM Jacek Stopa finished 1st in the 2025 Great Barrier Reef Open, with a perfect 6/6. Although he was the clear favourite in the 47 player field, he still had to work hard in some games to collect maximum points. His Round 3 game against Miles Patterson was heading for a draw until Patterson relaxed at a crucial moment, while his final round win against second seed Riccardo Mandolini involved a tricky middle game position before resolving into a winning ending for Stopa.
Mandolini was part of a group of players who tied for 2nd on 5/6. Unrated David Ball had a fantastic start to tournament chess reaching 5 points with a win over Miles Patterson, as well as beating CM David Castor earlier in the event. Dexter Newcombe was the third player on 5/6, submarining his way through the tournament, losing his 1st round but reeling off 5 straight wins, including a win over me in Round 5.
The Cairns Chess Club organised a great event, and were rewarded with a big turnout. It was pleasing to see a large number of local players take part, as well as a lot of players from North Queensland. Plans are already underway to run the event next year (at the same time) and I would highly recommend playing next year
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