Australian Open ends in 4 way tie

Australian FM Yi Liu finished of an excellent 2017 Australian Open by defeating Round 10 leader IM Temur Kuybokarov (UZE) to join him in first place. This result also allowed IM Kanan Izzat (AZE) and GM Max Illingworth to also finish in equal first on 8.5/11. For Liu, a former Australian Junior Champion, this was not only his best career result so far, but also earned him an IM norm.
Kuybokarov had lead for most of the event after starting with 5 wins, but was unable to defend a rook and pawn ending a pawn down against Liu.
Max Illingworth had a welcome return to form, beating fellow GM Moulthun Ly in the final game. Both players showed signs of nerves towards the end, but one final mistake by Ly allowed Illingworth's attack to break through.
Of the players from the nations capital, IM Andrew Brown finished on 8/11 (beating IM Stephen Solomon in the final round), IM Junta Ikeda on 7.5, Michael Kethro 6.5, Dillon Hathiramani 6 and Albert Winkelman 6.
The Minor (Under 1600) event was won by Oliver McCarthy with a very impressive 10.5/11.


Illingworth,Max - Ly,Moulthun [A92]
2017 Australian Open, 12.01.2017