2019 Oceania Zonal - Wins for Illingworth and Ryjanova

The 2019 Oceania Zonal has finished, with GM Max Illingworth and WGM Julia Ryjanova winning the Open and Women's events respectively. Illingworth was paired against FM Stuart Fancy (PNG), and despite needing only a draw to secure first place, played an aggressive opening system, and eventually won the game.
I finished in 2nd place, due to a run of luck which started on day 1 of the tournament. I was paired against Felix Lacno (GUM) in the final round, and he needed half a point for the FM title. Up until this game he had a phenomenally good run (including the win of Illingworth in round 1), but chose this round to play a very poor opening (see game below). He dropped a pawn early on, and then got into a horrible mess on the queenside. Despite an early queen exchange, he just didn't have enough pieces to protect his king, and I ended up outright 2nd.
Clive Ng and John Duneas agreed a quick draw on board 2, as this secured the FM title for both of them. The only other player to reach 6 points was Enofre Manuel (GUM), who recovered a bad position to beat fellow Guam player Elias Tirador.
In the Women's Zonal Julia Ryjanova completed a clean sweep winning her final round game to score 9 points from 9 games. Rebbeca Stones (AUS) finished in 2nd place with 7.5, and Vyanla Punsalan took third on 7.
As predicted in my last post Typhoon Wutip has caused a number of flights to be cancelled, so a lot of players will now be here for at least one extra day. As compensation, it has been decided to hold the Oceania Blitz Championship tomorrow morning.


Lacno, Felix - Press, Shaun
Zonal Guam, 2019

2019 Oceania Zonal - Day 5

Day 5 of the 2019 Zonal saw a curious set of results in the afternoon round, with the top 3 boards of the Open being drawn quite quickly. GM Max Illingworth was a point in front, having defeated Clive Ng round 7, and other results left John Duneas and Shaun Press tied for second on 5 points (with Clive). The round 8 pairings saw Illingworth v Duneas and Press v Ng. After a few moves, I received a slightly surprising draw offer from Ng, which I accepted, moving both of us to 5.5. Then a few minutes later Illingworth offered Duneas a draw, which was also accepted. As a result Illingworth on needs a draw in the final round to guarantee outright first. On board 3 Tony Dowden and Enofre Manuel also drew fairly quickly, moving Manuel and Dowden to 5. Joining the players in equal second are Stuart Fancy and Felix Lacno, after they won their round 8 games.
Tomorrows last round sees Illingworth against Fancy, Duneas against Ng, and Press against Lacno. While there are number of possible outcomes (eg Fancy beating Illingworth), a tournament win for Illingworth and a multi-way tie for second on 6 seems to be the most likely outcome.
WGM Julia Ryjanova has already secured first place in the Women's Zonal, maintaining her perfect record of 8 wins from 8 games. Rebecca Stones is second on 6.5/8. while WFM Vyanla Punsalan is third on 6. As the three players have all played each other, the final standings depend upon how well they do against their lower ranked opponents.
The other exciting piece of news is that a typhoon will pass quite close to Guam in the next day. As a result there is a real risk that outgoing flights will be affected, meaning that some players may be forced to spend extra days in the Pacific!

2019 Oceania Zonal - Day 4

The 2019 Oceania Zonal is entering the final stages, with round 7 seeing the joint leaders, CM Clive Ng and GM Max Illingworth meet on board 1. Both players are on 5/6 with Illingworth losing one game (his first), while Ng has had two draws. Ng has the White pieces and is hoping to get at least half a point against an opponent who outrates him by 450 points.
Shaun Press and John Duneas share third place on 4.5/6. Their 6th round game ended in a draw although Press was in a position to play on. There is a group of four players tied for 5th on 4/6. With 3 rounds to play, they are all looking at both catching the lead groups, as well as reaching the 6/9 score required for an FM title.
In the Women's event, WGM Julia Ryjanova leads with 6/6. She is playing WFM Vyanla Punsalan in the first of tomorrows 2 rounds, but if she negotiates that game without slipping up, then the tournament should be hers.

2019 Oceania Zonal - Day 0

The 2019 Oceania Zonal begins tomorrow in Guam. GM Max Illingowrht and WGM Julia Ryjanova are the strong favorites in the Open and Wonen's events respectively.
Tonight saw the welcoming dinner at the Pacific Start Resort, and those that attended found it very enjoyable. There were traditional dances, nice music and singing, and excellent food. The speeches did not go on for too long, and it proved to be an excellent opening for the tournament.
Tomorrow sees the first two rounds for both events, with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich making the ceremonial first move. At the moment I don't know where the results will be posted (or even who my opponent is going to be) but when I find out I will post a link.

2019 Oceania Zonal

The 2019 Oceania Zonal is running from the 18th of February through to the 23rd in Guam. This 9 round swiss will determine Oceania's representative at the next World Cup event.
At the moment GM Max Illingworth is the top seed in the Open event, and is the clear favourite to win the tournament. Almost all the member countries in the zone are sending their strongest players, with the exception of New Zealand, who while sending a reasonably sized contingent, aren't being represented by the 'upper tier'.
The top seed for the Women's event is WGM Julia Ryjanova (AUS), and she is also a clear favourite in that tournament.
The location of the tournament (and the subsequent makeup of the field) has attracted a large amount of discussion within Australian chess circles. Most of this discussion revolves around how the distances required to travel serve as a disincentive for stronger players to take part. While this is a valid issue, I will point out (based on years as a tournament organiser), that it doesn't take much before strong chessplayers find a reason not to do anything.
On the other hand, as the purpose of the zonal is to bring each federations best players together, it has generally succeeded in doing that. Before swisses became more common, each country would have only sent one or two players to compete in a round robin, and would have seen a similar, but smaller field. And holding the event in different federations is also important, as it helps develop chess in areas outside Melbourne, Australia.

(*Disclaimer: I am a member of the Oceania Chess Confederation Executive who awarded the event to Guam, and am participating in the tournament)

2019 Oceania Zonal - Guam

Details for the 2019 Oceania Zonal have just been announced by the Guam Chess Federation, who are hosting the 2019 event. It will run from 18th February to 24th February 2019, and is being held at the Pacific Star and Spa Resort. There will be 3 double round days and 3 single round days. Chief Arbiter will be IA Bob Gibbons from New Zealand.
The major issue for Australian and New Zealand players will be travel, although a quick scan of flights for those dates show flights for as little at $1550 return from Canberra. Accommodation at the venue is around $90(US) a night for twin share, breakfast included.
As it is a qualifying event for the FIDE World Cup, there will be titles on offer (as well as one place in the World Cup). This is the first time the Oceania Zonal has been held outside the South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji), but hopefully there will be a good contingent of players from this part of the world.
If you want to check out all the details (entry fees, prize money etc) then look at the February section of the New Zealand Chess Calendar.

2017 Oceania Zonal - Smirnov and Timergazi win events

IM Anton Smirnov (AUS) has finished outright first in the 2017 Oceania Zonal. Leading by half a point going into the last round, he drew a dramatic game against FM Karl Zelesco on the top board, which ended in a repetition after Zelesco sacrificed two rooks and Smirnov missed a move that refuted the whole attack. This result gave GM Max Illingworth and IM Ari Dale a chance to catch Smirnov, but both players could only draw their last round games.
WFM Layla Timergazi (NZL) finished first in the 2017 Oceania Women's Zonal, drawing her last round game with WFM Helen Milligan (NZL). She scored 7.5/9 and will receive the WIM title for her victory. Kathryn Hardegen (AUS) and Alana Chibnall finished in equal second after winning their last round games, and both have earned the WFM title.
This event proved to be a bit of a bonanza for title hunters, with a number of newly minted (W)FM's and (W)CM's. From a Canberra perspective it was very rewarding, with Michael Kethro scoring 6/9 to earn his FM title, and Albert Winkelman going within a whisker of drawing his last round game , which would have also given him 6 points (he can claim the CM title as consolation). Of course every zonal reignites the debate about whether the players deserve the title, and you can follow the latest instalment here. (NB If you have followed this thread in the past, only the dates on the postings will have changed, not the content of those posts)


Chibnall,Alana - Smith,Viv [B07]
2017 Oceania Women's Zonal , 19.01.2017

2017 Oceania Zonal

Instead of staying up late to watch chess tournaments in Europe, I'm currently staying up late to watch the 2017 Oceania Zonal from New Zealand.  Last night was a double round "day" so I got to see the early round, and woke up to get the round 6 results. GM Max Illingworth leads the Open with 5.5/6 (ahead of 5 players), while Layla Timergazi leads the Women's Zonal on 5/6 (with 3 in 2nd).
I've also been following the performance of Canberra players closely. Albert Winkelman is doing very well in the Open, currently on 4.5/6 which is enough for a CM title. Michael Kethro is on 4/6, and should have no trouble earning that title as well. (I was planning to show a nice win by Kethro over IM Anthony Ker, but the game, result, and possibly the names don't seem to line up).
In the Women's Zonal Alana Chibnall is in 2nd on 4.5/6 (WCM title if she wants it), but having played 3 of the top 4 seeds, is hoping for a top 3 finish at least.
Tournament results from the Open are here, and there is a link to the Women's Zonal there as well.

2017 Oceania Zonal - 14th to 20th January 2017

Entries for the 2017 Oceania Zonal are coming in, and the Open is starting to look quite strong. Up for grabs is a spot in the 2017 World Cup in Georgia, as well as the opportunity to earn titles for good performances.
IM Anton Smirnov is currently the top seed, with GM Max Illingworth, IM Gary Lane and GM Darryl Johansen at the top of the field. There are 2 GM's and 6 IM's entered so far, with 28 players rated above 2000.
The Women's Zonal currently has a smaller field, with 11 players entered at this time. IM Irina Berzina is the top seed, with Layla Timergazi the big hope for host country New Zealand.
The tournament runs from the 14th to the 20th January 2017 in Auckland New Zealand.

2017 Oceania Zonal

The 2017 Oceania Zonal is a little over 2 months away, so if you are planning to play, time to get organised. This year the tournament is being organised by the New Zealand Chess Federation, and will be held in Auckland from the 14th to the 20th of January 2017.
There is an Open Zonal and Women's Zonal, both running over 9 rounds. As with previous Zonals, there are direct titles on offer (International Master title for the winner, FM title for 66% and CM title for 50%). The winner of each Zonal will also qualify for the 2017 World Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Full details of the tournament can be found here. I played in the 2011 Zonal in Rotorua and found it enjoyable, if a lot of hard work. New Zealand is always nice to visit at that time of year. At this stage there seems to be plenty of Australian players making the journey across the Tasman, so if you want a relaxing week of playing international chess, this should be the tournament for you!

2015 Oceania Zonal - Final Day

The final day of the 2015 Oceania Zonal saw a surprising and dramatic end to the Open Zonal, with Brodie McClymont beating IM Max Illingworth in the final round. The result allowed McClymont to catch Illingworth on 7.5. IM Anton Smirnov had a chance to join them, but could only draw with Pengyu Chen leaving him on 7, along with FM Malcolm Stephens.
As a result of the two way tie, there was a playoff match between Illingworth and McClymont. Following the playoff format from the World Cup, the players played 2 25m+10s games. In the first game McClymont missed a couple of drawing lines, and two queens (against knight and rook) was enough for Illingworth to go one up. In the second game McClymont had a clear advantage, but failed to capitalise on having queen and rook charging down the h file and after Illingworth set up a successful defence, Brodie offered a draw, conceding the match.
Illingworth is now the Zone 3.6 representative for the World Cup which is being held in Baku later this year. As a consolation, McClymont received a share of first prize, as well as earning the International Master title for sharing first place.  FM Malcom Stephens capped a fine tournament with a win over IM Junta Ikeda, therebye finishing third on countback and earning a 9 game IM norm. Chen, Zachary Loh and Kevin O'Chee all earned the FM title (for scoring 6 or above), while there were around 40 player(!) who scored 50% or above, earning the Candidate Matster title (if they wish to claim it).
In the Women's Zonal, WIM Emma Guo beat WFM Layla Timergazi to win the tournament on 7/9. WIM Nancy Lane was outright 2nd on 6.5, while WIM Biljana Dekic and Katherine Quek tied for third on 6. Quek missed out on Bronze on countback, but does become a WFM from this tournament.

2015 Oceania Zonal - Day 6

IM Max Illingworth's charge to first place in the 2015 Oceania Zonal has slowed a little, after drawing with IM Anton Smirnov in round 8. The 26 move draw still leaves Illingworth a full point ahead of the field, but does give a couple of opponents a chance to catch up in the final round. Illingworth is paired against Brodie McClymont, and a win for McClymont would leave both players on 7.5 points. If that does happen, then Smirnov can possibly join them with a win over Pengyu Chen. In the case of two players tieing for first the tournament regulations stipulate a playoff to take place straight after the completion of the round, but in the case of a 3 way tie, the title goes straight to tie-breaks.
The Women's Zonal has a closer finish in store, with WIM Emma Guo holding a half point lead over WIM Nancy Jones. With WIM Biljana Dekic and Kristine Quek only a point behind Guo, there is at least one set of results that could lead to a multiple tie for first. However none of the leaders play each other, so Guo should still be the favourite to win this event.
Last round action starts at 10:30 am tomorrow. Live coverage of the top 5 boards from the open, plus the top board from the Women's Zonal can be found at the tournament web site.

2015 Oceania Zonal - Day 5

IM Max Illingworth has maintained his perfect record in the 2015 Oceania Zonal, scoring his 7th consecutive victory. Today he defeated FM Malcolm Stephens in 26 moves to remain a point ahead of second place. The only player in touching distance of Illingworth is IM Anton Smirnov, and as fate would have it, they play in tomorrow's round. A win for Smirnov would at least give the chasing pack a chance to catch up, while Illingworth would be assured of at least equal first with a draw, regardless of his final round result.
Back in third place are a group of players either hoping for a chance at first, or to score enough points to earn a title. The currently untitled Brodie McClymont would earn an FM title with a draw or win tomorrow, while a win for FM Gene Nakauchi would leave him well placed for an IM norm (earned by the top 3 place getters).
The Women's Zonal sees WIM Emma Guo pushing her lead out to the full point after a couple of results went her way in today's round. A quick draw with WIN Nancy Lane might have allowed WIM Biljana Dekic to catch up, but Dekic lost to WIM Katherine Jarek. With two rounds to play Guo is leading on 5.5/7 and having played her closest rivals is well placed to win this event.


Wallis,Christopher - Smirnov,Anton [D11]
2015 Oceania Zonal (7.2), 08.07.2015

2015 Oceania Zonal - Day 3

IM Max Illingworth holds the outright led of the 2015 Oceania Zonal, with 4 wins from 4 games. He beat IM Igor Goldenberg on board 1, while his closest challengers drew on Board 2&3. Tomorrow is another double round day (the last), and starts off with Illingworth up against second seed IM Moulthun Ly. Of the 7 players on 3.5/4 Zachary Loh is the real high achiever, beating IM Ari Dale and drawing with IM Igor Bjelobrk in successive rounds. He is currently second on tie-break and is on track for an IM norm.
There were a couple of other meritorious performances from overseas participants. Calvin Prasad drew with FM Malcolm Stephens to reach 3/4, joined by CM Alphaeus Ang who beat IM Ari Dale. PNG rep Stuart Fancy also scored his 3rd win of the tournament to keep his good run going.
In the Women's Zonal WIM Biljana Dekic leads with 4/4. After a slow start WIM Emma Guo has moved up to 3/4, and they play in tomorrow mornings game. With the rest of the field at least another half point back, this might be the game that decides the tournament.


Illingworth,Max (2506) - Goldenberg,Igor (2341) [A00]
Oceania Zonal 2015 Sydney, Australia (4.1), 06.07.2015

2015 Oceania Zonal - Day 2

The second day of the 2015 Oceania Zonal was the first of 2 double round days,  and saw the leading pack begin to thin out. The first surprise of the morning round was 2nd seed IM Moulthun Ly being held to a draw by Calvin Prasad of Fiji. This was followed by a number of draws in the afternoon round, with IM Anton Smirnov drawing with FM Malcolm Stephens, IM Junta Ikeda drawing with Brodie McClymont, and Zachary Lo's win over FM Karl Zelesco being the most significant results.
Nonetheless there are still 6 players on a perfect 3/3. IM Max Illingworth leads this group, with IM's Lane, Bjelobrk, Goldenberg, Solomon plus Loh to keep him company.
The women's Zonal has also had its fair share of upsets, with WIM Biljana Dekic the only player on 3/3. Kristine Quek holds outright 2nd on 2.5, ahead of a group of 4 players on 2/3.
Tomorrow is a single round day, with the action starting at 1pm. The top board pairings see Illingworth v Goldenberg, Bjelobrk v Loh, and Lane v Solomon.

2015 Oceania Zonal

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 **)