Chess grand prix heads to Margaret River next month

Chess lovers across the region are setting their timers for September 14 and 15 when Margaret River will host two State-level tournaments.

Chess Association of WA co-ordinator Ian McAteer is preparing for the two events to be held at the Margaret River Community Centre.

The boost to strategists’ favourite pastime follows good uptake in attendance at an earlier chess grand prix held in Margaret River which brought more than 40 proponents to town from across the South West and the country.

“Following the success of last year’s tournament, the Chess Association of WA is very pleased to return to Margaret River with an even bigger chess event this year,” Mr McAteer told the Times.

“We have taken on board some feedback that the two-day, long time-control, classical chess event was challenging for players unused to tournament conditions and we have introduced a South West Rapid event to run alongside the main South West Open.

“The Rapid will be played on a single day with a shorter time control,” he said.

“We are looking for this to provide an opportunity for less experienced players to enter their first tournament.”

While the Open takes place across the whole weekend, the Rapid event will run at the Church Gallery on Saturday, September 14.

“The South West Open is looking to be better than ever this year,” he said.

“While the numbers may be affected by the competing attraction of the Rapid, the quality of the players is expected to be very high.”

Mr McAteer said the tournaments had been advertised nationwide and the availability of direct flights to Busselton from Sydney and Melbourne were expected to bring interstate competitors to the region as well.

However, even casual chess aficionados were encouraged to sign up for the Rapid because all levels were important to CAWA.

To register, visit www.cawa.org.au.