George Xie: NSW Open Champ

Look closely at this position. You would think it was a study. It's not. The position arose in Illingworth - Wright at the just concluded NSW Open. Max Illingworth has just played 33. Qd3. What is black's move that now forces resignation?

M. Illingworth - N. Wright, after 33. Qd3

After a week of gloomy weather, the sun finally revealed itself on Monday - last day for the tournament. Bondi Beach was back to its sunny self. Gorgeous twenty-somethings were out and about, sipping latte, kissing, cuddling - watching and being seen. The Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore, across the road from the venue, was packed to the rafters. I order two espressos and the checkout chick says, "Sorry sir, but there's a 30 minute wait for coffee". Thirty minutes? You gotta be kidding me! Such a travesty, I thought, would never happen in Sydney. I just walked out.

I hop on over to Lorezini's, next to the Hakoah Club. This joint has fewer people. I order my espressos. They arrive fast and quick. I'm happy. Off to chess.

A view of Bondi Beach last Monday

FM George Xie won the event on the perfect score of of 7/7 points. Throughout the event, George didn't meet the top seed, Hungarian international master Andras Toth. The visitor, sadly, was having a bad time scoring only 3.5 points. Andras lost to Tomek Rej and Canberra player Gareth Oliver. Welcome to Australia Andras!

There was high drama just before the start of round 7. Play was delayed because apparently, according to arbiter Charles Zworestine, a player had secretly altered the results in the computer. Charles had to double check everything. I left early so I'm not sure if the culprit was ever discovered but one can presume that this person will be in for some heavy penalty from the state association.

NSW Open 2006
Illingworth, Max
Wright, Neil
A57

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5 4. cxb5 a6 5. f3 e6 6. e4 exd5 7. e5 Qe7 8. Qe2 Ng8 9. Nc3 Bb7 10. Nh3 c4 11. Be3 axb5 12. O-O-O Qb4 13. Nf4 Ne7 14. Qf2 Qa5 15. Bb6 Qa6 16. Bc5 Qh6 17. Be3 d4 18. Rxd4 Nf5 19. Nxb5 Nxd4 20. Nxd4 Rxa2 21. Nd5 Ra1+ 22. Kd2 Qg6 23. Nc3 Bb4 24. Nc2 Rb1 25. Bxc4 Rxb2 26. Bd3 Qc6 27. Bd4 O-O 28. Qe3 Rc8 29. Be4 Qa4 30. Rc1 Bxe4 31. fxe4 Qb3 32. Qg3 Rc4 33. Qd3 Nc6 0-1