The 2005 Ballarat Chess Club Championship marks the historic occasion of 40 championship tournaments since the club was revived in the mid 1960’s and the first tournament played in 1966. It also marks the amazing record of 40 championship tournaments for our treasurer life member Kevin Perrin, surely a record unique in world chess. Kevin also holds the record for the most titles, with 7 in all. To recognise this achievement, the club members will present Kevin with a special medallion in honour of this fantastic playing record.

In addition to the player of honour, 13 club members entered the fray, a disappointing number compared to the previous few years, so a single round robin tournament of championship and reserve players will be held.

Thus a number of strong players are absent this year: defending champion Gordan Lindberg, 6 times champion Bas van Riel, Jing Jia, Peter Lumsdon, John Lavery and Charlie Andrews are all missing and 2003 champion FM Simon Rutherford has dropped out of chess altogether.

Top seed is Scott Stewart, who has dominated local chess at times recently but not won the club championship as yet. Patrick Cook and Kevin Perrin, with 11 titles between them are also contenders, while Jamie Brotheridge is a dark horse chance. The Director of play is Scott Stewart and the players committee consists of Kevin Perrin, Robert Bailey and John Abson. Making a welcome return to the competition is 2-time champion Peter Miitel.