The 41st Ballarat Chess Club championship commences on the 4th of May 2006 with an excellent entry of 16 players. As with the previous championship tournament, 3 former champions are included in the field: defending champion Patrick Cook, Kevin Perrin and Peter Miitel.

Top seed this year is Scott Stewart, making another attempt at winning the club’s hightest title, while Patrick Cook has to be content with 2nd seeding. Other players to watch out for are 3rd seed Kevin Perrin, the ambitious 4th seed Jamie Brotheridge and the underrated Joel Beggs. Club newcomer Rob Loveband, may also be a dark horse contender.

The Reserves is incorporated into the tournament and players in the bottom half of the field will be eligble.