The lightning tournament saw 8 players contest in another round robin of chess mayhem. After a close race Patrick Cook won his 3rd lightning tournament for this year thus securing the 2006 Lightning Championship. 2nd was Stephen Symons, followed by some good play by Joel Beggs to come in 3rd.

Jamie Brotheridge had a not so good night compared to his standards and finished 4th. Tim Commons, Michael Schreenan and Rob Loveband shared 5th, 6th and 7th all finishing on 2 while James Eldridge didn't manage to get off the duck.

Because of the extension of the Club Chamionship the rapid play and simul were postponed/canceled? in order to return to the club schedule. What followed was the thrid lightning tournament (5 minutes) and the second allegro (45 minutes).

Jamie Brotheridge, proving that study does pay off made it a double tournament victory first with the 5 minute lightning then the 45 minute allegro. Thus also becoming a prominent antagonist to "King Cook".

September ratings are also in! Most notable changes are that of Rob Loveband (1470) and Simon Feros (1426), both new to the club this year.

Next week on the schedule is another lightning tournament, followed by the last of the big three tournaments on the Ballarat Chess Club calender, the John Holmes Memorial.

The 41st Ballarat Club Championship is over. This years winner, successfully defending his title from last year, is Patrick Cook.

The reserves championship goes to the up-and-coming Rob Loveband.

Congratulations to Patrick and Rob and many thanks to all of those who competed in a close and hard fought tournament. more...>>

The club extends an invitation to All chess players to participate in our club championship which is an ACF rated event and is keenly fought in both the A and B grade every year.

The lightning tournament was contested by 13 players in a 8 round swiss. The action heated up within the first few rounds as is usual in this style.

It was great to see everyone having fun and enjoying the spirit of lightning chess. A format foriegn to many, but no doubt leaving a smile on faces as crazy positions and mating attacks are found, all to often only to be defeated by the clock!

Patrick Cook emerged from the smoke victorious.

14 players entered the 1st Allegro tournament for the year. With a time control of 45 minutes per player for the game, a lively and competitive event of two rounds per night can be played.

Upset results came thick and fast throughout. As early as round 1, club newcomer Rob Loveband bowled over the highly ranked Jamie Brotheridge and Rob Bailey overcome two time club champion Peter Miitel, while in round 2, James Eldridge surprised the strong and ambitious Joel Beggs.

After just 3 rounds, only club champion Patrick Cook and, surprisingly, James Eldridge had a perfect score and they duly met in round 4. Patrick won in his usual quietly smooth style to be sole leader by the end of the 2nd night.

The bloodshed continued the following week when Rob Loveband went down in his first encounter with the club champion, and Tim Commons emerged from the chasing pack with another upset win over Jamie Brotheridge.

Going in to the last round, Patrick had already won the tournament and was confidently looking forward to a convincing 6/6 result but was finally stopped by a resurgent Jamie Brotheridge, Patrick’s first loss at the club since September 2005! In the battle for minor placings, Tim Commons continued his amazing hot streak to beat James Eldridge and register his best ever result at the club, while James still managed to finish 3rd, leaving a band of players behind them on 3½.

All in all, an enjoyable way to wind down after the exertions of the recent 40th Begonia Open.

Ballarat Chess Club hosted the 40th Ballarat Begonia Open Labour Day long weekend (11 March 2006 - 13 March 2006). This tournament promises to be the biggest and best Begonia Open yet. BegoniaEntryForm2006.pdf

The time has come. The Commonwealth Games batton passed through Ballarat only a few days ago and now it is time for the biggest event in Ballarat
for 2006: The Begonia Open chess tournament. We wish all competitors a fantastic weekend of chess. Have fun and Goodluck to all.

Smerdon defeated by Johansen in pivotal game

Congratulations to the three winners of the tournament which was keenly contested by over 110 players. The result was in doubt even during the last round of competition.

Final Round of the 2006 Speivogel Memorial tournament and Jamie Brotheridge certalinly has his thinking cap on and is looking good for his first win of the year.
The winner is....... Patrick Cook and Jamie Brotheridge. Congratulations guys and let's hope you take your winning form into the Begonia tournament this weekend. . more..>>

The Spielvogel Memorial is a 7 Round Swiss, 90 minutes per side + 30 seconds per move. All games submitted for Grading with ACF.
This tournament is a great way to get primed and ready for the all important Begonia Open in March, Everyone is welcome and good luck to all.

A very interesting start to the standard chess year in Ballarat. Most notable was John Abson's defeat of Robert Bailey. Well done John! Everyone beware of John, this may be his year. more..>>

Once again the Ballarat Chess Club opened for business on Thursday nights. Starting off with the first of five events in the 2006 Ballarat Chess Club Lightning Championship.

2006 Lightning #1 - Round Robin 5 Minutes per side
The lightning tournament was contested between 9 players in a round robin of 9 rounds. The action heated up within the first few rounds with pieces being knocked over in true skittles style.

After a close race the clear winner going into the final round was Patrick Cook on 6½ with a lead of 1½, culminating to a total score of 7½ after the final round. Pat was the real escape artist of the night, swindling many points out of lost positions. In second was blitz enthusiast Jamie Brotheridge with 6, followed by Joel Beggs in thrid with 5. The next lightning event will be held on the 6th of April.

Welcome to 2006 - Happy New Year! The 2006 Programme is out and the competition and social activities resume this Thursday night 19-01-2006.
A special welcome back to Ballarat to a valued member of the club - Scott Stewart. Good luck to everyone for a safe, happy and successful year.