Report by Paul Spiller
The Auckland Chess Centre In cooperation with the NZ Chess Federation organised the inaugural Oceania Youth and Under 20 Championships at the Alexandra Park racecourse in Greenland, Auckland from January 5 – 13.
It was the culmination of nearly two years planning since the awarding of this event to Oceania. 143 players from 5 Oceania countries competed including Fiji and 1i3 strong delegation from New Caledonia.
Dispensation from the Asian Federation allowed this to happen which also helped to fulfill the minimum 3 federation requirements for titles to be awarded.
A large contingent of over 60 players plus 20 accompanying persons from Australia boosted the numbers.
The Chief Organiser was FM Mike Steadman and Chief Arbiter IA Keong Ang.
Karl Zelesco won the Under 20 section and the IM title although he had already just completed his IM qualifications at the Australasian Masters in Melbourne in December. He also picked up his first GM norm.
The under 20 girls section was dominated by the two New Zealand players (and NZ Olympiad team members) WFM’s Jasmine Zhang and Vyanla Punsalan although they are both only aged 14.
Their individual encounter ultimately decided who would come first with Jasmine the victor.
Her score of 8/9 was exceptional. She qualified for the WIM title subject to her reaching a 2000 rating. I am pleased to say that her good form continued on to the NZ Open Championships including a first round draw with IM Leonid Sandler of Australia.
She has now gained enough Elo points from these two tournaments to be awarded the title, New Zealand’s third WIM.
Numerous other titles and norms were awarded in the different age group categories which can be found on the NZ Chess website at www.newzealandchess.co.nz