GM Timur Kuybokarov (left) receives his cash prize from newly elected FIDE Zone 3.6 President Shaun Press in the Oceania Zone 3.6 Open Zonal Championships held 23-28 January 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. The event was supported by the FIDE Planning and Development Commission.
After the last round 6 players scored 7.5 points from 9 games and play off was required. The 2023 Australian Open Champion GM Temur Kuybokarov defeated International Master Gary Lane with a score 2-0. Kuybokarov will represent Oceania in the World Cup.
More photos in previous story.
In the Women’s Zonal Championship two top Australian ladies dominated with Melbournian WGM Julia Ryjanova (right) winning, scoring 8 points from 9 games. Second place went to WGM Zhang Jilin (left) from Sydney with 7.5 points.
Third place on tie-break goes to WFM from New Zealand Vyanla Punsalan (6 points).
Julia Ryjanova will represent Oceania in the Women’s World Cup.
Many direct FIDE titles will be awarded based on the events results.
Newly elected Oceania Chess Confederation Zone 3.6 President Shaun Press announced at the closing ceremony the plan to have more countries in our region.
Some photos can be seen on Chess Victoria Facebook page here and on Instagram page dedicated to the events called oceaniazonal2023