GM Eugene Torre, IM Mahmood Lodhi Win Asian Seniors

The 8th Asian Seniors Championships were held at the Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland, New Zealand from 9-15 October 2017, organised by the New Zealand Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation.

GM Eugene Torre of the Philippines scored 9/9 to win the Gold Medal in the 65+ Championship, finishing two and a half points ahead of New Zealand FM Ewen Green (Silver) and Edmundo Legaspi (Bronze) also of the Philippines. Green (second on tiebreak) and Legaspi (third) both scored 6.5/9 and gain IM norms. Fifteen players from six federations participated in the event, namely Australia, Brunei, Guam, New Zealand, Philippines and Thailand - See http://chess-results.com/tnr306821.aspx.

IM Mahmood Lodhi of Pakistan scored 7/9 to win the Gold Medal in the 50+ Championship, finishing ahead of Australian GM Darryl Johansen (Silver Medal), New Zealand FM Bruce Watson (Bronze Medal) and Efren Bagamasbad of the Philippines. Lodhi gains a GM norm and, with two norms already and having achieved a 2500 rating some years ago, should be awarded his GM title shortly, subject to FIDE approval. Watson gains an IM norm and it is recommended that Bagamasbad, who defeated both Lodhi and Johansen, be awarded the FM title, subject to approval by FIDE. Thirty player from eight federations, namely Australia, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Singapore, participated in the event. See http://chess-results.com/tnr306820.aspx.

CM Helen Milligan of New Zealand scored 4.5/9 to win the Asian Senior Women’s 50+ Championship.
The Championships were organised by IO Paul Spiller (NZL). Tournament Director was GM Murray Chandler (NZL). Chef Arbiter was IA Brian Jones (AUS). Arbiters were IA Bruce Pollard (NZL), FA Ying Wang (NZL) and FA Herakaji Maharjan (NEP). Wang and Maharjan gained IA norms. The Championships were played in a good spirit – there were no disputes and no appeals.



Zone President Paul Spiller (right) congratulates GM Eugene Torre, winner of the 65+ Seniors Championship.



IM Mahmood Lodhi (left) receives his prize in the the 50+ Seniors Championship from Maggie Barry and Paul Spiller.