The Australian Summer of Chess continues

For the first time in the last 25 years 2 players managed to make GM Norms in the Australasian Masters 2015 GM Norm Invitational tournament.

19-years old International Master Kanan Izzat from Azerbaijan won the tournament scoring 7.5 points from 9 games, second was Australian Championship GM-elect Max Illingworth with 7 points.

Latvian Grandmaster Arturs Neiksans came third with 6.5 points.

Two other Grandmasters in the field were out of form and did not manage to win a single game amongst them.

Full results, bulletins, photos, games can be seen here

In the Australasian Masters IM Norm event 2015, Sydney International Master Igor Bjelorbk scored incredible 8,5 points from 9 games!

After relatively poor performance in the Masters GM Norm event Russian Grandmaster Vasily Papin rediscovered his form by winning 2 titles.

He won Victorian Blitz Championship 2015 in Melbourne with players from 10 countries competed.

Full results are here

A few days later he become Lidums Australian Allegro Champion 2015. This traditional event was held in Adelaide.

Full results are here

After 6 rounds in Australian Championship 2016 International Master Kanan Izzat from Baku scored 6 points, Australian FIDE Master Karl Zelesco is on 5 points. Russian Grandmaster Vasily Papin and Australian International Master Bobby Cheng on 4.5.

This event is organised by Melbourne Chess Club as a part of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Club.

The official website is here


Vasily Papin receiving winners trophy from Aivars Lidums the man who met Bobby Fisher and invited him to play in Australia 45 years ago


Kanan Izzat, the winner of Australsian Masters 2015 GM Norm event


Latvian GM ArtursNeiksans in front of Melbourne Chess Club


Vasily Papin returned to form winning 2 Rapid play event

Another exciting event (for ladies only) will be held in Melbourne from Jan 14.

The Australian Women's Masters will offer WGM Norm opportunities.

Tournament Facebook page is here