Traditionally Launceston Chess Club (LCC) host the Tasmanian State Championships, over the long weekend in March. Geographically Launceston sits in between the southern state capital Hobart and the North coast cities of Devonport and Burnie. This was my sixth consecutive year of travelling up the National Highway 1 to take part, having made my debut in the 2019 event. Drawn by the star power of Grandmaster David Smerdon who took part that year.
Since the closure of the YMCA in Launceston the LCC have been looking for a new home for the State Champs. After a trip out to Carrick in 2023 this year’s event was hosted in Rocherlea Memorial Hall, in the outer northern suburbs of greater Launceston. The success of this year’s event hopefully means the State Champs have found a new home for 2025 and beyond.
The rude health of chess in Tasmania was evidenced by a near record breaking field taking part this year. There was some talk that we might break the long-standing record of 32 players who contested for the title in 2007. In the end several late withdrawals reduced the field to 30. However, three players made the trip from the big island to take part. Friend of the tournament Miles Patterson from Canberra, Darryl Ross of NSW and Ron Kuypers from Queensland. It was also good to see a healthy number of young people on the start list, with just over 50% of the entries aged between 16 and 39.
In an echo of the 2023 Tasmanian Open, the oldest player David Ratkowsky was drawn against the youngest Karl Lee in the final round. I also played Karl in round 4, a nerve-racking experience, because I coach Karl and a cohort of his fellow pupils at the Calvin school in Kingston and I was therefore extra keen not to lose.
After seven rounds of hard-fought chess Carl Gorka retained his title of Tasmanian State Champion, finishing on a score of 6 out of 7 (5 wins and 2 draws). Kevin Bonham, Zach Lim and Fabian Ivancic all finished equal second on 5 out of 7.
In addition to Carl’s achievement history was also made in Tasmanian chess by Anya Song who finished equal 5th on 4.5/7. I understand this is the highest score by a female player in Championship history. Anya was awarded a cash prize very kindly donated by Carl Gorka.
The Junior prize was shared between Will Rumley and Himash Keerthiratne. In addition, Himash shared the under 1800 rating prize with Noah Carpenter. Finally, James Banbury was awarded the under 1500 rating prize.
The Tasmanian Senior Champion title is shared between Ian Rout and me (Chris Shepherd).
Round 4 game between Marcus and Zach
PGN viewer from Chess Tempo
Playing Hall during round six
Carl and Fabian
Clockwise from back row left, Will Rumley, Kevin Bonham, Fabian Ivancic, Anya Song, Himash Keerthiratne, James Banbury, Noah Carpenter, Ian Rout, Chris Shepherd, Carl Gorka and Zach Lim.