N.Z. Women's Championship 1995

The Hastings and Havelock North Chess Club held the 1995 N.Z. Woman's Chess Championship in the Senior Common Room at the Havelock North High School at Easter.

This was the first occasion that the club has held a national tournament since the 1984 North Island Championship, which was held at the Hereworth School in Havelock North. Since then, our members have dwindled somewhat and we were not sure that we could host a national event.

We surprised ourselves and found the administration easier than expected. We were, however, appreciative of the valued support from Ted Frost in setting us on the right path. Tim Frost as Tournament Director controlled the tournament in a professional but unobtrusive manner which was appreciated by participants and organisers alike.

We could only manage to attract eight entries, four of whom came from the Hawkes Bay area. Two were from Auckland, one from Te Awamutu and one from Kapiti. Of the four from Hawkes Bay, three were the Sheehan Sisters. Five were Juniors.

Unfortunately, one player withdrew after the first day, which caused a bye in each round after the first two, but the players accepted the bye with good grace and without complaint. The games were played in a excellent spirit, but many were close and hard fought.

The tournament was won by Vivian Smith who, as well as being the best performing player at the tournament, was also the most helpful to the junior players and talked to spectators and journalists and generally gave the organisers great publicity.

The highlight for Hawkes Bay was that Vivian had a draw with Rosaleen Sheehan which, in hindsight, was perhaps more due to Vivian's great desire not to be beaten, than to careful analysis of the game. Rosaleen and our whole club were, however, thrilled at the result.

Edith Otene was deservedly in second place, a half-point clear of Rosaleen Sheehan. Edith beat Rosaleen in their game. She showed an attacking flair throughout the tournament and was always willing to take a chance. Like Vivian, she encouraged the youngsters and appeared excited to see so many juniors in the tournament.

Rosaleen was third, which enabled us to obtain a little more local publicity than we may otherwise have achieved. Glenys Mills from Kapiti was fourth, which meant that the four Olympians in the field (50%, which shows that we had quality, if not quantity, in entrants) took the four prizes on offer.

Finally, I would like to mention Stormie Nielson from Te Awamutu, who played the game that achieved the most interesting position and caused the most debate through the tournament. It was against Rosaleen Sheehan about half-way through the tournament, a game which she finally lost but was winnable for Stormie. It was, however, a most difficult position.

Stormie also had a strong position against Glenys Mills in the last game, but unfortunately could not execute the kill. She will be stronger for the experience and sure to improve.

As a club, we enjoyed the experience and particularly welcome the attitude and demeanour of the participants. We were even able to run the tournament at a small profit due to the valued support of the National Bank. The bank provided generous sponsorship and graced the presentations with their presence.

Photos

All games in TXT

All games in PGN