Chess Grandmaster Heats up Gold Coast Competitions

When we hear of kings, queens and knights we often think of medieval fairs or fantasy novels. But for chess Grandmaster Alexei Shirov who is ranked 13th in the world, these are the tools of his trade. He was the center of attention at this year’s chess festival on the Gold Coast. Our very own Adrian Richardson brings us there.

The Surfer’s Paradise Chess Tournament was staged over two days of intense competition, at the Gold Coast Exhibition Center. The competition was open to all ages. The youngest competitor was eight-year-old Anton Smirnov, the oldest was 81-year-old Joe Kingston.

[Joe Kingston, Chess Player]:
“Oh roughly about 71 years. I started playing when I was 10.”

The entrants were there to increase rank and of course score cash prizes. But passion for the game was still at the forefront of the competition.

In the end the main section was taken out by Ly Moulthen. But the glory didn’t end there. It was time to bring out one of the biggest names in chess - Alexei Shirov from Spain.

[Alexei Shirov, Chess Grandmaster]:
“It is exciting to play this kind of sharp chess and create fire on the board.”

Alexei travelled here to showcase his fire on the board style, playing against 26 people at the same time. This is known in the chess world as a simultaneous exhibition.

[Alexei Shirov, Chess Grandmaster]:
“Well I think I am quite a tenacious defender as well but of course I always try to get the initiative and to win the game by taking over the initiative. When every move counts when first mistake can become last mistake in the game so this is the kind of chess I like.”

NTD, Gold Coast, Australia.