The Bundaberg Chess Club will this weekend host the inaugural Charm City Motel Open, an Australian Grand Prix event which has attracted an American grand master.
President Martin Carter said it was the first time the club had been able to host two Grand Prix events in one year, already attracting “a stellar field” of more than 30 competitors.
One of those competitors is Timur Garayev, a grand master from America.
“A grand master is someone who has reached the heights of chess ability,” Martin said.
“His particular claim to fame is he holds the world record for the number of simultaneous blindfold game wins.
“He has beaten 48 players. He can’t see the board someone is calling the moves.
“We also have two Australian International Masters and two Women's International Masters three of whom have represented Australia at Olympiads.”
The current Queensland Women’s and Girls Champion, aged just seven years old, will travel from Brisbane to attend the Charm City Motel Open.
Martin will also be taking part in the tournament and, at 68, he said the game worked wonders for an active mind.
“It’s what keeps my brain going.”
Games will be underway at Thabeban State School this weekend from 11 am on Saturday and 8.30 am on Sunday.
He said registrations were welcome by emailing bundabergchessclub18@ozemail.com.au and could also be made on the day, up until 10.30 am on Saturday at the venue.
Martin was hoping the Charm City Motel Open would help encourage more locals to join the chess club, which meets twice a week and holds regular competitions.
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