Treasurer Jamie Kenmure has big plans for the newly formed Noble Park Chess Club.
By Shaun Inguanzo
BRAINS will fry and pawns will fly at the Australian Masters chess tournament when the nation’s top chess players hit Noble Park this December.
The Noble Park Chess Club, founded in August, is hoping to hit the chess circuit limelight with a bang as it organises one of the most ambitious chess tournaments to be held in Greater Dandenong.
Club treasurer Jamie Kenmure, 19, said the 50-member club was putting the final details in place for the eight-day tournament which is likely to include the Masters competition and two reserve tournaments.
The tournaments will fall in line with neighbouring chess clubs’ events during the Dandenong International Chess Festival between 15 and 23 December.
Mr Kenmure said the club had sent invitations to international players and was hoping to attract junior chess champion and Dancing with the Stars contestant Arianne Caoili.
He said prize money would be $1200 for first place, $800 for second, and $300 for third, with the highest-ranked Victorian receiving a bonus $500.
The high-profile tournament will be held at the Bosnian Centre in Noble Park and Mr Kenmure hopes it will act as a platform for finding extra club members.
“We are a very new chess club so the tournament is a big move for us,” he said.
“But we thought this would be good publicity for the club.”
Mr Kenmure said the club hoped to host a variety of prestigious chess tournaments next year.
“Basically, our plan is to hold strong tournaments, so we are trying to get the Victorian Open and Victorian Masters among others,” he said.
The Noble Park Chess Club is looking for new members who wish to pursue or start an interest in the popular strategy game.
For more information on joining the club, or the tournament, contact Jamie Kenmure on 0406 022 337, Carl on 0406 021 559, or email Dom to domic1000@hotmail.com.
