Battle comes on board

Victorian competitors Nguyen N Thach and Bao Pham take on New South Welshman Zhao Wenshan and Phat Ly. 134807 Picture: GARY SISSONS

By CASEY NEILL

SPRINGVALE has hosted a cross-border Chinese chess battle.
Xiangqi players from various states took part in the seventh annual Australia Friendship Chess Association event at St John’s German Lutheran Church on Saturday 7 March.
Australia Friendship Association chairman Phuc Le said the not for profit organisation had been providing vital information, inspiration and motivation to Greater Dandenong citizens to overcome gambling addiction, family conflicts and unemployment.
“Stronger friendship is formed by the love of the game and charity work which guides them to the right direction to start and manage their own life,” he said.
“Every year we organise tournaments where we invite members and all players Australia-wide to enjoy games of the mind and promote charity work.”
Xiangqi, or Chinese chess, is a strategy board game for two players in the same family as traditional chess.
Australia Friendship Chess Association is at 575A Springvale Road, Springvale South, and welcomes new players.
Visit www.australiafriendshipchess.org for more information.