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Paul Spiller is on a mission to grow the popularity of the ancient and strategic sport of chess across Auckland.
The long-time East Aucklander, who regularly stages competitive matches in the community, is the co-founder of the Middle Game Chess Foundation, former Oceania president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) from 2014-2023, and vice-president and life member of the New Zealand Chess Federation.
He’s running a series of five all-play round-robin chess tournaments at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre from January 15-21.
The top section of 10 players will have five grandmasters from overseas with top seed being former world number-four ranked player, Grandmaster Mickey Adams.
“He’s a nine-time British Chess Champion, having won the title again this year,” Spiller says.
“He has been England’s top player for many years and is making his first visit to New Zealand in January to take part in the Bob Wade Memorial Masters tournament, an event honouring International Master Bob Wade, New Zealand’s first chess professional and a two-time winner of the British Championship.
“Grandmaster Adams will be facing tough competition from Grandmaster Daniel Fernandez, recent winner of the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia’s first-ever Grandmaster, and 25-year-old Yeoh Li Tian, a former Asian Continental Champion.
“Last year’s co-winner, Grandmaster Gabor Nagy of Hungary, is returning as well as newcomer, Grandmaster Jacek Stopa of Poland.
“These grandmasters will battle it out against some of New Zealand’s best players including Felix Xie, 17-year-old International Master Sravan Renjith, International Master Tom Middelburg, and two-time New Zealand champion FIDE Master Daniel Gong.
“Completing the field is International Master James Morris from Melbourne, who’s one of Australia’s top players and is chasing Grandmaster norms.”
There are four other groups being held alongside the feature event which are run to honour chess colleagues who have passed away in recent years, Spiller says.
“These tournaments are being supported by the Middle Game Chess Foundation and FIDE to develop chess in New Zealand and to give opportunities to our top players to achieve qualifications for international titles, and provide invaluable practice in the lead-up to the World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan later in 2026.”
Spiller says Grandmaster Mickey Adams will also be visiting Howick later this month.
“Grandmaster Adams will be giving a simultaneous chess exhibition against multiple opponents at the Howick Bowling Club from 6pm on January 22.
“He’ll take on up to 25 opponents simultaneously in what will be an entertaining and challenging event for those taking part.”
The Howick Bowling Club is at 33 Selwyn Road. The cost to play is $50 per board. Limited places are available, so secure your spot by emailing paulsspiller@outlook.com.
Spiller says the Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club “greatly acknowledges the support of D&D Financial Consultants and the Middle Game Chess Foundation as without their support, this event would not be possible”.
