NZ Open Championship 2019 Round 7

Panmure Basin Walk Is Never Boring

At 3.3km the walk around the lake is the perfect distance for a daily constitutional. Many people walk, by themselves or with friends, family or their dogs. Some jog and others use the exercise stations along the way.

The other day we saw this gentleman playing this traditional instrument while his grandchildren played in the sandpit. His play was divine and his smile infectious. We were not the only ones who asked if we could take a photo, and he always graciously acquiesced. 

Photo credit Audrey Chan.

Photo credit Timur Gareyev.

Working out in public is something that takes some getting used to, but I had to give this apparatus a try just to see how it worked. Basically, you are lifting yourself. I also tried some chin-ups and found out that I can do three! Last time I tried it I didn't manage one. I guess being 30kg lighter helps.



One place I cannot recommend is the Buddhist temple next to the hotel. I am actually a fan of the Buddhist philosophy and have visited many temples in Asia. This one offers a free vegetarian meal twice a month and since a few friends were going there, out of curiosity I joined them.

First, we saw people praying prostrate on the floor and chanting. We were immediately preached to and advised that a donation, perhaps $10 would be greatly appreciated. When the ceremony to give thanks to the Gods was mentioned I walked. Buddhist Gods? Give me a break.

Round 7 

My game was anything but smooth. The opening went my way but then I drifted, lost two tempi with the idiotic 18.Qc4 and had to look at an unpleasant position. Then Paul played 27...Nf4, giving his monster knight for my useless bishop and white was happy again. Under time pressure he missed 36.Ne4 and one would think the game should be over.

It wasn't quite as on move 44 I placed my Rook on g8, only just noticing in time that black can just take it! No, I wasn't blindfolded. Braindamage.

[Event "NZ Ch 2019"]
[Site "Auckland"]
[Date "2019.01.20"]
[Round "7"]
[White "Wohl, Aleksandar"]
[Black "Garbett, Paul"]
[Result "1-0"]
[WhiteElo "2332"]
[BlackElo "2160"]
[ECO "B30f"]
[EventDate "2019.01.14"]

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.Qe2 Nge7 6.Bg2 dxe4 7.dxe4 Nd4 8.
Nxd4 cxd4 9.O-O Nc6 10.e5 Bd7 11.Nd2 Qc7 12.Nf3 Bc5 13.Qe4 h6 14.Bd2
Rd8 15.Rad1 Ne7 16.Rfe1 Bc6 17.Qd3 a6 18.Qc4 Bd5 19.Qd3 Nc6 20.a3 Rd7
21.h4 O-O 22.Bf4 b5 23.h5 Rfd8 24.Nd2 Bxg2 25.Kxg2 Ne7 26.Ne4 Nd5 27.
Qf3 Nxf4+ 28.gxf4 Be7 29.Re2 Kh8 30.Rd3 f5 31.exf6 gxf6 32.Ng3 Rd6
33.Qe4 Bf8 34.Qg6 Qc6+ 35.Kh2 f5 36.Ne4 Qe8 37.Qxe8 Rxe8 38.Nxd6 Bxd6
39.Rxd4 Bb8 40.a4 Kg7 41.axb5 axb5 42.f3 Kf7 43.Rg2 Re7 44.Rg6 Rc7
45.c3 Ba7 46.Rb4 Be3 47.Rxh6 1-0

I have white against Anthony Ker tomorrow. Always a tough opponent with either colour.
Brandon is leading with Timur in hot pursuit. The last two rounds should be interesting and can be followed live on www.chess24.com