Countback to win Gunnedah chess championship's open division

Don Keast won a fighting finish to Gunnedah’s 2025 Australia Day Chess Tournament.

Keast, who hails from the Hunter Valley town of Greta, won the Open Division on countback from Gunnedah’s Blake Lynch.

Twenty-eight players from across the region and beyond competed in this year’s tournament hosted by Club Gunnedah – including Dubbo, Armidale and Sydney.

Gunnedah fielded a 12-strong contingent.

Third place in the Open Division went to Sydneysider, Vlad Vyshnivetskyy who hails from Ryde where he is a member of the local chess clubs.

He decided to venture north not only for the chess matchplay but also the scenic opportunities afforded by of the Gunnedah region.

“It is a very nice town and area,” Vlad said.

“I came here for the tournament and different experiences.

“I also like to take photos and travel.”

It was Vlad’s second year competing in the Gunnedah competition. He said this year’s tournament featured “a number of strong players” and good line up of younger players as well.

Sarayu Prakashbabu from Dubbo won the Premier Division but only half-a-point ahead of Michael Drew (Tamworth) who won second place on countback from Ian Lynch (Gunnedah), in third.

Just missing out on a placing was fellow Gunnedah player, Jack Randall.

The Gunnedah Times caught up with the 23-year-old soon after winning the opening round.

“It’s very good competition – we get players here from all over,” Jack said.

His father taught him chess when aged about seven or eight and he has played ever since.

“It’s very peaceful, I’ve played it for years with my family – a good all-ages game,” he said.

As for strategy – Jack plays it as he sees it.

“Everyone is different so you learn what your opponent is doing and react,” he said.

The School Division was won by the youngest player to feature at this year’s tournament.

Thirteen-year-old Sean Gander from Gunnedah took out first place, followed by Aiden Baker (Dubbo) in second, and Harvey Stokes (Gunnedah) a close third.

Encouragement awards were presented to William Medlock and Crystal Breneger.