Croad receives the Silver Rook trophy from the President of NZ Chess Federation

FM Nicolas Croad became the winner of the 2021 New Zealand Championship. It’s his second national title. The 9-round event (NZ Open) was a part of the 128th Congress held in Palmerston North from January 2-12. The top four boards were broadcast live throughout the event. 

The second-rated Croad scored 7.5 out of 9, conceding just three draws to his opponents, and finished a full point ahead of the top-rated participant and his old rival FM Ben Hague (second with 6.5 points). 

From left to right: Anthony Ker, Leonard McLaren and Felix Xie

Three players, namely Felix Xie, IM Antony Ker (14-time NZ champion), and Leonard McLaren tied for third place.

Final standings:

1. Nicholas Croad (2455) – 7½
2. Ben Hague (2497) – 6½
3. Felix Xie (2110) – 6
4. Anthony Ker (2440) – 6
5. Leonard McLaren (2293) – 6
6. Robert Smith (2290) – 5½
7. Russell Dive (2407) – 5½
8. Ryan Winter (2165) – 5
9. David Cilia Vincenti (2276) – 5
10. Hao Tang (1950) – 5

The 128th Congress also hosted Major Open, Rapid, Lightning, and Junior championships.

Major Open:

1. Clinton Wells (7/9); 2-4. Alan Winfield, Dion Charles, and Karl Holdo – 6½ 

NZ Lightning: 

1. Anthony Ker – 8½/9 2. Ben Hague – 7½ 3. Russel Dive – 7.  

NZ Junior: 

1. Josh Langford – 6/9 2.Weng  Xintong (Winston) – 5½ 3-8. Daqi Mao, Isabelle Ning, Kendrick Botong Zhang, Euan McDougall, Paul He, and Thomas Vander Hoom – 5.