Sarfati extends chess lead

Press, 4 January 1988, Page 28

Sarfati extends chess lead

PA Auckland Wellington’s Jonathan Sarfati extended his lead in the New Zealand Championship to 1 s / 2 points at the end of the sixth round yesterday. His game against Paul Garbett (North Shore) was of critical importance since Garbett was lying second and was also Sarfati’s strongest rival for

the last qualifying place in the Plaza International tournament. The former champion, Vernon Small, scored a convincing win over Nigel Metge to join a group of four players sharing second place. The Robert Jones Investments Championship is being played at Takapuna and there are five rounds still to

play. Leonard McLaren, another Wellingtonian, leads the race to qualify for next year’s New Zealand Championship with a narrow lead in the Reserve Championship. Results, round 5: R. Dive drew with O. Sarapu, P. Garbett drew with P. Green, E. Green drew with V. Small, N. Metge defeated P. Stuart, A. Ker defeated R. Smith, J.

Sarfati drew with B. Martin. Round 6: Sarapu drew with E. Green, P. Green drew with Dive, Sarfati defeated Garbett, Small defeated Metge, Stuart defeated Ker, Martin defeated Smith. Scores (with round 4 game between Ker and Martin outstanding): Sarfati 5; Garbett, E. Green, Sarapu and Small 3>/ 2 , Dive, Ker and Martin 3; P. Green 2>4; Metge 2; Stuart D/,; Smith 1.