A Memorable Morning with GM Ian Rogers and WFM Cathy Rogers at Cronulla RSL Chess Club
The Cronulla RSL Chess Club had the distinct pleasure of hosting two of the most esteemed figures in Australian chess: Grandmaster (GM) Ian Rogers and Women FIDE Master (WFM) Cathy Rogers. It was an eventful day filled with exciting games, insightful discussions, and a celebration of chess excellence.
GM Ian Rogers is a name that resonates with chess enthusiasts not only in Australia but around the world. As Australia’s first home-grown Grandmaster, Ian’s contributions to the chess community are monumental. He earned his International Master title in 1980 and became a Grandmaster in 1985. His illustrious career includes over 120 classical tournament victories, four Australian Chess Championship titles, and twelve first-board representations at the Chess Olympiads. Despite retiring from competitive chess in 2007 on medical advice, Ian remains a pivotal figure in the chess world, offering commentary, writing, and training.
Cathy Rogers, a Women FIDE Master and international arbiter, is equally distinguished. Besides her accomplishments in chess, Cathy is a practicing lawyer, making her a multi-talented professional. Her role often involves providing photographic coverage and assisting Ian in his reporting duties for various chess tournaments around the globe.
The Club’s usual Thursday morning chess session on level 2 of the club was transformed into an extraordinary event. GM Ian Rogers performed a blindfold chess display, playing against two groups of our members simultaneously—and winning both games! The experience was a testament to Ian’s incredible skill and deep understanding of the game.
After the games, Ian and Cathy engaged with our members, responding to inquiries and sharing their vast knowledge. Whether discussing intricate game strategies, the history of chess, or the future of the sport, their insights were both enlightening and inspiring.
FIDE Chess Master Alfred Flatow “Fred” also recently joined Cronulla RSL Club, and has been a member for 3years! He is also a pivotal figure in the world of chess, having won numerous prizes in various competitions and still playing for Canterbury. Fred played a Simultaneous Chess Exhibition show against 15 players “individually”, winning all the matches and drawing only three. Some players attended but did not participate and were watching the matches in amazement.
The Cronulla RSL Chess Club meets every Thursday at 10 AM, providing a welcoming environment for chess players of all levels to enjoy the game. Our session with Ian and Cathy Rogers was a highlight, reflecting our club’s commitment to fostering a vibrant chess community.
We look forward to more such enriching experiences and thank Ian and Cathy for their invaluable contributions to our club. Their visit not only enhanced our understanding of chess but also inspired us to pursue the game with greater passion and dedication.
Join the Cronulla RSL Chess Club each Thursday at the Club.
For more information about our club and upcoming events, feel free to visit our website or contact us directly. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, the Cronulla RSL Chess Club welcomes you to join our friendly and engaging chess community.