HERNANDEZ TO OCEANIA ZONAL,
GOLD COAST OPEN IN AUSTRALIA
IN HIS email to Palau Chess Federation Secretary/Treasurer Roberto Hernandez, Mr. Gary Bekker wrote:
Dear Roberto, Thank you for your emails and interest in playing in the Oceania Zonal Chess Championship in June.
I think it is fantastic that you will try to make it! Unfortunately, there is only one nominated Palau representative, entitled to free entry and accomodation in the Open division of the Oceania Zonal Chess Championship, and my offer of $500.00 travel subsidy is for that one person.
I hope that Filipino Ambassador Ramoncito Marino is also able to assist as suggested. I am sorry to hear that Gene Pastrana won't be able to make it to the tournament, but I am very glad to hear that you will try to come in his place.
I have attached a letter of invitation to assist with your visa application, and I look forward to seeing you at the Oceania Zonal Chess Championship in June.
I wish you the very best of success in the event. Warmest regards, Gary Bekker (FIDE Oceania Zone President) Tel. (03)8562-0092 Mob.:0418-142-258 gbekker@capitaltransport.com.au
The letter of invitation says:
Dear Roberto, I am delighted to invite you to represent your country in this year's Oceania Zonal Chess Championship tournament being held at the Outrigger Twin Towns Resort in Tweed Heads, on the Queensland/NSW border, from Saturday 20th to Friday 26th June 2009.
This will be followed by the Gold Coast Open being held on the weekend Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June.
The winner of the Zonal Championship will qualify to play in the next level of the World Chess Championship cycle, and others who perform exceptionally well may be awarded FIDE title, as per regulation B.01.1 in the FIDE handbook.
Full details of the Oceania Zonal Chess Championship are available from the website http://www.gardinerchess.com/oceaniazonal/oceaniazonal2009.htm
As Palau's official representative in the event you will receive free entry and accomodation for the duration of the event.
I look forward to seeing you at the tournament and wish you the very best of success in the event. Yours sincerely, Gary Bekker (FIDE Oceania Zone President) 26th March 2009
Hernandez is now working on his Australia visa and met Paul (Bear) Kenny, the Chief Petty Officer of the Australian Royal Navy.
He got a response from Serlynn Kersey of Australian Embassy Pohnpei that because Hernandez doesn't play chess for a living, he should apply for tourist visa and submit the application form with confirmed booking itinerary, passport and money order.
Hernandez got his itinerary on April 02, 2009 as follows: Koror-Manila on June 17, Manila to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane on June 18. Brisbane to Sydney and Sydney to Manila on June 29 and finally Manila to Koror on July 03, 2009.
Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 13 & 15
Volume 18
Issue 14
April 06-12, 2009
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