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"I can't remember when so many people were so close to the lead."
Jim Holland of Carlingford staged a storybook finish to defeat club champion Tony Bouchaaya of Doonside.
Mr Holland was playing in his first tournament in 27 years.
"I fumbled a bit in the first few games." he said.
But Mr Holland ended up winning six games, losing only to federation Master Lee Jones.
The tournament ran for seven weeks, with each player scoring one point for a win and half a point for a draw.
The Rooty Hill Chess Club had players coming from as far away as the Blue Mountains and Parammatta to complete.
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Members range from unrated social players to people such as Australian champion and international master Gary Lane, who spends most of his time competing overseas but plays at Rooty Hill when he is in Sydney.
Others like the Joneses have made chess a family affair.
Mr Lee Jones and his father Brian are both federation masters while his sister, Nancy Lane, is a women's international master.
"But beginners are very welcome." club spokesman David Evans said.
"You can always find someone at your level to play chess with you, and unlike cards nothing is hidden on a chessboard."
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Every year Rooty Hill fields teams in both district and state matches, where teams of four players compete on a home-and-away basis.
Players are graded according to their results and meet opponents of appoximately equivalent strength, but unrated players may also play.
The Rooty Hill Open is for club members and visitors but the club holds other competitions throughout the year, such as a lightning tournament in which play must be completed in five minutes.
The club meets every Monday night at 7:00pm at the RSL, with chess sets and clocks provided.
For more information, go to www.rootyhillchess.org or phone David Evans on 4739 2785.
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