A master of ceremony

What a delight to be reacquainted with grandmaster David Smerdon, albeit indirectly via Martin Mckenzie-murray’s Sport profile: “The right moves” (September 11-17) and “Beyond the norms” (September 18-24). At a social event of my sons’ school chess club in Brisbane, David agreed to play a “simul” against more than 30 experienced players. After defeating the majority of players and aware of the time constraints, David offered many opponents a draw, which they gleefully accepted – a draw against a grandmaster! Your profile has rekindled my personal memories of this charming, confident, gracious and centred young man. Thank you.

– Justin O’hagan, Eumundi, Qld