THE WEEK IN CHESS 321 1st January 2001 by Mark Crowther

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Contents

1) Introduction
2) FIDE Announcements
3) 76th Hastings Chess Congress
4) Reggio Emilia
5) Rilton Cup
6) Kramnik-Leko Match
7) Israeli Championships
8) Koltanowski Memorial
9) Bethune Open (France)
10) 17th Boblinger Open
11) 16th Nice International Open d'Hiver
12) Ano Liosia Open
13) Tournament for the 21st Century
14) 2001 Australian Open Championships
15) Eastern Open
16) Pamplona
17) Professional World Chess Ranking
18) Forthcoming Events and Links


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Games section

76th Hastings Chess Congress           20 games
Reggio Emilia                          10 games
Rilton Cup                             80 games
Koltanowski Memorial                   18 games
17th Boblinger Open                   138 games
16th Nice International Open d'Hiver   22 games
Ano Liosia Open                       107 games
Tournament for the 21st Century        30 games
Eastern Open                           43 games
468 games

1) Introduction

My thanks to Michael Atkins, Ian Rogers, Mihajlo Savic, Argiris Kotsis, Dima Tyomkin, Carlo Mazzoni, Pam Thomas and Stewart Reuben and all those who helped with this issue.

Its probably a good job that I have a touch of flu and want to get this magazine finished quickly. Otherwise I might want to comment at length on FIDE's announcements. Whilst I'm sure that everyone welcomes more chess events I think their plans are so at odds with commercial realities they will not come to full fruition. I simply can't imagine what organisers would get out of turning their traditional events into FIDE events. Furthermore the change of time control to a four hour session is a proposal that seems to have come from no-where. I doubt very much it will suddenly produce a lot of new sponsors and television coverage. Have a great New Year.

Hope you enjoy this issue

Mark

2) FIDE Announcements

There are three important new FIDE Press releases at: http://www.fide.com/release/. They are: The final meeting of the Presidential Board of FIDE, chaired by the President of FIDE, H.E. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov met on the 26 of December the numerous of historical and sensational decisions for all World Chess, Tehran Declaration on the World Chess Championship titles and Summary of the decisions of the Presidential Board meeting in Tehran. Dated December 26th and 27th 2000. You can also read some comments at: http://www3.fide.com/forums/ including ones from Artem Tarasov. You can also read Hans Ree's view http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hans53.pdf

New time control

There will be a new time control coming into effect from 1 January 2001. Instead of the existing control of (40 moves in 100 minutes, 20 moves in 50 minutes, 10 minutes for the remainder of the game with an increment of 30 seconds), the new time control to be used in all FIDE events and international title tournaments will be 40 moves in 75 minutes, 15 minutes for the remainder of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move from move 1. They will be used in FIDE events such as Olympiads, zonal tournaments, World Championships, World Team Championships, Continental Championships and Grand Prix Tournaments.

The new time control will be effectively 40 moves in 1hr 35 and then a rapidplay finish. Games will last at maximum around four hours, just ten years ago players had two and a half hours to play just 40 moves. The belief from FIDE is that these new limits will make the tournaments commercially more interesting.

FIDE also announced plans for their World Championships. After talk of major changes they instead decided just to tinker with the format. 128 players will start in the new championships all from the first round, including the champion. The Championships are to start on November 25th each year and there is to be a three week break before the 8 game finals take place.

Each year a list of the 32 best players in the World will be published on January 1st based on their performances in the previous world championship and with the champion as world number one. This will form the basis for invitations to a Grand Prix series. FIDE envisage established tournaments signing up for this Grand Prix.

Finally we're told "As the sole authority recognised by the International Olympic Committee responsible for the game of Chess and its Championships, and buttressed with historical facts, FIDE hereby announces its clearly established role as the only custodian of the World Chess Championship titles."

3) 76th Hastings Chess Congress

The 76th Hastings International Chess Congress will take place from the 28th December 2000 to 7th January 2001. This year it will be held at a new venue which should greatly enhance the event. It will be played under one roof at the new £4.5 million Horntye Park Sports Complex which opened in the late Spring.

The lineup for the Premier is: Jon Speelman, Stuart Conquest, Jim Plaskett, Daniel Gormally, Matthew Turner, Sergei Beshukov, Zhang Zhong, Lubomir Ftacnik, Krishnan Sasikiran and Levon Aronian. My thanks to Pam Thomas and Stewart Reuben.

Further details: http://www.hastingschess.org.uk

4) Reggio Emilia

The 2000-1 "Torneo di Capodanno" di Reggio Emilia, Italy, isn't a big category edition but will take place keeping its 43 year tradition. It will be Category 8 and takes place December 30th 2000 to January, 7th, 2001 nine rounds without rest day. My thanks to Carlo Mazzoni.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
It Reggio Emilia ITA (ITA), 30 xii 2000 - 7 i 2001  cat. VIII (2428)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Efimov, Igor          g ITA 2520  * . . . . . . 1 . 1  2.0       
 2. Naumkin, Igor         g RUS 2440  . * = . . . . . 1 .  1.5  2515 
 3. Drei, Andrea          f ITA 2350  . = * . . . . . . 1  1.5  2529 
 4. Romanishin, Oleg M    g UKR 2591  . . . * = = . . . .  1.0  2472 
 5. Zaja, Ivan            m CRO 2513  . . . = * . = . . .  1.0  2506 
 6. Tomescu, Vlad         m ROM 2432  . . . = . * . . = .  1.0  2442 
 7. Vezzosi, Paolo        f ITA 2421  . . . . = . * = . .  1.0  2498 
 8. Bellini, Fabio        m ITA 2484  0 . . . . . = * . .  0.5  2277 
 9. Iotti, Pierluigi      f ITA 2294  . 0 . . . = . . * .  0.5  2243 
10. Costantini, Roberto     ITA 2233  0 . 0 . . . . . . *  0.0       
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 1 (December 30, 2000)

Efimov, Igor         -  Costantini, Roberto  1-0   47  D37  Queen's Gambit: 5.Bf4
Naumkin, Igor        -  Drei, Andrea         1/2   19  E17  Queen's Indian Defence (Main Line)
Romanishin, Oleg M   -  Zaja, Ivan           1/2   28  D12  Slav Defence
Vezzosi, Paolo       -  Bellini, Fabio       1/2   13  D31  Semi-Slav Defence
Iotti, Pierluigi     -  Tomescu, Vlad        1/2   16  A40  Unusual Replies to 1.d4

Round 2 (December 31, 2000)

Naumkin, Igor        -  Iotti, Pierluigi     1-0   34  E12  Queen's Indian Defence (Petrosian System and 4. or 5. Bg5)
Drei, Andrea         -  Costantini, Roberto  1-0   24  B50  Sicilian Defence (Variations with 2...d6)
Zaja, Ivan           -  Vezzosi, Paolo       1/2   43  D31  Semi-Slav Defence
Tomescu, Vlad        -  Romanishin, Oleg M   1/2   21  C45  Scotch Game
Bellini, Fabio       -  Efimov, Igor         0-1   39  C50  Giuoco Piano

Internet coverage at http://www.cronaca.it/ippogrifo

5) Rilton Cup

The XXX Rilton Cup in Stockholm takes place 27th December 2000 - 5th January 2001. After four rounds Yuri Yakovich and Luke McShane lead with 4/4.

Internet coverage: http://www.stockholmchessfederation.com/

-----------------------------------------------------------
XXX Rilton Cup Stockholm SWE (SWE), 27 xii 2000 - 6 i 2001
-----------------------------------------------------------
 1. Yakovich, Yuri             g  RUS 2585  4.0  
 2. McShane, Luke J            m  ENG 2480  4.0  
 3. Gleizerov, Evgeny          g  RUS 2557  3.5  
 4. Brynell, Stellan           m  SWE 2484  3.5  
 5. Ulibin, Mikhail            g  RUS 2583  3.5  
 6. Agrest, Evgenij            g  SWE 2554  3.5  
 7. Hermansson, Emil           f  SWE 2382  3.5  
 8. Gyimesi, Zoltan            g  HUN 2539  3.0  
 9. Handke, Florian            m  GER 2455  3.0  
10. Nielsen, Peter Heine       g  DEN 2578  3.0  
11. Ivanov, Sergey             g  RUS 2574  3.0  
12. Ionov, Sergey              g  RUS 2542  3.0  
13. Akesson, Ralf              g  SWE 2486  3.0  
14. Ahlander, Bjorn            f  SWE 2436  3.0  
15. Holmsten, Aleksei          f  FIN 2383  3.0  
16. Engqvist, Thomas           m  SWE 2351  3.0  
17. Cramling, Pia              g  SWE 2484  3.0  
18. Bellon Lopez, Juan Manuel  g  ESP 2421  3.0  
19. Svensson, Bengt            m  SWE 2393  3.0  
20. Hector, Jonny              g  SWE 2509  3.0  
21. Ornstein, Axel             m  SWE 2426  3.0  
22. Holzke, Frank              m  GER 2470  3.0  
23. Salmensuu, Olli            m  FIN 2458  3.0  
24. Eriksson, Anders           f  SWE 2299  3.0  
25. Couso, Luis                f  SWE 2327  3.0  
26. Medvegy, Nora             wm  HUN 2339  3.0
27. Kekki, Petri               f  FIN 2308  3.0  
28. Hillarp Persson, Tiger     g  SWE 2549  3.0  
29. Aaberg, Anton                 SWE 2300  3.0  
30. Berg, Emanuel              m  SWE 2456  2.5  
122 players

6) Kramnik-Leko Match

The "RWE Gas Match" are sponsoring a match between Vladimir Kramnik and Peter Leko, to be held from January 2nd to 8th 2001. We will see 12 rapid games (two per day, rest day: January 5th) in the Hotel Kempinski in the city centre of Budapest (Hungary).

Internet coverage: http://www.chessgate.de Which includes interviews with both players.

7) Israeli Championships

The Israeli Championships are taking place in the Sol&Sissy Center in Ramat Aviv (Tel Aviv) and the later rounds in Modiin. It ran 17th-28th December 2000. Avrukh and Gershon shared first place. Details and games should be available next week.

Internet coverage: http://www.slavchess.co.il/academy/isrch.html

8) Koltanowski Memorial

The Koltanowski Memorial took place in the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco. First place was taken by Yuri Shulman with 7/9 half a point clear of Jaan Ehlvest, Jesse Kraai and Mladen Vucic on 6.5.

IM norms were scored by Jessie Kraai (his 3rd), Cyrus Lakdawala, and Vladimir Mezentsev. Round 9 games now available.

Internet coverage: http://www.chessclub.org/december.html and http://www.milibrary.org/

Leading final standings:
Koltanowski Mem San Francisco USA (USA), 14-22 xii 2000
-------------------------------------------------------
 1. Shulman, Yuri          g  BLR 2548  7.0
 2. Ehlvest, Jaan          g  EST 2627  6.5
 3. Kraai, Jesse           f  USA 2430  6.5
 4. Vucic, Mladen          m  USA 2346  6.5
 5. Donaldson, John W      m  USA 2396  6.0
 6. Mezentsev, V              RUS 2376  6.0
 7. Lakdawala, Cyrus       f  USA 2434  6.0
 8. Schiller, Eric            USA 2172  6.0
50 players

9) Bethune Open (France)

The Bethune Open took place 26th-30th December 2000. This seven round swiss system event saw five players finish on 6/7 with Evgeniy Solozhenkin coming out first above GM Andrei Sokolov, Cyril Marcelin, Manuel Apicella and Dimitrij Bunzmann.

No games available as far as I can see.

Internet coverage: http://www.viruschess.com/

Final Standings After round 7
 1 GM  Solozhenkin   Evgeniy      2504 6
 2 GM  Sokolov       Andrei       2564 6
 3 IM  Marcelin      Cyril        2433 6
 4 GM  Apicella      Manuel       2506 6
 5 IM  Bunzmann      Dimitrij     2484 6
 6 GM  Degraeve      Jean-Marc    2540 5½
 7 GM  Chuchelov     Vladimir     2535 5½
 8 GM  Kalinitschew  Sergey       2491 5½
 9 IM  Okhotnik      Vladimir     2510 5½
10 FM  Giroux        Fabrice      2163 5½

10) 17th Boblinger Open

The 17th Boblinger Open runs December 26th-30th 2000. 265 players competed in this 9 round swiss system event with Thomas Luther taking first on tie-break from Radek Kalod, Jop Delemarre, Suat Atalik and Maia Lomineishvili all of whom scored 7.5/9.

Internet coverage: http://www.chess-international.de/ticker/2000/boeblingen/boeblingen.htm

------------------------------------------------------
17th Boblinger Open GER (GER), 27-30 xii 2000
------------------------------------------------------
  1. Luther, Thomas                g  GER 2547  7½ 56½
  2. Kalod, Radek                  m  CZE 2483  7½ 56 
  3. Delemarre, Jop                m  NED 2347  7½ 53 
  4. Atalik, Suat                  g  BIH 2549  7½ 52½
  5. Lomineishvili, Maia           wg GEO 2376  7½ 51 
  6. Schmidt-Schaeffer, Sebastian     GER 2314  7  51½
  7. Werner, Clemens               f  GER 2336  7  49½
  8. Haub, Thorsten-Michael        m  GER 2370  7  49 
  9. Glek, Igor V                  g  GER 2553  6½ 57½
 10. Wornath, Kai Rudolf           f  GER 2398  6½ 54 
 11. Klovans, Janis                g  LAT 2481  6½ 52 
 12. Florea, Dan                      GER 2298  6½ 52 
 13. Schmittdiel, Eckhard          g  GER 2479  6½ 52 
 14. Gross, Stefan                 m  CZE 2357  6½ 51 
 15. Doettling, Fabian             f  GER 2473  6½ 51 
 16. Zeller, Frank                    GER 2434  6½ 50½
 17. Scholz, Christian                GER 2324  6½ 50½
 18. Duppel, Matthias                 GER 2376  6½ 50 
 19. Niklasch, Oliver                 GER 2351  6½ 50 
 20. Schlecht, Daniel                 GER 2348  6½ 50 
 21. Prestel, Oliver                  GER 2195  6½ 49½
 22. Becking, Stephan                 GER 2271  6½ 46 
 23. Dietrich, Ralf                   GER 2265  6½ 44 
265 players

11) 16th Nice International Open d'Hiver

The 16th Nice International Open d'Hiver (France) takes place December 26-30th. Andrei Shchekachev and Aurelien Dunis finished on 6/7.

Internet coverage: http://echiquier-nicois.org

Final Round 7 Standings:
  1 GM  Shchekachev Andrei          RUS 2503  6     32.5    2598    2598
  2     Dunis Aurelien              FRA 2333  6       30    2483    2483
  3 IM  Rizouk Aimen                ALG 2350  5½      36    2628    2628
  4 GM  Flear Glenn C.              ENG 2480  5½    35.5    2585    2585
  5 IM  Sulava Nenad                CRO 2549  5½      35    2582    2582
  6 GM  Delchev Aleksander          BUL 2557  5½    34.5    2601    2601
  7 GM  Korneev Oleg                RUS 2619  5½      34    2571    2571
  8 FM  Brochet Philippe            FRA 2390  5½    31.5    2411    2411
  9 GM  Godena Michele              ITA 2485  5½      31    2442    2442
 10 GM  Komljenovic Davor           CRO 2514  5½      28    2614    2614
 11 IM  Shirazi Kamran              USA 2414  5       34    2525    2525
 12 IM  Managadze Nikoloz           GEO 2456  5     32.5    2333    2333
 13     Bujisho Benjamin            FRA 2344  5     31.5    2381    2381
 14     Sebe Razvan                 ROM 2303  5     31.5    2334    2334
 15 GM  Georgiev Vladimir           BUL 2564  5       31    2342    2342
 16 IM  Roos Jean-Luc               FRA 2271  5       31    2279    2279
 17     Djingarova Emilia           BUL 2263  5       30    2327    2327
 18 FM  Luetke Jens                 GER 2243  5       30    2316    2316
 19     Fiol Fabrice                FRA 2273  5       30    2300    2300
 20     Leygue Dominique            FRA 2268  5       29    2271    2271
 21     Midoux Sebastien            FRA 2245  5       29    2252    2252
 22 IM  Bergez Luc                  FRA 2413  5     28.5    2221    2221
 23     Bordi Kevin                 FRA 2150  5     28.5    2129    2129
 24     Nobili Denis                FRA 2050  5    23.75    2118    2118

12) Ano Liosia Open

The 11th International Open Chess Tournament "Ano Liosia 2001" takes place 27 December 2000 - 6 January 2001, in Ano Liosia, Athens. My thanks to Argiris Kotsis.

Internet coverage: http://www.chess.gr/anoliosia

Round 4 Standings:
--------------------------------------------------
Open Ano Liosia GRE (GRE), 27 xii 2000 - 6 i 2001
--------------------------------------------------
  1. Schmaltz, Roland          m  GER 2523   4.0
  2. Vysochin, Spartak         m  UKR 2511   4.0
  3. Gustafsson, Jan           m  GER 2506   4.0
  4. Shipov, Sergei            g  RUS 2640   3.5
  5. Baklan, Vladimir          g  UKR 2599   3.5
  6. Halkias, Stelios          m  GRE 2502   3.5  
  7. Vouldis, Angelos          m  GRE 2497   3.5  
  8. Chatalbashev, Boris       g  BUL 2494   3.5  
  9. Khetsuriani, Besarion     f  GEO 2417   3.5  
 10. Banikas, Hristos          m  GRE 2542   3.5  
 11. Nikolaidis, Ioannis       g  GRE 2512   3.5  
 12. Velickovic, Sasa          m  YUG 2409   3.5  
 13. Posharsky, Vikto             RUS 2235   3.5  
 14. Miladinovic, Igor         g  GRE 2563   3.5  
 15. Belov, Vladimir              RUS 2470   3.0
 16. Szieberth, Adam           f  HUN 2421   3.0
 17. Khamrakulov, Ibragim S       UZB 2359   3.0
 18. Khenkin, Igor             g  GER 2633   3.0
 19. Yudasin, Leonid           g  ISR 2571   3.0
 20. Marjanovic, Slavoljub     g  YUG 2512   3.0
177 players

13) Tournament for the 21st Century

Tournament for the 21st Century Mihajlo Savic reports: There was a tournament in Subotica 18th-28th December 2000. The event was a chance for young Yugoslav players to achieve GM norms. In the end there were no norms, Milos Perunovic came closest, missing the GM norm in the last round. He needed a win against Sadvakasaov, but only managed a draw.

Tournament for the 21st Century Subotica YUG (YUG), 18-28 xii 2000cat. X (2489)
----------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1  2  3  4  5  6 
----------------------------------------------------------------
1 Sadvakasov, Darmen     g KAZ 2509 ** == == 0= 11 11  6.5  2594
2 Shariyazdanov, Andrey  g RUS 2582 == ** == 1= 1= ==  6.0  2542
3 Perunovic, Milos       f YUG 2426 == == ** =1 == =1  6.0  2573
4 Solak, Dragan          m YUG 2490 1= 0= =0 ** == 1=  5.0  2488
5 Sedlak, Nikola         f YUG 2423 00 0= == == ** =1  4.0  2430
6 Grigoriants, Sergey    m RUS 2503 00 == =0 0= =0 **  2.5  2293
----------------------------------------------------------------

14) 2001 Australian Open Championships

The Australian Open Championships take place in Canberra 28th December 2000 - 9th January 2001. The 3rd Australian Open Rapid Championships took place on January 1st Leading scores (48 players, 7 rounds) =1. Ezat(Egy), Zhao(Aus), Sarwat(Egy), Smirnov(Rus), N.Wright(Aus)5.5.

Internet coverage: http://www.auschess.org.au/centenary/austmain.html

Standings after round 4 (of 11)
 1 GM Abhijit Kunte        (IND) 2538 4     7.9 
 2 IM Mark Heidenfeld      (IRL) 2375 4    15.5 
 3 GM Stefan Djuric        (YUG) 2461 4     6.6 
 4 IM Mikhail Gluzman      (V)   2432 3.5  -1.8 
 5 IM Gary Lane            (ENG) 2452 3.5  -2.0 
 6 FM Tim Reilly           (N)   2215 3.5   0.3 
 7    Neil Wright          (N)   2127 3.5  10.2 
 8 IM Mohamed Ezat         (EGY) 2346 3.5  -1.8 
 9    Jonny Bolens         (N)   2111 3    22.7 
10 IM Zong-Yuan Zhao       (N)   2341 3     0.9 
11 GM Ian Rogers           (N)   2558 3    -7.5 
12    Kuan-Kuan Tian       (N)   2107 3    14.3 
13 GM Darryl Johansen      (V)   2505 3    -11.9 
14    Walaa Sarwat         (EGY) 2357 3     -7.7 
15    Stanislav Berezovski (N)   2049 3     3.6 
16 IM Petr Pisk            (CZE) 2400 3    -9.0 
17    Brian Jones          (N)   2196 3    -5.1 
18    Alek Safarian        (N)   2079 3     3.7 
19    Igor Bjelobrk        (NZL) 2137 3     4.0 
20    Ian Wright           (A)   2130 3    -7.2 
21    John Sutherland      (NZL) 2056 3     7.0 
22 WM Laura Moylan         (A)   2076 3     5.7 
23    Kerry Stead          (N)   2125 3    -8.0 
24    Paul Dozsa           (N)   1998 3    14.1 
25    Peter Roza           (W)   1957 3    15.6 
125 players

15) Eastern Open

The Eastern Open took place Dec 27-30 2000. Alexander Ivanov took clear first with 6.5. Coverage from Michael Atkins.

Coverage at : http://www.chessctr.org/eastern/eastern.htm

------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Open Washington DC USA (USA), 27-30 xii 2000
------------------------------------------------------

 1. Ivanov, Alexander        g  USA 2567  6.5
 2. Kriventsov, Stanislav G  f  USA 2323  5.5
 3. Shibut, Macon               USA 2270  5.5
 4. Figler, Ilye                USA 2360  5.5
 5. Negulescu, Adrian        m  ROM 2510  5.0
 6. Kaufman, Larry C         m  USA 2397  5.0
 7. Rubenchik, Rodion           USA 2333  5.0
 8. Bengtson, Matthew           USA 2321  5.0  
 9. Fernandez, Daniel        f  USA 2212  5.0  
45 players

16) Pamplona

The Pamplona tournament is taking place 27th December 2000 to Jan 6th 2001. It is a Swiss system event rather than an elite one because they had trouble getting the players they wanted because it was so close to the FIDE Championships.

Internet coverage: http://www.granajedrez.com

17) Professional World Chess Ranking

The New January 1st 2001 Professional World Chess Ranking have been released. This list will cover the same period as the FIDE list which should be out within days.

 1 Kramnik,Vladimir       25.06.1975  RUS   2792      58   111 
 2 Kasparov,Garry         13.04.1963  RUS   2792     -46  119 
 3 Anand,Viswanathan      11.12.1969  IND   2754      32   127 
 4 Leko,Peter             08.09.1979  HUN   2716      16   118 
 5 Morozevich,Alexander   18.07.1977  RUS   2709       4    178 
 6 Topalov,Veselin        15.03.1975  BUL   2690      22   173 
 7 Shirov,Alexei          04.07.1972  ESP   2679     -45  187 
 8 Khalifman,Alexander    18.01.1966  RUS   2676      56   145 
 9 Gelfand,Boris          24.06.1968  ISR   2675      24   146 
10 Ivanchuk,Vassily       18.03.1969  UKR   2675      12   154 
11 Van Wely,Loek          07.10.1972  NED   2672     102  165 
12 Bareev,Evgeny          21.11.1966  RUS   2671     -14  161 
13 Ponomariov,Ruslan      11.10.1983  UKR   2661      73   156 
14 Adams,Michael          17.11.1971  ENG   2659     -11  163 
15 Svidler,Peter          17.06.1976  RUS   2647      19   162 
16 Gurevich,Mikhail       22.02.1959  BEL   2645      39   149 
17 Dreev,Alexey           30.01.1969  RUS   2645     -1   159 
18 Grischuk,Alexander     31.10.1983  RUS   2642      91   143 
19 Georgiev,Kiril         28.11.1965  BUL   2639     -4   174 
20 Tkachev,Vladislav      09.11.1973  FRA   2637      36   143 
21 Smirin,Ilia            21.01.1968  ISR   2631      32   167 
22 Karpov,Anatoli         23.05.1951  RUS   2629     -12  134 
23 Bologan,Viorel         14.12.1971  MDA   2626      25   160 
24 Akopian,Vladimir       07.12.1971  ARM   2626     -12  169 
25 Azmaiparashvili,Zurab  16.03.1960  GEO  2625    -26  169 
26 Kharlov,Andrei         20.11.1968  RUS   2622      26   166 
27 Kasimdzhanov,Rustam    05.12.1979  UZB   2620      31   159 
28 Ye Jiangchuan          20.11.1960  CHN   2620      37   160 
29 Lautier,Joel           12.04.1973  FRA   2619      23   154 
30 Short,Nigel D          01.06.1965  ENG   2618     -48  150 
31 Yusupov,Artur          13.02.1960  GER   2614      10   143 
32 Polgar,Judit           23.07.1976  HUN   2607     -14  173 
33 Movsesian,Sergei       03.11.1978  CZE   2606     -28  171 
34 Nikolic,Predrag        11.09.1960  BIH   2605     -16  158 
35 Hjartarson,Johann      08.02.1963  ISD   2604       0   176 
36 Sakaev,Konstantin      13.04.1974  RUS   2602      17   147 
37 Wolff,Patrick G        15.02.1968  USA   2602       0   186 
38 Dautov,Rustem          28.11.1965  GER   2601      27   174 
39 Vaganian,Rafael A      15.10.1951  ARM   2600      24   176 
40 Onischuk,Alexander     03.09.1975  UKR   2599       9   154 
41 Sadler,Matthew         15.05.1974  ENG   2599      -4   186 
42 Piket,Jeroen           27.01.1969  NED   2598       3   154 
43 Beliavsky,Alexander    17.12.1953  SLO   2596     -36  155 
44 Krasenkov,Mikhail      14.11.1963  POL   2596     -34  168 
45 Magerramov,Elmar       10.04.1958  AZE   2595       0   187 
46 Almasi,Zoltan          29.08.1976  HUN   2593     -36  159 
47 Khenkin,Igor           21.03.1968  RUS   2591      -7   165 
48 Rublevsky,Sergei       15.10.1974  RUS   2591     -25  169 
49 Zhang Zhong            05.09.1978  CHN   2591      26   188 
50 Tregubov,Pavel V       27.12.1971  RUS   2588      50   156 

18) Forthcoming Events and Links

26th Aubervilliers Speed Tournament

26th speed tournament of Aubervilliers (near Paris) with £9000 in cash prizes takes place Saturday and Sunday 27th-28th January 2001.

Entry and further details: http://organisechecs.multimania.com/

Korchnoi-Ponomariov Match

There will be an 8 game Korchnoi-Ponomariov match will start on 16th January 2001 in Donetsk. The main sponsor is joint-stock company DANKO.

Details: http://chess-sector.odessa.ua/match01p.htm

6th Stuttgart Open

The 6th International Stuttgart Open takes place in Ditzingen (Germany) from 24th-27th May 2001, 7ch.

Further information: http://www.tsv-zuffenhausen.de/schach/

2nd Yateley Manor International

The 2nd Yateley Manor International Open takes place 19th-21st January and 3rd-4th February 2001 (ie play is over 2 weekends). It takes place in Yateley Manor School, Reading Road, Yateley, nr Camberley, Hampshire.

For further details contact: Ray Clark High Cedars, Oak End Way, Gerrards Cross, Bucks. SL9 8DA e-mail ray.clark@kpmg.co.uk tel: 01753 883300

Keres Memorial Rapid Tournament

The 11th International Rapid Chess Tournament Paul Keres Memorial dedicated to the 85th anniversary of Paul Keres and the centennial of the Estonian Sports Association Kalev takes place January 5th-7th 2001 Tallinn, 41. Pärnu Rd.

Invited players: Judit Polgar, Peter Svidler, Alexandr Khalifman, Jan Timman, Jaan Ehlvest.

Internet site: http://online.ee/~maleliit/11th.htm

If you wish to enter:

REGISTRATION With participation fee 100 EEK (for participants under 18 and retired - 50 EEK) till January 1, 2001.,from January 2 2001 - 200 EEK (for participants under 18 and retired - 100 EEK) at 41 Pärnu RD., 10119 Tallinn. Phone + 372 644 07 44, Olaf Olmann Fax + 372 644 29 87 e - mail: eestikalev@anet.ee.

Participation fee can be paid to Estonian Union Bank code 401, account Nr. 10022002657005. Registration deadline - 5th January 2001 at 16.00 All participants must give their participant cards personally to Secretary General for drawing of lots before 16.00. Registration fee will be returned to applicants who have informed ESA Kalev about their cancellation before the drawing of lots.

The tournament is in two stages:

PRELIMINARY TOURNAMENT is a rapid one, 25 + 25 min, in seven rounds according to the Swiss system. The competitors will be divided according to their raiting into groups A and B. If results in the Preliminary Tournament are equal sum of points after every round is considered.

MEN's MAIN TOURNAMENT is played by 5 best players of group A of Preliminary Tournament and 3 players invited directly to the Main Tournament. MAIN TOURNAMENTS are held according to the tournament system. In case of equal points at Main Tournament the monetary prizes will be divided. The main prize of object will be given to the winner of the additional 10 minute competition.

PARTICIPANTS Up to 100 participants with the rating of 2000 and more will be permitted to participate, in case of vacancies also with a lower rating. Participation is free for IM and GM. GM will be accommodated in hotel and their travel expences will be covered within the limits of the costs of railway tickets by ESA Kalev.

Chief arbiter Lembit Vahesaar (international category) Schedule January, 5 at 11.00 - Symposium and Exhibition "PAUL KERES - THE SPORTSMAN OF CENTURY"

Preliminary Tournament Friday 5 January Saturday 6 January 16.30 Opening ceremony 10.15 Laying wreath to Keres Memorial 17.00-17.50 I round 11.00-11.50 V round 18.05-18.55 II round 12.05-12.55 VI round 19.10-20.00 III round 13.10-14.00 VII round 20.15.-21.05 IV round 14.30 Closing of Preliminary Tournament

Main Tournament Saturday 6th January Sunday 7th January MW 18.00-18.50 I round MW 11.00-11.50 IV round MW 19.00-19.50 II round MW 12.00-12.50 V round MW 20.00.-20.50 III round MW 13.00-13.50 VI round MW 14.00-14.50 VII round 15.15 Closing of Tournament

PRIZES The winner will be awarded with a prize of 12.000 EEK in value 2nd place 7000 EEK 3rd place 5000 EEK 4rd place 3000 EEK The best man of Preliminary Tournament will be awarded with a prize of 1500 EEK in value. The best female player with a prize of 7000 EEK in value, 2nd place 5000 EEK, 3rd 3000 EEK and 4th 1500 EEK in value. The best female player of Preliminary Tournament will be awarded with a prize of 1000 EEK in value. The best veteran (born 1941 and earlier) from Estonian will be awarded a prize of 1000 EEK. The best junior (born 1983 and later) gets a prize of 1000 EEK in value. In group B 1st place gets 1000 EEK, 2nd place 700 EEK, 3rd place 400 EEK.

Deep Fritz vs. Germany

There is a Deep Fritz vs. Germany match taking place. Internet coverage: http://www.computerschach.de/dfritz/ with an English introduction at: http://www.computerschach.de/dfritz/dfritz1e.htm

Tapolca Open

Tapolca Open: 9 rounds SWISS chess tournament in Budapest, 5th-13th of January 2001.

Lazslo Nagy reports: Venue: Hungarian Chess Federation, Budapest, Falk Miksa Str.10. Organizer: Mr. PAREJ, Jozsef, tel: 00-(36)-87-321-950 Prizes /brutto/: 40-25-15-10-6-4-2x3-2x2.5-2x2 thousand HUF. I will play in this tournament like a player, finally I can play chess, because January is a holiday in the FIRST SATURDAY events !!! More info and accommodation: Nagy, Laszlo International Chess Organizer E-mail: firstsat@elender.hu www.elender.hu/~firstsat phone-fax: (361)-263-28-59 mobile: (36)-30-230-1914 ICC nickname: MrFirstSaturday

VI FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships

The VI FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships take place in Pamplona (Spain). 27th December 2001 - 6 January 2002. Swiss 10 rounds Conditions: Players without Elo FIDE Entry: 50$ Information: Federación Española de Ajedrez Tfn: 34 (Spain)-91-3556009 Fax: 34-917256963 email: jaque@lite.eunet.es

Andorra Open 2001

The website for the Andorra open June 24th - July 2nd 2001. You can also win a digital camera or entry to the event by visiting their website.

Internet site: http://www.internet.ad/feva

Australian Junior Championships

2001 Australian Junior Championships 11-23 January Hellenic Club, Matilda St, Phillip, ACT The early-entry date is fast approaching and is next Wednesday 20 DECEMBER 2000. Late entries will be taken by the organisers up to 08 January and a late fee of $25 will apply, so get your entries in now. Print out the entry form from: http://www.auschess.org.au/centenary/junentryform.html and return to: 2001 Australian Junior Chess Championships PO Box 1403 Belconnen ACT 2616

New Chess Site

Emil Sutovsky has started contributing to the Chessy site. http://www.chesslove.h1.ru/eng/index.html

Sinisa Joksic www site

Yugoslav journalist Sinisa Joksic has a new internet site. He will cover Yugoslav chess in Serbo-Croatian and English and also the swiss chess tour.

Internet addresses: http://yubc.net/~yuchess or http://www.yuchess.bizland.com.

Two tournaments in Prague

There are two closed tournaments in Prague at the end of the year, the Wilhelm Steinitz Memorial and one open tournament - Karel Prucha Memorial.

Contact: FM Martin Pribyl Prague, Czech Republic E-mail: orbis64@login.cz

December 26, 2000 - January 5, 2001 Prague - Wihelm Steinitz Memorial - closed GM tournament, 12 participants, category 8 - 10. Entry fee for players with ELO > 2400 300 DEM. Closed IM tournament, 10-12 players, cat. 3. Info: Ruzena Pribylova, Kukelska 904/113, Praha 9, CZ-198 00, Czech Republic. E-mail: orbis64@login.cz

December 26, 2000 - December 30, 2000 Prague - Memorial Karel Prucha - international open tournament, 7 rounds. Info: Ruzena Pribylova, Kukelska 904/113, Praha 9, CZ-198 00, Czech Republic. E-mail: orbis64@login.cz

Two Swiss Chess Tour events 2000-1

The "Swiss Chess Tour 2000" will finish in Bern with the 7th "Ambassador Open" December 26th-30th 2000. Swiss system, 7 rounds and the games will last a maximum of 5 hours (40 moves for 2 hours and 30 minutes till the end). Prize are: 2.000 SF, 1.500, 1.000, 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 250 and 200 SF. From 11.- 20. places natural prizes. Special prizes for best Lady, senior (1940), junior(1980-83), schoolboy (1984) and best local player. Entty fee 130 SF, FMs and juniors 60 SF, at the door 10 SF more, GMs and IMs free. Venue: Hotel "Ambassador"

New event - Blitz tournament, Swiss system, 9 double rounds.

Time table for "Ambassador Open": December 26.: The last registration 11.00-12.15 Open ceremony 12.15-12.30 Round 1st 12.30-17.30 December 27.: Round 2nd 9.30-14.30 Round 3rd 15.30-20.30 December 28.: Round 4th 12.30 Blitz 18.30-22.30 December 29.: Round 5th 9.30-14.30 The first four play knock-out and the other continue tournament. Round 6th 15.30-20.30 + semi-final December 30.: Round 7th 9.30-14.30 + final Closing ceremony 16.00

Registered: GM Sturua (GEO), WGM Gurieli(GEO), GM Suetin (RUS), GM C.Horvath (HUN), GM J.Horvath (RUS), IM Berzinsh (LAT), IM Velicka (CZE), IM Joksic(YUG), IM Seres (HUN), IM A.Meszaros (HUN), IM Pal (HUN).

Anniversary of Viktor Korchnoi Swiss Chess Tour 2001 The 3rd Hilton Open in Basle

Next year Viktor Korchnoi celebrates his 70th birthday. The Swiss Chess Federation, his club "Zurich", organizers from Switzerland and other countries want to take part and organize some chess event in honor of great champion. Swiss Chess Tour 2001 starts the first and address gala Hilton Open in honor of Viktor.

The "Swiss Chess Tour 2001" start in Basle with the 3rd Hilton Open January 1st 7th 2000. Swiss system 7 rounds and Swiss system, 7 rounds and the games will last a maximum of 6 hours (40 moves for 2 hours and 60 minutes till the end). After 5 rounds a first three + Korchnoi play knock-out system, the others continue with Swiss system. Prizes: 1. 2000 SF (Swiss Francs), 2. 1.500, 3. 1.200, 4. 1.000, 5. 800, 6. 600, 7. 500, 8. 400, 9.-10.2x300 i 11.-12. 2x200 SF (min 100 players). Special prizes 200 SF each: best Lady, senior (1941), junior (1981-84), schoolboy (1985), Basle player, player till 2000 rating points and a best player till 1800 points. Entry fee: 130 SF (FMs + juniors 60; GMs + IMs free). At the doors +10 SF. Venue Hotel "Hilton"

The others celebration events: January, 2nd "Juniors Chess King" four category U-20, U-17, U-14, U-12. January, 3rd Viktor Korchnoi, Simul & show-blitz with juniors and VIP persons January, 6th Blitz Open (5', Swiss system, 9 double round)

Time table for "Hilton Open": January 1.: The last registration 14.00-16.45 Open ceremony 16.45-17.00 Round 1st 17.00-23.00 January 2.: Juniors Tournament 10.00-17.00 Round 2nd 17.00-23.00 January 3.: Round 3rd 17.00-23.00 Korchnoi, Simul & show-blitz 14.00-17.00 January 4.: Round 4th 17.00-23.00 January 5.: Round 5th 17.00-23.00 The first four play knock-out and the other continue Tournament. January 6. : Round 6th 11.00-17.00 (The semi-final 10.00-16.00) Blitz Tournament 18.00-22.00 January 7. : Round 7th 11.00-17.00 (The final 10.00-16.00) The closing ceremony 18.00

Registered: GM Korchnoi (SUI), GM A. Sokolov (RUS), GM Tukmakov (UKR), GM Sturua (GEO), WGM Gurieli (GEO), GM Cvitan (CRO), GM Suetin (RUS), GM C.Horvath (HUN), GM J.Horvath (RUS), IM Joksic (YUG), IM Pikula (YUG), IM Seres (HUN), IM A.Meszaros (HUN), IM Pal (HUN).

More information and registration: Robert Spoerri tel. +41+34+424-01-06 faf +41+34+424-01-07 E-mail info@beochess.ch

Further information: http://www.beochess.ch

10th Aurec Rapidplay

The 10th Aurec (France) Rapidplay takes place 10th-11th February 2001.

Two rapid tournaments 7 rounds/20mn. 2 sections : - section A for every player (total prizes FF 35,000) - section B for under 1700 (total prizes FF 5,000 + prizes in kind) Board and lodging from Friday to Sunday for all titled players. No appearance fees. Contact : Olivier Deville - Coteviere - 43110 Aurec, France, tel. : (+33) 4 77 35 41 21 - Fax : (+33) 4 77 35 23 76 - E-mail : odeville@netcourrier.com

Van der Wiel - Rebel Match

Maarten van Gils reports: There will be a match in Maastricht between John Van der Wiel and the computer program Rebel. It will take place January 2nd to 11th, 2001. John van der Wiel has developed explicit ideas about playing against computers and Rebel 11.0 (November 2000) seems to be much stronger than its predecessors. So the organisers hope the match will be exciting. The Arbiter will be Geurt Gijssen. The organisers are Stichting Chess Events Maastricht. The venue: Centre Céramique, Avenue Céramique 50 Maastricht, The Netherlands. Dates: January 2-4, 2001 Round 1-3. January 9-11, 2001 Round 4-6.

Match (6 games): GM John van der Wiel vs REBEL 11.0. Time control: 40/120 + 60/all. Games start at 13:00 local time. Entry is free.

Contact details:

Director: Maarten van Gils mvgvsm@wxs.nl

Game comments: Jan van Reek Endgame.Reek@net.HCC.nl

Live Internet coverage: Daan Brorens http://www.chess.dts.nl

More information: (English text) http://www.rebel.nl/rebwiel.htm (Dutch text) http://www.lisb.nl/vdWielRebel.htm

Gausdal Troll Masters

The Gausdal Troll Masters are played at the Gausdal Høifjellshotel in Norway 5-12th January 2001. Open 9-round GM-tournament with good norm chances. 14-18 titled players expected out of 60-70 participants. Maximum 10-12 unrated players. Confirmed GMs: Rozentalis (2593), Rausis (2551), Krakops (2522), Gausel (2492), Djurhuus (2484) and Westerinen (2370). Last date of entry: 1st Januay 2001 Start fee: NOK 300-900, depending on rating. Prizes: NOK 6000 - 4000 - 2500 - 1500 - 1000

More information on the home page: http://home.online.no/~bjarke-k/TrollMasters/Troll2001/Engelsk/index.htm

Participation in the tournament may be combined with the Open Norwegian Rapid Chess Championships, played in Fredrikstad (south-east of Oslo) 12-13th January 2001. Home page: http://www.sjakk.net/nm_2001.html

Cappelle la Grande

The XVII Cappelle la Grande open takes place 24th February-3rd March 2001.

Internet site: http://cappelle.free.fr

GM Alexander Baburin chess sites

GM Alexander Baburin has been a familiar presence on the internet with his Coffee Break magazine. He is now involved in two new websites. http://www.gmsquare.com The idea is to provide a place on the Web to those GMs who would like to have some presence on the Internet and currently there are sites of three GMs there - Alexander Baburin himself, Alexander Morozevich and Lev Psakhis. Secondly at: http://www.chesstoday.net there will be a commercial chess service, providing daily news, interviews and instruction to a wide range of players. Each issue will feature one annotated game and news from around the world, while weekend issues will have some instructional materials, particularly useful for club players. Chess Today costs about $15 for 4 months.

Corus Wijk aan Zee 2001

The 14 players who will compete in the Corus 2001 chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands January 12th-28th 2001 have been invited. For the 3rd year running Garry Kasparov will play in the event. The top nine players in the July 2000 rating list are taking part.

Round 1 is on January 13th. Rest days were on Monday (15th), Friday (19th) and Wednesday (24th) are rest days.

Players: Garry Kasparov (Russia - 1 - 2849), Vladimir Kramnik (Russia - 2 - 2770), Viswanathan Anand (India - 3 - 2762), Alexander Morozevich (Russia - 4 - 2756), Michael Adams (England - 5 - 2755), Alexey Shirov (Spain - 6 - 2746), Peter Leko (Hungary 7 - 2743), Vassili Ivanchuk (Ukraine - 8 - 2719), Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria - 9 - 2707), Jeroen Piket (Netherlands - 34 - 2649), Alexey Fedorov (Belarus - 37 - 2646), Loek van Wely (Netherlands - 39 - 2643), Jan Timman (Netherlands - 46 - 2639), Sergey Tiviakov (Netherlands - 76 - 2608). Average rating: 2713 Category: 19

B Tournament

Entrants in Grandmaster Group B of the Corus Chess Tournament 2001 GM Michael Gurevich (Belgium - 2667), GM Boris Gulko (US - 2643), GM Thomas Luther (Germany - 2547), GM Friso Nijboer (Netherlands - 2537), GM Dennis de Vreugt (Netherlands - 2511), FM P. Harikrishna (India - 2500), IM Teymour Radjabov (Azerbaijan- 2476), IM Karel van der Weide (Netherlands - 2467), IM Manuel Bosboom (Netherlands - 2455), IM Yge Visser (Netherlands - 2418), IM Erik Hoeksema (Netherlands - 2409), Dutch Youth Champion Nico Vink (Netherlands - 2296). Average rating: 2493 Category: 10

Coverage last year was at: http://chess2.lostcity.nl/corus/ and its expected this site will have the tournament for 2001.

Tel Aviv Open 2001

Open Swiss International Tournament in Tel-Aviv Dates: 9th-17th April 2001. 9 rounds. Possibilities for GM and IM norms. Prizes: 4000 3000 2000 1200 800....20 prizes in total (10 last are 250$); special U-2400, U-2000, U-18 y.o: 500 300 200 + women prizes; Special Conditions for GMs and IMs (apply to Dima Tyomkin dimatyomkin@hotmail.com).

Info: The Israeli Chess Federation through Mr. Igal Lotan 03-6437627, 03-6437630;

Bobby Fischer contribution to the Ambassador Report

Bobby Fischer was associated with Herbert W. Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God for some time. The Ambassador report was compiled by opponents of the organisation. You can read it at: http://homepage.altavista.com/AmbassadorReport/files/Fischer.html

4NCL Fantasy Chess

Fantasy Chess is now running a competition based on the 4NCL. People have to predict the results of the matches rather than the individual games. One for the Bundesliga will follow.

http://play.at/fantasychess

Three Hungarian Tournaments

Szekszard HUN IM closed tournament 04-10 12 2000 9 rounds, 2 double rounds, cat. 3-4, entry fee: 200 DEM information: Videki Sandor Tel/fax: 00-36-75421225 email: videkisn@matavnet.hu

Szekszard HUN 9 rounds open, children, blitz tournaments 05-10 12 2000 prizefound: 400000 HUF Information: Papp Csaba, Decs Oreg str.53 Hungary email: rlaszlo@freemail.hu

There will be the TAPOLCA Open chess tournament in Budapest January 5th-13th 2001. Prizes: 40-25-15-10-6-4-2x3-2x2.5-2x2 thousand HUF /1 USD = 300 HUF now/. About 4-6 IM-s, 50-70 % FIDE rated usually. The organizer: PAREJ, Jozsef, phone: 00-36-87-321-950, home 19:00-21:00 hours Central European Time More info and accommodation in Budapest: Nagy, Laszlo International Chess Organizer E-mail: firstsat@elender.hu

IECG Cup

The IECG Cup VI preliminary stage. IECG Cup is an open tournament: players of any rating are merged together. So this is a nice opportunity to play a wide range of opponents. Subscriptions are open until September 15. Entries received after this date are used for a replacement list, which will be closed on October 1st. The tournament will be launched on October 1st, for a duration of 11 months. All the unfinished games will be adjudicated. During the preliminary phase, all participants take part in a 7 men, single round tournament (so 6 games to play). The 2 winners of each section will be entitled to play in the next stage, starting in October 2001. All games count for IECG rating, of course.

The entry form for Cup VI is at: http://www.iecg.org/cupentry.htm The web entry form is the best method to be enlisted in the Cup, as the process behind is easier for us.

Linares and Ubeda Opens 2001

The VIII "Anibal" Open takes place in Linares, January 8th-18th, 2001. 11 round Swiss System Event.

PRIZES 1º 1.000.000 pts. 2º 500.000 pts. 3º 250.000 pts. 4º 200.000 pts. 5º 150.000 pts. 6º-10º 100.000 pts. 11º-20º 50.000 pts. 21º-30º 30.000 pts. 31º-50º 25.000 pts. 1st Woman Chessplayer 50.000 pts. 1st Chessplayer under 2300 Elo 50.000 pts. 1st Chessplayer from Jaen 50.000 pts.

The VI "Ciudad de Ubeda" Open takes place Ubeda, January 21st-30th 2001. 10 Round Swiss System event.

PRIZES 1º 500.000 pts. 2º 250.000 pts. 3º 150.000 pts. 4º 125.000 pts. 5º 100.000 pts. 6º-15º 75.000 pts. 16º-50º 50.000 pts. 1st Woman Chessplayer 50.000 pts. 1st Chessplayer under 2300 Elo 50.000 pts. 1st Chessplayer from Jaen 50.000 pts.

CONDITIONS

Chessplayers with 2580 Elo according FIDE ranking list July 2000 or January 2001: Free full board in a single room and free fixed fee. G.M. and I.M. Lodging free in a 3 stars hotel in Linares and in a 4 stars hotel in Ubeda. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are $12 per person/day in a double room (single supplement $25). Others Chessplayers: Lodging in a 3 stars hotel in Linares and in a 4 stars hotel in Ubeda is $24 per person/day in a double room (single supplement $25). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are $12 per person/day.

FIXED FEE PER TOURNAMENT: Until December 31st , 2000 7.500 pts. Since January 1st, 2001 10.000 pts.

VIII Open "Anibal" Tel. 953 650400, fax 953 652204 (Miss Flori). VI Open "Ciudad de Ubeda" Tel. 953 791011, fax 953 791012 (Miss Tana). e-mail address: linareschess@wanadoo.es - linareschess@teleline.es

Bank details: Banco de Andalucía, account nº 0004 3270 84 0601005803 Prizes will be subject to 25% tax.

WPC Site

Valery Salov heads the WPC (World Players Council) and they have their own website. The site is at: http://ajedrez_democratico.tripod.com with a mixture of material in Spanish and English. Includes: In English continued correspondence between Yasser Seirawan and Valery Salov, the WPC Memorandum and a summary of a press conference in London and Alexei Shirov annotating his win against Bacrot in Sarajavo. In Spanish there is more material including a press conference in Leon 5th June with the participants: GM Valeri Salov, IM Javier Ochoa, GM Zenón Franco, GM Jordi Magem, IM Ricardo Calvo, IM Leonid Bass, Leontxo García, Miguel Ángel Nepomuceno, Frederic Friedel (his exchanges are given in English), Amador Cuesta Robledo, and David Llada. You could try running the Spanish sections through the Babel Fish translation program to get the early exchanges if you don't speak the language.

New Russian Website

There is a new Russian Website (English content to follow) at: http://kvkchess.euro.ru/. Material includes chess history and statistics and a collection of the chess links.

New Greek Site

The OAA Heraklio Chess Club a new website: http://www.oaachess.bizland.com the site has chess news from Greece, chess features, etc. Includes a Greek chess calendar.

16th Maccabiah Chess Tournaments

As part of the 16th Maccabiah there will be a number of chess tournaments (GM/IM and open tournaments) The 16th Maccabiah (Jewish Olympiad) takes place in Tel-Aviv 16th-26th June 2001. http://www.slavchess.co.il/academy/maccabi.html