THE WEEK IN CHESS 377 28th January 2002 by Mark Crowther

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Contents

1) Introduction
2) Ponomariov is the new FIDE Champion
3) Corus, Wijk aan Zee
4) Linares 2002
5) Einstein take over BGN rights
6) Ljubljana Chess Club 90th Anniversary
7) Indian Championships
8) 18th Skopje Open
9) Yugoslav Youth Championships
10) Kaissa 2002, Kharkov
11) 2nd UNILOG INGRATA
12) São José do Rio Preto 150 years
13) 4NCL
14) Bermuda Tournament
15) Austrian Team Championships
16) OSS GM tournament Oslo
17) Odyssey 2001
18) Montecatini Terme
19) Third Saturday Novi Sad
20) Forthcoming Events and Links


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Games section

FIDE Championships         2 games
Corus, Wijk aan Zee      103 games
Ljubljana Chess Club      36 games
Indian Championships      70 games
18th Skopje Open          72 games
Yugoslav Youth           182 games
Kaissa 2002, Kharkov     195 games
2nd UNILOG INGRATA        50 games
Rio Preto 150 years       26 games
4NCL                      96 games
Bermuda Tournament        60 games
Austrian Team            144 games
OSS GM tournament Oslo    45 games
1080 games

1) Introduction

My thanks to Mihajlo Savic, Sinisa Drazic, Eirik T. Gullaksen, Lanfranco Bombelli, Richard Palliser, Arthur Brameld, Harald Grafenhofer, Nigel Freeman, Paul Hodges, Visweswaran, Andrey Belous, Michal Krasenkow and all those who helped with this issue.

18 year old Ruslan Ponomariov is the FIDE World Chess Champion. After consistant improvement from becoming a GM four years ago he has won the most important event he is entitled to enter. The other World Championships held by Vladimir Kramnik have been bought up by a virtually unknown company, the Einstein Group. Clearly in the last chance saloon if things don't work out it won't be Ponomariov's title that is worthless. This was the view of Garry Kasparov commenting on Ponomariov's result. However the time rate of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds didn't produce chess worthy of a World Championships and should be ditched quickly. Ponomariov looks unlikely to play in the Linares tournament in late February. He has yet to play in an elite tournament and will want to be fully prepared for his debut. I'm convinced he will join Kasparov and Kramnik at the top of the rating list in the next few years.

Hope you enjoy this issue.

Mark

2) Ponomariov is the new FIDE Champion

The final of the FIDE World Chess Championships between Vassily Ivanchuk and Ruslan Ponomariov of the Ukraine took place January 16th-26th 2002. Play was on January 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, rest day, 21st, 22nd and 23rd 2002. The venue was the conference hall of hotel Metropol.

After his win in game five reported last week Ruslan Ponomariov as expected wrapped up the championship with two draws. The 18 year old stepped into history as the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion in history and also straight into the firing line of the previous record holder Garry Kasparov. Whilst I agree with much of his criticism of the new time rate used by FIDE (90 minutes + 30 seconds per move) he derided Ponomariov as a player, the best compliment he managed was that "They say Ponomariov played better that the others but I do not understand what “better” means here given the quality of the games. This “better” obviously has an atypical meaning – probably people are talking about his determination, or about other qualities like those that young Kamsky had, for example." Given that Kasparov never rated Kamsky one can see just how little he thinks of Ponomariov's talent. These are the kind of comments that get stuck up on people's walls and used as motivation. For his own sake Kasparov better hope Ponomariov is as useless as he clearly thinks he is. Read Kasparov's comments on the Kasparovchess website.

Ponomariov is the FIDE World Chess Champion. Given the absolutely closed invitational nature of the BGN Championships this is the pinnacle he can reach. He will be champion for the next two years and I expect him only to get stronger for him to be a worthy champion. From what I've seen of Ponomariov I would say he has exactly the right attributes to go to the top in any form of chess. He entered the only World Champion open for him to enter and beat the players put in front of him at the time-limit set you can ask no more. In those terms he experienced absolutely no luck in the FIDE Championships and is a worthy champion.

On the subject of the new FIDE time-rate it clearly produces worse chess and for the fan often unsatisfactory chess to watch. I will just say that Kasparov's own actions have played no small part in producing the situation we now have. However to suggest, as Kasparov has, that Ponomariov's title is virtually worthless because of the time limit, is absurd. The better players come through at almost whatever the time rate. Who are the best rapid players? Would they be Kramnik, Kasparov, Anand and Adams by any chance? I think Kasparov is mixing two different debates. The question is what time rate produces the best chess and should that be the standard for elite competition? Its unfortunate Ponomariov hasn't given a big interview since he won and Kasparov has stepped in to set the agenda. I hope the time rate will change and that may happen as many of the leading players who play the FIDE Championships want the equlivalent of a seven hour session. Most players want the opportunity to play the best chess they can. The 90 minute + 30 seconds format is too fast, not only too fast to be allowed in the World Championships and Olympiads in the future, I believe too fast to be allowed in ordinary tournaments leading to titles and ratings. People who follow chess want to see the highest quality possible and I believe will undermine elite chess long term if they don't return to a better time rate.

I believe Ponomariov has the ability to add world number one status to this title in the next few years. In fact he is just entering the age when players improve the most. I'm sure will excel in SuperGM tournaments almost certainly before he defends the title in two years time. Sport is about winning and Ponomariov is a winner.

Ponomariov, Ruslan  -  Ivanchuk, Vassily   1-0   23  C11  French Defence
Ivanchuk, Vassily   -  Ponomariov, Ruslan  1/2   58  D20  QGA
Ponomariov, Ruslan  -  Ivanchuk, Vassily   1/2   47  B47  Sicilian Paulsen
Ivanchuk, Vassily   -  Ponomariov, Ruslan  1/2   50  D20  QGA
Ponomariov, Ruslan  -  Ivanchuk, Vassily   1-0   64  C88  Ruy Lopez Closed
Ivanchuk, Vassily   -  Ponomariov, Ruslan  1/2   27  C42  Petroff's Defence
Ponomariov, Ruslan  -  Ivanchuk, Vassily   1/2   22  B04  Alekhine's Defence


FIDE WCh KO Final Moscow RUS (RUS), 16-14 i 2002
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ponomariov, Ruslan g  UKR 2727    1   =   =   =   1   =   =   .   4.5  2819
Ivanchuk, Vassily  g  UKR 2717    0   =   =   =   0   =   =   .   2.5  2625
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3) Corus, Wijk aan Zee

The Corus tournament in Wijk aan Zee took place Jan 11th-27th 2002. Evgeny Bareev scored the finest result of his career to take clear first at the Corus tournament in Wijk aan Zee. Bareev was the runner up in Wijk aan Zee when the event was held as a knockout in 1995. He toughed out the event scoring 3/4 and his win in the final round came after he was much worse earlier on. In second place was Alexander Grischuk in his best result since reaching the semi-finals of the FIDE Championships in Las Vegas. In terms of rating Michael Adams, Alexander Morozevich and Alexander Khalifman had no reason to be displeased with their results either. Mikhail Krasenkov scored his best result in some time by taking the GMB event with an unbeaten 8/11. I give all the games from the B Group again as I had Krasenkow's old name and thus rating.

You can read daily reports from John Henderson on the TWIC pages.

Official Coverage: http://chess.lostcity.nl/Corus2002/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corus Wijk aan Zee NED (NED), 12-13 i 2002                   cat. XVIII (2688)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Bareev, Evgeny          g RUS 2707  * = = = 0 1 1 = = 1 1 = 1 1  9.0  2827 
 2. Grischuk, Alexander     g RUS 2671  = * 0 1 1 0 = = 1 = 1 = 1 1  8.5  2799 
 3. Adams, Michael          g ENG 2742  = 1 * = = = = 1 = = = 1 = =  8.0  2770 
 4. Morozevich, Alexander   g RUS 2742  = 0 = * = = = = 1 1 = = 1 1  8.0  2770 
 5. Khalifman, Alexander    g RUS 2688  1 0 = = * = = = = = = = 1 1  7.5  2745 
 6. Leko, Peter             g HUN 2713  0 1 = = = * = = = = = = = 1  7.0  2715 
 7. Dreev, Alexey           g RUS 2683  0 = = = = = * = 1 = = = 0 =  6.0  2659 
 8. Gelfand, Boris          g ISR 2703  = = 0 = = = = * 0 1 0 1 = =  6.0  2657 
 9. Piket, Jeroen           g NED 2659  = 0 = 0 = = 0 1 * = = 1 = =  6.0  2661 
10. Lautier, Joel           g FRA 2687  0 = = 0 = = = 0 = * 1 = 1 =  6.0  2659 
11. Timman, Jan             g NED 2605  0 0 = = = = = 1 = 0 * = = 1  6.0  2665 
12. Gurevich, Mikhail       g BEL 2641  = = 0 = = = = 0 0 = = * 1 =  5.5  2634 
13. Kasimdzhanov, Rustam    g UZB 2695  0 0 = 0 0 = 1 = = 0 = 0 * 1  4.5  2577 
14. Van Wely, Loek          g NED 2697  0 0 = 0 0 0 = = = = 0 = 0 *  3.0  2476 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 9 (January 22, 2002)

Grischuk, Alexander    -  Morozevich, Alexander  1-0   40  C67  Ruy Lopez
Adams, Michael         -  Piket, Jeroen          1/2   27  C42  Petroff's Defence
Khalifman, Alexander   -  Leko, Peter            1/2   20  E15  Queens Indian
Dreev, Alexey          -  Timman, Jan            1/2   41  D11  Slav Defence
Gelfand, Boris         -  Bareev, Evgeny         1/2   22  D17  Slav Defence
Lautier, Joel          -  Gurevich, Mikhail      1/2   17  D45  Anti-Meran
Kasimdzhanov, Rustam   -  Van Wely, Loek         1-0   40  E04  Catalan System

Round 10 (January 24, 2002)

Bareev, Evgeny         -  Dreev, Alexey          1-0   90  D12  Slav Defence
Grischuk, Alexander    -  Gelfand, Boris         1/2   28  C42  Petroff's Defence
Morozevich, Alexander  -  Piket, Jeroen          1-0   42  C42  Petroff's Defence
Leko, Peter            -  Lautier, Joel          1/2   41  B85  Sicilian Scheveningen
Timman, Jan            -  Khalifman, Alexander   1/2   24  D41  Semi-Tarrasch Defence
Gurevich, Mikhail      -  Kasimdzhanov, Rustam   1-0   41  D85  Gruenfeld Defence
Van Wely, Loek         -  Adams, Michael         1/2   52  A17  English Opening

Round 11 (January 25, 2002)

Adams, Michael         -  Gurevich, Mikhail      1-0   44  B07  Pirc Defence
Khalifman, Alexander   -  Bareev, Evgeny         1-0   20  C10  French Rubinstein
Dreev, Alexey          -  Grischuk, Alexander    1/2   87  D20  Queen's Gambit Accepted
Gelfand, Boris         -  Morozevich, Alexander  1/2   41  B14  Caro Kann Panov Attack
Piket, Jeroen          -  Van Wely, Loek         1/2   53  D39  QGD Ragozin System
Lautier, Joel          -  Timman, Jan            1-0   45  E17  Queens Indian
Kasimdzhanov, Rustam   -  Leko, Peter            1/2   50  D97  Gruenfeld Defence Russian

Round 12 (January 26, 2002)

Bareev, Evgeny         -  Lautier, Joel          1-0   71  A47  Queen's Indian
Grischuk, Alexander    -  Khalifman, Alexander   1-0   44  B85  Sicilian Scheveningen
Morozevich, Alexander  -  Van Wely, Loek         1-0   19  C10  French Rubinstein
Leko, Peter            -  Adams, Michael         1/2   27  C78  Ruy Lopez 
Gelfand, Boris         -  Dreev, Alexey          1/2   18  D27  Queen's Gambit Accepted
Timman, Jan            -  Kasimdzhanov, Rustam   1/2   37  B31  Sicilian Rossolimo
Gurevich, Mikhail      -  Piket, Jeroen          0-1   54  A56  Old Indian Defence

Round 13 (January 27, 2002)

Adams, Michael         -  Timman, Jan            1/2   39  B26  Sicilian Closed System
Khalifman, Alexander   -  Gelfand, Boris         1/2   23  B80  Sicilian Scheveningen
Dreev, Alexey          -  Morozevich, Alexander  1/2   57  D12  Slav Defence
Piket, Jeroen          -  Leko, Peter            1/2   18  E12  Queens Indian Petrosian
Lautier, Joel          -  Grischuk, Alexander    1/2   41  D34  Tarrasch Defence
Kasimdzhanov, Rustam   -  Bareev, Evgeny         0-1   33  D45  Anti-Meran Variations
Van Wely, Loek         -  Gurevich, Mikhail      1/2   28  D46  Semi-Slav Defence

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corus B Wijk aan Zee NED (NED), 15-13 i 2002                      cat. XII (2530)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Krasenkow, Michal             g POL 2632  * = = = = = 1 = 1 1 1 1  8.0  2695 
 2. Nijboer, Friso                g NED 2574  = * = = = 1 = 1 = 0 1 1  7.0  2628 
 3. Sokolov, Ivan                 g BIH 2659  = = * 0 = = = = 1 1 1 1  7.0  2620 
 4. Tregubov, Pavel V             g RUS 2626  = = 1 * 1 0 0 0 1 1 = 1  6.5  2586 
 5. Van der Wiel, John            g NED 2501  = = = 0 * 1 = = = 1 = =  6.0  2568 
 6. Jonkman, Harmen               m NED 2498  = 0 = 1 0 * = = = 1 = 1  6.0  2568 
 7. Stefanova, Antoaneta          m BUL 2451  0 = = 1 = = * 1 0 = = =  5.5  2537 
 8. Yu Shaoteng                   m CHN 2522  = 0 = 1 = = 0 * 1 = = =  5.5  2530 
 9. Cuijpers, Frans               m NED 2458  0 = 0 0 = = 1 0 * = 1 0  4.0  2434 
10. Peng Zhaoqin                  m NED 2460  0 1 0 0 0 0 = = = * 1 =  4.0  2434 
11. Skripchenko-Lautier, Almira  wg FRA 2498  0 0 0 = = = = = 0 0 * 1  3.5  2399 
12. Werle, Jan                    m NED 2481  0 0 0 0 = 0 = = 1 = 0 *  3.0  2359 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4) Linares 2002

The next major event in the calendar is the Linares 2002. If I understand correctly this will be a seven player double round robin with Garry Kasparov, Viswanathan Anand, Michael Adams, Vassily Ivanchuk, Alexei Shirov, Francisco Vallejo Pons and one of Ruslan Ponomariov (he seems likely to turn his invitation down), Vladimir Kramnik or Veselin Topalov. It will take place 22nd February - 10th March 2002. On the spot photo reports from John Henderson.

5) Einstein take over BGN rights

In an statement released by Carsten Hansel at the Corus tournament in Wijk aan Zee it has been announced that the Einstein Group plc took over the rights (contracts or arrangements) previously held by the troubled Brain Games Network for the Brains in Bahrain (Man v Machine), Dortmund qualifier and 2003 Chess Championship match against Vladimir Kramnik. The agreement took place on January 24th 2002. The CEO of the Einstein Group is Steve Timmins. The group was founded in 1999 and launched on the AIM of the London Stock Market in March 2000. It is a multimedia Group including a satellite channel on Sky Digital. Einstein Group PLC Press Release in Full 24th January 2002

Website: http://www.einstein.tv

6) Ljubljana Chess Club 90th Anniversary

90th anniversary of the Ljubljana Chess Club Metalka Trgovina. The Chess Club of Ljubljana (Slovenia) was established on 31.1.1912 by grandmaster and scientist dr. Milan Vidmar and by the City of Ljubljana. There is a Grandmaster tournament (Category 11) to commemorate this 19th-31st of January 2002 in the Hotel SLON Best Western. The event is sponsored by Metalka Trgovina. Alexander Beliavsky leads with 6.5/8. Danilo Polajzer withdrew after only playing two games.

After the conclusion of this tournament there will follow an open tournament in Nova Gorica (31.1.-8.2.2002).

Internet coverage: http://www.sah-zveza.si/rez/0201/lsk02/ and http://www.metalka.net/lsk90/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
90th LSK Metalka Trgovina Ljubljana SLO (SLO), 19-31 i 2002   cat. XI (2510)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Beliavsky, Alexander G    g SLO 2649  * = = 1 1 = 1 1 . . . 1  6.5  2765 
 2. Nisipeanu, Liviu-Dieter   g ROM 2608  = * . . = = . 1 1 = = 1  5.5  2645 
 3. Kharlov, Andrei           g RUS 2638  = . * 0 = . = . 1 1 1 1  5.5  2617 
 4. Tratar, Marko             m SLO 2424  0 . 1 * = 1 . = = 1 = .  5.0  2627 
 5. Pavasovic, Dusko          g SLO 2547  0 = = = * . = 1 1 . . 1  5.0  2624 
 6. Sveshnikov, Evgeny        g RUS 2565  = = . 0 . * = . = 1 1 1  5.0  2578 
 7. Soln, Primoz              m SLO 2412  0 . = . = = * 0 . = 1 1  4.0  2511 
 8. Farago, Ivan              g HUN 2500  0 0 . = 0 . 1 * = . 1 1  4.0  2505 
 9. Volokitin, Andrei         g UKR 2586  . 0 0 = 0 = . = * 1 = .  3.0  2419 
10. Jelen, Igor               m SLO 2374  . = 0 0 . 0 = . 0 * = 1  2.5  2365 
11. Podlesnik, Bogdan         m SLO 2397  . = 0 = . 0 0 0 = = * .  2.0  2320 
12. Polajzer, Danilo          m SLO 2421  0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 . 0 . *  0.0       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

7) Indian Championships

The Indian Championships take place in Nagpur January 16th - Febuary 4th 2002. The huge Category VIII 20 player event has 5 GMs Sasikiran, Harikrishna, Barua, Kunte, Thipsay and 9 IMs competing. Women qualifiers WGM S Vijayalakshmi and IWM Swati Ghate compete for the first time.

Internet coverage: http://www.chathurangam.com/indian2001/39thBPCLNatlA/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39th BPCL ch-IND Nagpur IND (IND), 16 i-4 ii 2002                              cat. VIII (2426)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Harikrishna, P              g IND 2525  * . . = . = 1 = = = . . 1 1 1 . . 1 1 1  9.5  2631 
 2. Barua, Dibyendu             g IND 2515  . * = . 1 . . = . . 1 = 0 1 1 = 1 1 1 .  9.0  2618 
 3. Sasikiran, Krishnan         g IND 2569  . = * . 1 = 1 1 . . = 1 = 0 . 1 1 = . .  8.5  2580 
 4. Ganguly, Surya Shekhar      m IND 2498  = . . * . = 1 0 . 0 1 1 = = . 1 . 1 . 1  8.0  2539 
 5. Gokhale, C.S                  IND 2407  . 0 0 . * . . . 1 . 1 = = = 1 = 1 1 = .  7.5  2522 
 6. Saravanan, V                m IND 2393  = . = = . * 0 = = 1 . . = . 1 . . 0 1 1  7.0  2479 
 7. Sriram, Jha                 m IND 2408  0 . 0 0 . 1 * = = 1 . . . . = . = 1 1 1  7.0  2477 
 8. Kunte, Abhijit              g IND 2479  = = 0 1 . = = * = 0 . . . . 1 . 0 . 1 1  6.5  2459 
 9. Babu, N Sudhakar            m IND 2386  = . . . 0 = = = * . = 0 1 1 . = . = . 1  6.5  2446 
10. Swathi, Ghate              wm IND 2362  = . . 1 . 0 0 1 . * 0 = = 0 . . . 1 1 0  5.5  2386 
11. Ramesh, R.B                 m IND 2480  . 0 = 0 0 . . . = 1 * 1 . = 0 = 1 . = .  5.5  2403 
12. Sareen, Vishal                IND 2346  . = 0 0 = . . . 1 = 0 * . . 0 1 = . = 1  5.5  2403 
13. Konguvel, Ponnuswamy        m IND 2404  0 1 = = = = . . 0 = . . * . = = 0 . . =  5.0  2383 
14. Thipsay, Praveen M          g IND 2456  0 0 1 = = . . . 0 1 = . . * = = 0 . . =  5.0  2390 
15. Mahesh Chandran, P            IND 2436  0 0 . . 0 0 = 0 . . 1 1 = = * = . 1 . .  5.0  2376 
16. Prasad, Devaki V            m IND 2465  . = 0 0 = . . . = . = 0 = = = * = . = .  4.5  2349 
17. Vijayalakshmi, Subbaraman   m IND 2399  . 0 0 . 0 . = 1 . . 0 = 1 1 . = * 0 0 .  4.5  2346 
18. Mishra, Neeraj-Kumar        m IND 2321  0 0 = 0 0 1 0 . = 0 . . . . 0 . 1 * . 1  4.0  2310 
19. Koshy, Varugeese            m IND 2347  0 0 . . = 0 0 0 . 0 = = . . . = 1 . * =  3.5  2267 
20. Murali Krishnan, B.T          IND 2331  0 . . 0 . 0 0 0 0 1 . 0 = = . . . 0 = *  2.5  2180 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8) 18th Skopje Open

The 18th Open Skopje took place in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, 15th-23rd January 2002. There were 48 players from 16 countries including 3 women in a 9 rounds Swiss Tournament. Graf Alexander scored his best result in some time in taking clear first with 7.5/9. Internet coverage: http://www.chessmkd.com/ENG

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18th Open Skopje MKD (MKD), 15-23 i 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 1. Graf, Alexander             g  GER 2605  =31 +36 +16 = 6 + 3 +23 + 4 +13 = 8  7.5  2782 
 2. Galego, Luis                m  POR 2521  +27 = 4 =22 +30 - 6 =15 +36 +23 +20  6.5  2617 
 3. Kolev, Atanas               g  BUL 2568  +15 +17 + 8 = 4 - 1 =14 + 6 = 9 = 7  6.0  2666 
 4. Georgiev, Kiril             g  BUL 2655  +28 = 2 +14 = 3 =13 +12 - 1 +17 = 6  6.0  2647 
 5. Georgiev, Vladimir          g  BUL 2560  +21 =20 +19 =12 = 8 = 9 =14 = 6 +13  6.0  2620 
 6. Damljanovic, Branko         g  YUG 2545  +37 +23 =13 = 1 + 2 +24 - 3 = 5 = 4  6.0  2666 
 7. Ivanisevic, Ivan            g  YUG 2540  =32 -22 +33 +19 -23 +35 +29 +18 = 3  6.0  2547 
 8. Kurajica, Bojan             g  BIH 2539  +41 +46 - 3 +25 = 5 =13 =10 +14 = 1  6.0  2604 
 9. Palac, Mladen               g  CRO 2580  =22 =32 +40 =13 +21 = 5 =23 = 3 =10  5.5  2537 
10. Kosyrev, Vladimir           g  RUS 2565  +35 =26 =25 -23 =28 +22 = 8 +15 = 9  5.5  2541 
11. Horvath, Csaba              g  HUN 2542  +30 =19 =20 =21 =17 =36 =15 =16 +25  5.5  2514 
12. Rogozenko, Dorian           g  ROM 2530  +40 =25 +26 = 5 =24 - 4 -18 +37 +23  5.5  2565 
13. Dizdarevic, Emir            g  BIH 2502  +39 +24 = 6 = 9 = 4 = 8 +20 - 1 - 5  5.0  2587 
14. Mitkov, Nikola              g  MKD 2492  =33 +38 - 4 +18 +22 = 3 = 5 - 8 =21  5.0  2500 
15. Damaso, Rui                 m  POR 2412  - 3 +42 =34 =35 +26 = 2 =11 -10 +33  5.0  2486 
16. Jacimovic, Dragoljub        g  MKD 2472  =38 +33 - 1 =37 =25 =21 +30 =11 =18  5.0  2453 
17. Miladinovic, Igor           g  GRE 2509  +42 - 3 +32 =22 =11 =29 +24 - 4 =19  5.0  2532 
18. Bojkovic, Natasa            wg YUG 2427  -24 =39 +45 -14 +33 +27 +12 - 7 =16  5.0  2466 
19. Bogdanovski, Vlatko         g  MKD 2435  +44 =11 - 5 - 7 =30 +40 =21 +29 =17  5.0  2453 
20. Stanojoski, Zvonko          m  MKD 2455  +48 = 5 =11 -24 +34 +25 -13 +28 - 2  5.0  2505 
21. Paramos Dominguez, Roberto  m  ESP 2381  - 5 +48 +46 =11 - 9 =16 =19 +36 =14  5.0  2486 
22. Stojanovski, Dejan          f  MKD 2416  = 9 + 7 = 2 =17 -14 -10 =33 +38 =30  4.5  2459 
23. Efimov, Igor                g  ITA 2444  +45 - 6 +27 +10 + 7 - 1 = 9 - 2 -12  4.5  2488 
24. Onischuk, Alexander         g  UKR 2655  +18 -13 +31 +20 =12 - 6 -17 -25 +36  4.5  2474 
25. Dworakowska, Joanna         wg POL 2441  +47 =12 =10 - 8 =16 -20 +32 +24 -11  4.5  2468 
26. Nedev, Trajce               g  MKD 2487  +34 =10 -12 =31 -15 =32 =27 =39 +37  4.5  2396 
27. Andonovski, Ljubisa         f  MKD 2330  - 2 +29 -23 =32 +43 -18 =26 +34 =28  4.5  2395 
28. Dancevski, Orce             m  MKD 2429  - 4 -40 +42 +46 =10 =30 +31 -20 =27  4.5  2408 
29. Skembris, Spyridon          g  GRE 2464  -46 -27 +43 +40 +31 =17 - 7 -19 +39  4.5  2363 
30. Ilic, Zoran3                f  MKD 2364  -11 +47 +44 - 2 =19 =28 -16 +31 =22  4.5  2371 
31. Stamenkov, Vanco            f  MKD 2417  = 1 +43 -24 =26 -29 +34 -28 -30 +40  4.0  2377 
32. Kizov, Atanas               f  MKD 2348  = 7 = 9 -17 =27 =38 =26 -25 =43 +44  4.0  2324 
33. Popov, Venci                f  MKD 2297  =14 -16 - 7 +45 -18 +42 =22 +35 -15  4.0  2363 
34. Ilic, Ljubomir              f  MKD 2289  -26 +35 =15 =36 -20 -31 +44 -27 +47  4.0  2296 
35. Mitkov, Marjan              m  MKD 2401  -10 -34 +48 =15 +39 - 7 =38 -33 +43  4.0  2297 
36. Zhukova, Natalia            wg UKR 2441  =43 - 1 +38 =34 +37 =11 - 2 -21 -24  3.5  2340 
37. Kutirov, Rolando            g  MKD 2367  - 6 =45 +39 =16 -36 =38 +41 -12 -26  3.5  2317 
38. Dinev, Dejan                   MKD 2270  =16 -14 -36 +47 =32 =37 =35 -22 =45  3.5  2278 
39. Vasovski, Nikola            f  MKD 2309  -13 =18 -37 +44 -35 =41 +46 =26 -29  3.5  2278 
40. Gicev, Blagoja                 MKD 2336  -12 +28 - 9 -29 +46 -19 =43 +45 -31  3.5  2301 
41. Organdziev, Oliver          f  MKD 2340  - 8 -44 =47 -43 +45 =39 -37 =42 +48  3.5  2165 
42. Erdogdu, Mert               f  TUR 2318  -17 -15 -28 +48 =44 -33 =47 =41 +46  3.5  2204 
43. Pancevski, Filip               MKD 2154  =36 -31 -29 +41 -27 =44 =40 =32 -35  3.0  2216 
44. Suaibi,Dritan                  MKD ----  -19 +41 -30 -39 =42 =43 -34 +48 -32  3.0  2184 
45. Rusomanov, Atanas              MKD 2182  -23 =37 -18 -33 -41 +47 +48 -40 =38  3.0  2188 
46. Gorgieski, Dejan               MKD 2240  +29 - 8 -21 -28 -40 +48 -39 -47 -42  2.0  2125 
47. Andreeski, Danilo              MKD 2110  -25 -30 =41 -38 -48 -45 =42 +46 -34  2.0  2076 
48. Petkovski, Vlatko           f  MKD 2227  -20 -21 -35 -42 +47 -46 -45 -44 -41  1.0  1918 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9) Yugoslav Youth Championships

Mihajlo Savic reports: The 54th Youth Championships of Yugoslavia and the 28th Youth Championship for Women took place in Obrenovac (25km from Belgrade) 9th-22nd January 2002 year. FM Aleksandra Dimitrijevic last years winner of women's Championships was the only woman in the main championships. She played better than her final results showed. The tournament was weakened because of absence IM Sedlak Nikola, Robert Markus and Milos Perunovic. The winner was the highest rated player 16 year old Veljko Jeremic. Second was 14 year old Borki Predojevic, double cadets winner in Europe. In the Women's Youth tournament Ljilja Drljevic with her secure play, took first place. The higher rated female player, FM Marijana Savic had to settle for third place. Chief arbiter was Mihajlo Savic and in the women's event Dragan Kotevski.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54th ch-YUG Youth Obrenovac YUG (YUG), 9-22 i 2002                    cat. I (2266)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Jeremic, Veljko              YUG 2484  * 0 1 = = 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11.0  2545 
 2. Predojevic, Borki          f YUG 2324  1 * 0 = = 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 10.0  2472 
 3. Zivanic, Marko             m YUG 2437  0 1 * 1 1 0 = 0 1 = 1 1 1 1  9.0  2394 
 4. Robulj, Nenad                YUG 2141  = = 0 * 1 1 0 = 1 1 = 1 = 1  8.5  2385 
 5. Popovic, Dusan               YUG 2394  = = 0 0 * 0 1 1 = 1 1 1 = 1  8.0  2343 
 6. Blesic, Vaso                 YUG 2183  0 0 1 0 1 * = = 1 = 1 = 1 =  7.5  2329 
 7. Boskovic, Drasko           f YUG 2354  0 0 = 1 0 = * 1 0 1 = 1 1 1  7.5  2316 
 8. Djukic, Nikola               YUG 2383  0 1 1 = 0 = 0 * 0 = = 1 1 1  7.0  2286 
 9. Dimitrijevic, Aleksandra  wf YUG 2227  0 0 0 0 = 0 1 1 * 1 1 = 1 1  7.0  2298 
10. Krivokapic, Marko            YUG 2055  0 0 = 0 0 = 0 = 0 * = = 1 1  4.5  2172 
11. Draganic, Veljko             YUG 2178  0 0 0 = 0 0 = = 0 = * = = 1  4.0  2131 
12. Lecic, Predrag               YUG 2149  0 0 0 0 0 = 0 0 = = = * = 0  2.5  2024 
13. Nadjhedjesi, Balind          YUG 2272  0 0 0 = = 0 0 0 0 0 = = * =  2.5  2014 
14. Nikolic, Milos               YUG 2145  0 0 0 0 0 = 0 0 0 0 0 1 = *  2.0  1979 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28th ch-YUG Youth Women Obrenovac YUG (YUG), 9-22 i 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Drljevic, Ljilja       wf YUG 2110  * 1 0 1 1 1 1 = 1 = 1 1 = = 10.0  2280 
 2. Stojanovic, Nadezda    wf YUG 2075  0 * 0 = 1 1 0 1 1 = 1 1 1 1  9.0  2213 
 3. Savic, Marijana        wf YUG 2169  1 1 * = 0 1 1 = 0 1 = 0 1 1  8.5  2174 
 4. Dimovska, Aleksandra      YUG 2105  0 = = * 0 0 1 = 1 1 = 1 1 1  8.0  2156 
 5. Stojanovic, Marija        YUG 2012  0 0 1 1 * = = = 1 = = = = 1  7.5  2133 
 6. Kovacevic, Radmila        YUG 2062  0 0 0 1 = * 1 = 1 = 0 1 1 1  7.5  2130 
 7. Vasic, Milena             YUG 2167  0 1 0 0 = 0 * 1 0 = 1 1 1 1  7.0  2094 
 8. Popovic, Jelena           YUG 2036  = 0 = = = = 0 * = = = = 1 1  6.5  2075 
 9. Djuric, Vesna             YUG 2094  0 0 1 0 0 0 1 = * 1 1 0 1 1  6.5  2070 
10. Urosevic, Marija          YUG 2039  = = 0 0 = = = = 0 * = 1 1 1  6.5  2074 
11. Stojanovic, Andjelija  wf YUG 2101  0 0 = = = 1 0 = 0 = * = = =  5.0  1983 
12. Vranesevic,Danica         YUG ----  0 0 1 0 = 0 0 = 1 0 = * = 0  4.0  1936 
13. Tuvic, Nada               YUG 2042  = 0 0 0 = 0 0 0 0 0 = = * 1  3.0  1863 
14. Brajic, Maja              YUG ----  = 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 = 1 0 *  2.0  1781 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10) Kaissa 2002, Kharkov

Andrey Belous reports: The 2nd "Kaissa 2002" open takes place January 22nd-31st 2002 in Kharkov, Ukraine. 78 players compete in this 9 round swiss system event. The organiser is the director of chess club "KAISSA" G.S .Kiktev. Andrey Ivanov and Oleg V Ivanov lead with 4.5/5. Games available.

Round 5 Standings:
  1.   Ivanov Andrey         2327       4.5  15.5
       Ivanov Oleg V         2350       4.5  14.0
  3.   Zatonskih Anna        2413  wg   4.0  16.5
       Shalimov Valery       2452  m    4.0  15.0
       Solodovnichenko Yuri  2446  m    4.0  15.0
       Gasanov Eldar         2454  m    4.0  14.0
       Nosenko Alexander     2458  m    4.0  13.5
       Andreev Eduard        2441  m    4.0  12.5
  9.   Fingerov Dmitry       2410  m    3.5  16.5
       Karas Boris           2265       3.5  16.5
       Budnikov Oleg         2430       3.5  15.0
       Zubarev Alexander     2480  m    3.5  14.5
       Shilin Denis          2413  m    3.5  14.5
       Kalinski Igor         2240       3.5  14.0
       Makarov Vladimir      2136       3.5  14.0
       Demkovich Anatoliy    2402  m    3.5  13.5
       Titus Sergey          0000       3.5  12.0
       Sharapov Evgeny       2376  m    3.5  11.0
 19.   Maliy Alexey          2373  m    3.0  17.5
       Vinogradov Pavel      2305       3.0  17.5
       Nester Igor           2293       3.0  15.5
       Kononenko Tatiana     2371  wg   3.0  15.5
       Chmulev Dmitry        0000       3.0  14.5
       Grinblat Dmitry       2396       3.0  14.0
       Ushenina Anna         2297  m    3.0  14.0
       Dumchikov Vladimir    0000       3.0  13.0
       Kalinina Vladislava   2299  wm   3.0  13.0
       Askarian Karen        2253       3.0  13.0
       Kovalenko Nikolai     2172       3.0  12.5
       Zavgorodniy Sergiy    2407  m    3.0  12.0
       Biriukov Nikolai      2267       3.0  12.0
       Tikhomirov Alexey     2256       3.0  11.0
       Posohov Dmitri        2180       3.0   8.5
78 players

11) 2nd UNILOG INGRATA

The 2nd Unilog Ingrata GM and IM tournaments takes place in Griesheim bei Darmstadt 23rd-31st January 2002.

Internet coverage: http://www.unilog-integrata.de

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unilog-Integrata GM Griesheim GER (GER), 23-31 i 2002 cat. XII (2531)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Schmaltz, Roland       g GER 2534  * 0 1 . . . . 1 1 1  4.0  2779 
 2. Glek, Igor V           g GER 2601  1 * = . = . = . . =  3.0  2610 
 3. Naiditsch, Arkadij     g GER 2532  0 = * 1 . = . . . 1  3.0  2619 
 4. Galdunts, Sergey       m ARM 2510  . . 0 * = 1 = . = .  2.5  2518 
 5. Milov, Leonid          m UKR 2470  . = . = * = . = = .  2.5  2523 
 6. Jakubiec, Artur          POL 2518  . . = 0 = * . = 1 .  2.5  2500 
 7. Ruck, Robert           g HUN 2581  . = . = . . * = = =  2.5  2535 
 8. Grabarczyk, Miroslaw   m POL 2495  0 . . . = = = * . =  2.0  2463 
 9. Ginsburg, Gennadij     m GER 2493  0 . . = = 0 = . * .  1.5  2373 
10. Kempinski, Robert      g POL 2576  0 = 0 . . . = = . *  1.5  2399 
---------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Unilog-Integrata IM Griesheim GER (GER), 23-31 i 2002  cat. V (2362)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
--------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Grabarczyk, Bogdan    m POL 2396  * . = . 1 . . 1 1 1  4.5  2713 
 2. Wornath, Kai Rudolf   f GER 2375  . * . . . 1 1 = 1 1  4.5  2687 
 3. Krivoshey, Sergei     m UKR 2455  = . * = . 1 = . . 1  3.5  2505 
 4. Boidman, Yuri         m GER 2432  . . = * . 0 1 1 1 .  3.5  2506 
 5. Schramm, Christian    f GER 2355  0 . . . * . = 0 1 1  2.5  2332 
 6. Jirka, Jiri             CZE 2339  . 0 0 1 . * 0 1 . .  2.0  2311 
 7. Schnitzspan, Lothar   f GER 2341  . 0 = 0 = 1 * . . .  2.0  2319 
 8. Marchio, Enrico       f GER 2316  0 = . 0 1 0 . * . .  1.5  2230 
 9. Jedryczka, Krystian     POL 2335  0 0 . 0 0 . . . * 1  1.0  2126 
10. Koehler, Ronald         GER 2275  0 0 0 . 0 . . . 0 *  0.0       
--------------------------------------------------------------------

12) São José do Rio Preto 150 years

The 150th anniversary of the São José do Rio Preto takes place in Sao Paulo 17th-24th January 2002. Martin Crosa won the category IV event with 6/9.

Internet coverage: http://www.xadrezhoje.hpg.ig.com.br/index.htm

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
150 SJ Rio Preto Sao Paulo BRA (BRA), 17-24 i 2002           cat. IV (2342)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Crosa, Martin                f URU 2393  * = 1 = 0 = 1 1 = 1  6.0  2461 
 2. Peralta, Fernando            m ARG 2490  = * = = 1 = = 0 1 1  5.5  2405 
 3. Coelho, Luis                   BRA 2285  0 = * = 1 1 0 = 1 1  5.5  2428 
 4. De Souza, Mauro              m BRA 2343  = = = * = = = 1 = =  5.0  2385 
 5. Sega, Carlos Alberto           BRA 2291  1 0 0 = * = 1 1 = =  5.0  2390 
 6. Marques, Vinicius              BRA 2294  = = 0 = = * = 1 = =  4.5  2347 
 7. Pelikian, Jefferson          m BRA 2415  0 = 1 = 0 = * = = =  4.0  2291 
 8. Disconzi da Silva, Rodrigo   f BRA 2415  0 1 = 0 0 0 = * 1 =  3.5  2254 
 9. Borges, Leomar Barbero         BRA 2234  = 0 0 = = = = 0 * =  3.0  2229 
10. Molina, Jorge                  BOL 2261  0 0 0 = = = = = = *  3.0  2226 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

13) 4NCL

The 5th and 6th rounds of the 4NCL took place last weekend. In round 6 the top two teams met with Beeson Gregory headed by Viktor Korchnoi (winning against Viktor Bologan) beating Wood Green 1 4.5-3.5. Games now available. My thanks to Arthur Brameld.

Official site: http://www.4ncl.co.uk/

4NCL 2001-2002 Division 1  
Round 6 Standings                      
                    P  W  D  L  Gms  Pts
BEESON GREGORY 1    6  6  0  0  32.0  12
WOOD GREEN 1        6  5  0  1  35.5  10
GUILDFORD-ADC 1     6  4  0  2  28.5  8
BARBICAN 4NCL 1     6  4  0  2  25.5  8
WOOD GREEN 2        6  3  0  3  25.5  6
BRISTOL 1           6  3  0  3  21.5  6
BARBICAN 4NCL 2     6  2  1  3  20.5  5
THISTLE WHITE ROSE  6  2  1  3  19.0  5
SLOUGH 1            6  2  0  4  21.5  4
MIDLAND MONARCHS    6  2  0  4  20.0  4
BEESON GREGORY 2    6  1  0  5  19.5  2
WESSEX              6  1  0  5  19.0  2

14) Bermuda Tournament

The Bermuda tournament takes place at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel. January 21st-January 30th 2002. The two GM events will be followed by an Open Tournament held February 1st - February 3rd 2002. After six rounds Hikaru Nakamura has 5/6 in the GMA event a point clear of the rest of the field, Pawel Blehm is half a point clear of the GMB group also with 5/6.

Further details: http://www.bermuda.bm/chess

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
GMA Bermuda BER (BER), 21-30 i 2002                         cat. X (2500)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Nakamura, Hikaru           m USA 2430  * . 1 1 . 1 1 1 . 0  5.0  2785 
 2. Macieja, Bartlomiej        g POL 2612  . * = 1 = = . = . 1  4.0  2613 
 3. Vescovi, Giovanni          g BRA 2590  0 = * = . . 1 1 . 1  4.0  2642 
 4. Vuckovic, Bojan            g YUG 2455  0 0 = * 1 = . . 1 .  3.0  2490 
 5. Johannessen, Leif Erlend   m NOR 2427  . = . 0 * = 1 . 0 1  3.0  2495 
 6. Krush, Irina               m USA 2424  0 = . = = * = . = .  2.5  2435 
 7. Lesiege, Alexandre         g CAN 2572  0 . 0 . 0 = * 1 1 .  2.5  2428 
 8. Socko, Bartosz             g POL 2585  0 = 0 . . . 0 * 1 1  2.5  2461 
 9. Ernst, Sipke               m NED 2459  . . . 0 1 = 0 0 * 1  2.5  2428 
10. Handke, Florian            m GER 2450  1 0 0 . 0 . . 0 0 *  1.0  2244 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------
GMB Bermuda BER (BER), 21-30 i 2002                  cat. VIII (2450)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Blehm, Pawel          g POL 2535  * = 1 . . 1 = 1 1 .  5.0  2709 
 2. Berg, Emanuel         m SWE 2500  = * = 1 = . 1 . . 1  4.5  2635 
 3. Charbonneau, Pascal   f CAN 2386  0 = * . . = 1 1 . 1  4.0  2598 
 4. De Vreugt, Dennis     g NED 2446  . 0 . * = 1 . 1 1 =  4.0  2584 
 5. Shahade, Gregory      m USA 2454  . = . = * 0 = 0 1 .  2.5  2389 
 6. Perelshteyn, Eugene   m USA 2451  0 . = 0 1 * = . = .  2.5  2373 
 7. Paehtz, Elisabeth    wg GER 2383  = 0 0 . = = * . . 1  2.5  2405 
 8. Kallio, Heikki        g FIN 2522  0 . 0 0 1 . . * 1 =  2.5  2384 
 9. Alvarez, Johan        m VEN 2379  0 . . 0 0 = . 0 * 1  1.5  2283 
10. Nyback, Tomi          m FIN 2448  . 0 0 = . . 0 = 0 *  1.0  2163 
---------------------------------------------------------------------

15) Austrian Team Championships

Round 5-8 of the Austrian Team Championships took place in Graz January 17th-20th 2002. Merkur Graz lead the event which concludes with the final rounds 8th-10th March 2002. My thanks to Harald Grafenhofer.

Details: http://schach.wienerzeitung.at/

Round 8 Standings
                         Pkt. MP 
 1 Merkur Graz           33   16 
 2 Klagenfurt            29   12 
 3 Jenbach               25½   8 
 4 Austria Graz          25    8 
 5 Gamlitz               24    9 
 6 Hohenems              23½   8 
 7 Fürstenfeld           23    7 
 8 Melk-Wachau           23    7 
 9 Hietzing/Fischer      22½   7 
10 Gleisdorf             22    6 
11 Mozart Salzburg       21    6 
12 Voest Linz            16½   2 

16) OSS GM tournament Oslo

Eirik T. Gullaksen reports: IM Leif Erlend Johannessen won the "OSS GM-tournament" played in Oslo (Norway) 13th-20th January 2002. The young Norwegian made his first GM-norm with 7 points ahead of GM Vadim Milov at 6.5 and FM Torstein Bae with 6. Bae made his second IM-norm with this result. The tournament was organized by Oslo Schakselskap which traditionally has been Norway's leading club and one of the oldest at 118 years. The new FIDE playing time was used, which led to many games being decided in time scrambles. Especially veteran GM Heikki Westerinen had trouble adjusting to this rapid play.

Internet coverage: http://home.no.net/selskap/2002/jan/GMturnering.htm

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSS GM Oslo NOR (NOR), 13-20 i 2002                        cat. VI (2390)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Johannessen, Leif Erlend   m NOR 2427  * 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1  7.0  2606 
 2. Milov, Vadim               g SUI 2595  0 * 0 = 1 1 1 1 1 1  6.5  2533 
 3. Bae, Torstein              f NOR 2318  0 1 * = 0 1 1 = 1 1  6.0  2523 
 4. Kogan, Artur               g ISR 2568  0 = = * = 1 = = 1 1  5.5  2450 
 5. Groenn, Atle                 NOR 2370  1 0 1 = * = = = 0 =  4.5  2392 
 6. Moen, Andreas                NOR 2265  1 0 0 0 = * 0 = 1 1  4.0  2361 
 7. Agopov, Mikael             m FIN 2400  0 0 0 = = 1 * = 1 0  3.5  2309 
 8. Trygstad, Kristian           NOR 2313  0 0 = = = = = * 0 =  3.0  2273 
 9. Glenne, Bjorn Erik           NOR 2235  0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 * 1  3.0  2282 
10. Westerinen, Heikki M.J     g FIN 2412  0 0 0 0 = 0 1 = 0 *  2.0  2167 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

17) Odyssey 2001

The Odyssey 2001 chess tournament has finished. The computer tournament had a huge number of games which you can pick up at the website for the tournament. Shredder 6 won.

Further details: http://www.rebel.nl/odyssey.htm

Final (Round 15) Standings
  1   SHREDDER6, (1)                  12.0      102½ 119   9 
  2   REBEL-CENTURY4, (10)            11.0      103  121½  9 
  3   GAMBIT-TIGER14.6, (2)           10.5      101  119   7 
  4   GANDALF432H, (11)                9.0      102½ 119   6 
5-7   YACE BERLIN, (24)                8.5      105½ 123   5 
      FRITZ7A, (8)                     8.5      104  122   6 
      CRAFTY 18.12, (19)               8.5      102½ 119   7 
8-11  PHARAON 2.5, (12)                8.0      103½ 119   5 
      SHREDDER4 CHESSBITS, (5)         8.0       92½ 107½  4 
      REBEL-TIGER14.6, (3)             8.0       88  100   5 
      HIARCS7.01, (4)                  8.0       87  101½  6 
12-14 MCHESS8, (23)                    7.5      104  119½  5 
      CHESS SYSTEM TAL2.03, (14)       7.5       98½ 116   3 
      LITTLE-GOLIATH2000V3, (16)       7.5       96  111½  5 
15-17 NIMZO8, (20)                     7.0      105½ 124   6 
      CHESSMASTER8000 1.0.4., (6)      7.0      100½ 116   5 
      GROMIT 3.10.2, (26)              7.0       90  104   4 
18-21 JUNIOR7, (9)                     6.5      102½ 118   4 
      PATZER311B, (17)                 6.5       99½ 115   3 
      ZARKOV4.5V, (13)                 6.5       91  103   5 
      VIRTUAL-CHESS2, (7)              6.5       89½ 104   5 
22-23 GENIUS6.5 CZUB-STYLE, (21)       6.0       93½ 107½  4 
      WCHESS2000, (15)                 6.0       90  104   3 
  24  COMET B37, (18)                  5.5       93  108½  4 
  25  SOCRATES X, (22)                 4.5       90  102½  4 
  26  CHINITO, (25)                    3.5       88½ 101   2    

18) Montecatini Terme

Montecatini Terme (Italy) takes place January 26th - February 3rd 2002. There is a GM norm closed tournament and an IM norm closed tournament.

Internet coverage: http://www.federscacchi.it

19) Third Saturday Novi Sad

The Third Saturday GM event in Novi Sad (Yugoslavia) takes place 19th-27th January 2002. Robert Fontaine won the GM group. Games follow next week.

The next events will be 16th-24th March 2002 with GM, IM and ELO events. GM so far gm Kosanovic G 2428 , gm Drazic S 2471 , Hampu Conery 2539 (ind) , Murzina Lenar 2349 (rus) , Bistric F.(2486) , Laketic G 2446 , Fontaine R (fra) 2469.... at the moment probably 9 category but certainly 8 category, digital clocks ,new FIDE timerate, 4 prizes, exellent hotel (the venue) prize full board (3 meals) in double room 20 Euros or single 24 Euros.

Contact Sinisa Drazic sdrazic@EUnet.yu if you wish to play.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
TSGM January Novi Sad YUG (YUG), 19-29 i 2002          cat. VIII (2430)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1  Fontaine Robert     Fra 2469  Im  8.0
2  Drazic Sinisa       Yug 2471  Gm  7.0
3  Bistric Faruk       BiH 2486  Im  6,5
4  Pap Misa            Yug 2415  Im  6.0
   Flumbort Andras     Hun 2436  Fm  6.0
   Gavrilow Aleksey    Rus 2480  Im  6.0
   Balogh Csaba        Hun 2398  Fm  6.0
8  Popchev Milko       Bul 2448  Gm  5,5
   Kosanovic Goran     Yug 2428  Gm  5,5
10  Scekic Milos       Yug 2444  Im  4,5
11  Radlovacki Jovan   Yug 2400      3,5
12  Deglmann Ludwig    Ger 2279  Fm  1,5

20) Forthcoming Events and Links

13th Goodricke International

The 13th edition of the Goodricke International Open Chess Tournament, recognised by FIDE & All India Chess Federation has been scheduled between 17th and 27th March 2002 at Gorky Sadan, Calcutta. This is the most prestigious open chess tournament of Asia participated by leading GMs, WGMs, IMs representing 20-22 countries. In our earlier editions organized by Alekhine Chess Club more than 150 Grandmasters including GM Viswanathan Anand, GM Vassily Smyslov, GM Viktor Korchnoi, GM Nigel Short etc took part. Schedule: 11 rounds Swiss Tournament (4 hour session), Prize Fund: $10,500 Board and Lodging are free for GM, IM (2400+), WGM (2355+). Lodging is free for all players. Start Money / Pocket Money: As per contact. Telephone No.: 091 033 280 3858; Fax: 091 033 247 9559 / 476 6733 E-mail: gnca@vsnl.com

Further details: http://www.goodrickechess.com

European Grand Prix in Antalya

The European Grand Prix in Antalya takes place 22nd February - 2nd March 2002.

Venue: Antalya - KEMER Naturland Eco Park and Resort Hotels Dates: 22nd February - 2nd March Prize Fund 6.000 Euros Top 5 players with ELO rating will be given flight ticket and full accommodation Top 20 players will be given full accommodation. Current participants including top level grand masters. Kiril GEORGIEV, Boris AVRUKH.... Last date to apply for a place in the top 20 is 1st February.

Further details http://www.tsf.org.trwww.tsf.org.tr

3rd Annual Millennium Chess Festival

The 3rd Annual Millennium Chess Festival takes place March 1st-33rd 2002, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. $15,000 guaranteed prize fund. Five-Round Swiss. The MCF will again be held at the Ramada Plaza Oceanfront in this Atlantic resort city. GMs and IMs recieve special "comps" including free accomodations in a double room and free entry fee. See website for details. For more information: http://www.geocities.com/millenniumchessfestival

6th United Insurance International Masters

6th United Insurance International Masters Chess Tournament'2002 10th April to 20th April 2002 Venue: Conference-Room National Sports Council 62/3 Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000 Organised by : Bangladesh Chess Federation Sponsored by : United Insurance Company Limited Tournament System : 11 Round Swiss Number of Participants : Around 40 Schedule : 10th April to 20th April 2002 Arrival : 9th April 1st Round plays : 10th April Main session : Every day 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Last Round : 20th April 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The rate of play : 6 Hours play. Rate of play 40 moves in 2 hours and rest of the moves in 1 hour to finish the game. Prize distribution : 20th March 5:00 p.m. Prize Fund : US$ 1500 divided as follows: 1st - US$ 500, 2nd - US$ 300, 3rd - US$ 200, 4th - US$ 100, 5th -100 US$ 6th - US$ 75, 7th - US$ 75, 8th - US$ 75, 9th - US$ 75 Note: Cash prize will be divided equally among Equal pointers. Accommodation : Free for all IM and Foreign Rated Players with 2200+ Food : Modest Food & Local transportation will be given to all IM and Foreign Rated Players with 2200+ Appearance Fee : No appearance many will be given but some pocket money Will be given to select foreign players. Passage : Passage up to Dhaka would have to be borne by players own Federation. Last Date of entry : Invited players must send their conformation to participate in the above tournament on or before 15th March 2002 to the General Secretary, Bangladesh Chess Federation, 62/3 Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000, Fax No- 880-02-9666766 or 9563304 Phone N0- 880-02-9666766, E-mail: bcf@bdonline.com (Syed Shujauddin Ahmed) General Secretary Bangladesh Chess Federation.

Open in Bangladesh

Open International Chess Tournament'2002 29th March 2002 to 8th April Venue: Conference-Room National Sports Council 62/3 Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000 Organised by : Bangladesh Chess Federation Tournament System : 11 Round Swiss Number of Participants : Around 40 Schedule : 29th March - 8th April, 2002 Arrival : 28th March 1st Round plays : 29th March Main session : Every day 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Last Round : 8th April 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The rate of play : 6 Hours play. Rate of play 40 moves in 2 hours, then rest of moves in 1 hour to finish the game. Prize distribution : 8th April 5:00 p.m. Prize Fund : US$ 5000 divided as follows: 1st - US$ 1800, 2nd - US$ 1000, 3rd - US$ 600, 4th - US$ 300, 5th - US$ 300 6th - US$ 200, 7th - US$ 200, 8th - US$ 200, 9th - US$ 200, 10th -US$ 200 Note: Cash prize will be divided equally among Equal pointers. Accommodation : Free for all GM, IM and Foreign Rated Players with 2300+ Food : Modest Food & Local transportation will be given to all GM, IM and Foreign Rated Players with 2300+ Appearance Fee : Some appearance money will be given to GM's. Some pocket money will be given to IM's and Rated 2400+ Passage : Passage up to Dhaka would have to be borne by players own Federation. Last Date of entry : Invited players must send their conformation to participate in the above tournament on or before 15th March 2002 to the General Secretary, Bangladesh Chess Federation, 62/3 Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000, Fax No- 880-02-9666766 or 9563304 Phone N0- 880-02-9666766, E-mail: bcf@bdonline.com (Syed Shujauddin Ahmed) General Secretary Bangladesh Chess Federation

October FIDE List Study and FIDE Championships

Chess Siberia http://www.chessib.com/ has a new article "The Results of the World Chess Championship 2001-2002" (By Boris Schipkov, 26.01.2002).

Aurec Open

16-17/02/2002 - AUREC (FRANCE) Rapid tournaments 7x20 mn: Section A : Open - Total prizes : 5,600 Euros Section B : for under 1801 Elo - Total prizes : 1,400 Euros Invitations for IGM and IM (closed on February, 9th) More info : Olivier Deville - Coteviere - 43110 Aurec - France Tél. : +33 4 77 35 41 21 - Fax : +33 4 77 35 23 76 - E-mail : odeville@netcourrier.com

NK Snelschaken Voor Clubteams

The NK Snelschaken Voor Clubteams takes place 1 June 2002 at the Golden Tulip Bel Air hotel, Johan de Witlaan, Den Haag organised by the SC De Vogelwijk Further information: Ruud Vissers, 010-2207070 (kantoor) of 06-26776496 ruv@epg.nl

Convekta's Chess University

Chess Assistant will have free chess lessons to download called the Convekta Chess University. The lessons are prepared and written by top Russian coaches. Each lesson will consist of two parts: a lecture on the lesson of the day and problems for you to resolve. Answers to problems from a lesson will appear with the next new lesson.

Internet site: http://www.chessassistant.com

Aeroflot Open 2002

The Aeroflot Open 2002 will take place in Moscow 4th-11th February 2002. According to the website below there will be $150,000 US in prizes. Geurt Gijssen adds that 50 GMs and more than 200 players have confirmed their participation. He adds that the organisers have told him that visas are free of charge and that there are special rates for journalists.

Leading entries so far include: Grischuk (RUS) 2671, Smirin (ISR) 2702, Van Wely (NED) 2697, Dreev (RUS) 2683, Akopian (ARM) 2680, Vaganian (ARM) 2662, Zvjaginsev (RUS) 2656, Rublevsky (RUS) 2655, Onischuk (UKR) 2655, Bologan (MLD) 2651 Aleksandrov (BLR) 2645, Motylev (RUS) 2639, Tkachiev (FRA) 2634, Tregubov (RUS) 2626, Macieja (POL) 2612, Kaidanov (USA) 2596, Milov (SUI) 2595, Avrukh (ISR) 2591, Fedorov (BLR) 2589, Psakhis (ISR) 2572 and Nataf (FRA) 2546.

Further details: http://www.aeroflotchess.com/

Reykjavik Open

The Reykjavik Open takes place March 7th-15th 2002. Organised by "The Icelandic Chess Federation" and "Reykjavik Chess Club".

Details: http://skak.is/si/reykjavik2002/

2002 Uruguay Championships

The website for the 2002 Uruguayan Championships is at: http://www.uruwow.com/secciones/deportes/ajedrez/uruguayo2002.html. There are various qualifiers in February and March before the finals in April.

2nd Helsinki Chess Circuit

2nd Helsinki Chess Circuit, Feb 25 - Mar 8, 2002 Helsinki Chess Circuit will be played in the House of Chess, in the center of Helsinki, from February 25th to March 8th, 2002. Events: Group A: 10-12 players all-play-all IM-event, for players ELO-rated over 2200, IM-norm possibility. Group B: 8-12 players all-play-all ELO-event, for players rated 1900-2200. Group C: 8-12 players all-play-all event, for players rated under 1900. Players interested to participate, please contact the main organizer Mr. Sami Hämäläinen, aurifera@kolumbus.fi

Further details: http://www.kolumbus.fi/shakki.koti/hcc2/index.htm

2nd Oxford University Chess Congress

The 2nd Oxford University Chess Congress takes place on the 27th & 28th April, 2002 at Lincoln College, Oxford. Sections: Open (a new Terence Chapman Grand Prix Elite event), U-170 Major & U-125 Minor. Please visit http://users.ox.ac.uk/~sedm0500/tournament/2002.html for more information. Alternatively one can contact Jonathan Smith at The Queen's College, Oxford, OX1 4AW; email j.smith4@physics.ox.ac.uk or on 07813 307563 , but please only 'phone after 7pm.

Computer Project

I'm not quite clear how this works but here is a chess computer project on the net.

"The purpose of this project is to build a non-commercial distributed computing platform. It aims at chess enthusiasts who wouldn't mind to contribute some of their computing power to a scientific project. The application will be in the field of evolutionary algorithms and artificial neural networks. The goal is the creation of artificial neural networks capable of playing chess. "

Internet site: http://wind.prohosting.com/chessweb/

Polgar in Germany

Judit Polgar will appear in an exhibition on 3rd February 2002 at Schachklub Turm Emsdetten.

Further details: http://www.deltacity.net/michael/

Eupen Chess Open

The Schachklub Rochade Eupen-Kelmis VoG, Kehrweg 11, B-4700 Eupen (dieter.plumanns@swing.be) is organising an Easter Open 23rd-24th March 2002. Info Entry: Guenter Delhaes, Karl-Weiss-Strasse 44, B-4700 Eupen Telefon & Fax : 0032(0)87.552716 bis 18h00 Telefon : 0032(0)87.742578 nach 19h00

ChessBase redesign

The ChessBase site http://www.chessbase.com has had a redesign.

Frideric Olafsson Interview

Former FIDE President Frideric Olafsson has given an interview with http://www.ehlvest.com including stories from the Fischer-Spassky match of 1972.

http://www.ehlvest.com/olafsson/olafsson.htm

First Saturday February

The next First Saturday events will start on February 2nd 2002. There are still places in some events and you should contact Laszlo Nagy firstsat@elender.hu if you wish to play. There are two GM and one IM events.

Participants of the 2nd-15th of February cat.VII-VIII. FS GM-tournament: IGM VAJDA, Levente /ROM/, IGM KOSANOVIC, Goran /YUG/, IGM LUKÁCS, Péter /HUN/, WGM DEMBO, Yelena /HUN/. IM BALOGH, Csaba /HUN/, IM JAKAB, Attila /HUN/, IM HORVATH, Peter /HUN/, IM SZEBERENYI, Adam /HUN/, IM KUSTAR, Sandor /HUN/, WGM VAJDA, Szidónia /HUN/, IM GUNNARSON, Jon Viktor /ISL/?, IM MEDVEGY, Zoltán /HUN/, IM BUTNORIUS, Algimandas /LIT/? FM MENSCH, Etienne /FRA/? Reserves: IGM CSOM, Istvan /HUN/, IM HUSARI, Satea /SYR/, IGM LUKACS, Peter /HUN/, IM ROCHA, Sergio /POR/, WGM TIAN, Tian /CHN/. Max 14 players.

Participants of the 2nd-15th of February cat.IX-X. FS GM-tournament: IGM HORVATH, Csaba /HUN/, IGM HORVATH, Jozsef /HUN/, IGM VARGA, Zoltán /HUN/, IM MARKUS, Robert /YUG/?, IM SEDLAK, Nikola /YUG/?, IM ZIVANIC, Marko /YUG/, IM GAVRILOV, Alexei /RUS/?, IM ANTAL, Gergely /HUN/, WGM HOANG, Trang /VIE/, GUNNARSSON, Jon Viktor /ISL/?, IM FOGARASI, Tibor /HUN/, WGM KONERU, Humpy /IND/, IM GENOV, Petar /BUL/?. Reserves: IGM CSOM, Istvan /HUN/, IM KRIVONOSOV, Oleg /LAT/, IGM LUKÁCS, Péter /HUN/, TIAN, Tian /CHN/ w. Max. 14 players.

Participants of the 2nd-15th of February cat.I-II-III FS IM-tournament: IM KAHN, Evarth /HUN, 2303/, IM KOSTIC, Filip /YUG, 2280/, IM EPERJESI, Laszlo /HUN, 2276/, IM FARAGO, Sandor /HUN, 2318/, SORIAL, Hanna /EGY, 2264/, FM BOGNAR, Csaba /HUN, 2215/, KUN, Gabor /HUN, 2313/, ERDELYI, Zombor /HUN, 2215/, COOKE, Eric /USA, 2195/?, FM BRUSTKERN, Juergen /GER, 2289/, TIAN, Tian /CHN, 2346/, FM RESIKA, Nathan /USA, 2241/?, WIM GARA, Ticia /HUN, 2304/?, MENSCH, Etienne /FRA , 2380/, ? BONNET, Edouard /FRA, 2197/?, IM CHEVALDONNET, Francis /FRA, 2254/?, FM DUB, Zeev /ISR, 2238/?. Reserves: KRUPENSKI, Yuri /EST, 2228/, DOMBAI, Istvan /HUN, 2214/, BOROS, Dénes /HUN, 2240/, IM NEMETH, Zoltan /HUN/, IM BOGUSZLAVSZKIJ, Jevgenyij /HUN/, IM PÁRKÁNYI, Attila /HUN/. Max.14 players.

Other events: 1.19th-27th of January Novi Sad, THIRD SATURDAY GM and IM-tournament, Novi Sad /YUG/, organizer: IGM Drazic, e-mail: sdrazic@eunet.yu 2. 2nd-15th of February Budapest /HUN/, FIRST SATURDAY GM /cat.IX-X. and cat. VII-VIII/ and IM-tournament, Organizer: Nagy Laszlo, 3. 16th-28th of February Belgrade THIRD SATURDAY, org: FM Kotevski, e-mail /c/o: Tina Ramic/ beochess@eunet.yu Thinking times: 90 minutes till the end, 30 s increments after every moves... /Belgrade 6 hours control.../ Anyone interested contact Nagy, Laszlo International Chess Organizer E-mail: firstsat@elender.hu

Aubervilliers Open

The 27th Aubervilliers International Open takes place Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of January 2002. The venue is Espace Rencontres 10, rue Crèvecœur 93300 Aubervilliers France.

Further information: http://www.organisechecs.com

X Lasker Memorial Barlinek Poland

The X Lasker Memorial Festival in Barlinek Poland takes place 17th-27th July 2002. Blitz, rapid, open A, open B and under-16 events. Further details: Krzysztof Kedzior E-Mail: umig@barlinek.pl

Tony Miles Memorial

Tony Miles Memorial Open on May 18th-19th 2001 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Details: http://members.shaw.ca/chessforall/

FICS 10th ICS Anniversary

Michael More, of the University of Utah, and Richard Nash recognized the potential of an Internet Chess Server and programmed it's first version. The official opening date of the ICS was January 15, 1992. John Chanak, William Kish, and Aaron Putnam moved the server to a host machine at Carnegie Mellon University in the fall of 1992, and took over it's operation. From that original ICS has sprung FICS, the Free Internet Chess Server which now has over 100,000 registered users. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of this birth, FICS will organize on his server a big event, with prizes. The main event will be a 5 0 torney, reserved to title players, with a total prize of 500 $ For this event, and for all the other event, partecipation is free. For information, you can contact frengo(*), at the address frengo@freechess.org In particular, titled players willing to take part to the main event, should contact me as soon as possible. Here is the event scheduling: (http://www.freechess.org/Events/Anniversary) (GMT=PST+8) Championship Tourney: 10:00 PST, titled player vs. titled player Prize event ($500.00) time control to be a 5 0. Thematic Tourney: 13:00 PST Albin Countergambit Prize event (3 multimedial CDs) time control to be a 5 0 http://www.freechess.org/Events/Gambitingly Lightning Tourney: 11:00 PST Prize event($50.00 + 1 Multimedial CD) time control to be a 1 0 Bughouse Tourney: 17:00 PST Grand Prix style Prize event ($200.00) time control to be a 3 0 Crazyhouse Tourney: 05:00 PST Prize event (1 Multimedial CD) time control to be a 2 0 Wijk aan Zee 2002: 04:30 PST Live Relay Simul: 07:00 PST garfunkel(FM) Prize event (Chess tie) Simul: 19:00 PST Diesen(IM) Prize event (Free Lessons from Mark Diesen - past Junior Word Champion)

V Málaga International Open

The V Málaga International Open takes place 22nd February - 2nd March 2002.

Further details on the event at: http://usuarios.tripod.es/frubiod/open/02open/02open.htm

XVIII Cappelle la Grande

The XVIII Cappelle la Grande International Chess Open takes place 9th-16th February 2002.

Further details: http://cappelle.free.fr

2nd Eger International

2nd International Round Robin Tmt. Eger (HUN) For acquiring rating and IM norms date: from the 20th to 28th february 2002 category: Tournament A = category II to IV Tournament B = Rating tournament Tournament C = GM tournament, category VII to IX number of participants: 12 to 14 (3 unrated players in the rating tournament) time limit: closed tournament with 10 - 12 rounds, 2 h/40 moves + 1 h /20 moves + 30 min for all remaining moves entry fee: depending on rating, to be stipulated with the organizer additional program: active chess tournament, thermal bath, sight seeing of the historic city of Eger and its pituresque surroundings place: Apartmenthouse Atrium, Eger accomodation: lodging at good price, right next to the tournament place: apartments with bath/shower and WC, telephone, TV, balcony, garage information: Europe Chess, IM Ali Habibi * Postfach 1148 * D-35436 Linden * email: EuropeChess@web.de The Europe Chess Round Robin Tournaments will be held in different European Countries. Combine quality chess with your vacation! If you register at least 5 participants ahead of time, we can organize a tournament at a date you pick. Soon more information in different chess magazines and on the internet.

4NCL Extra

There is a plan to hold an additional 4NCL event on 1-3 June 2002, the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. The weekend will feature a qualifying event for the 2002/03 season and will be open to the three lowest placed teams in Division 3 this season, together with any new teams who want to enter the league next season. The three most successful teams in the event will be eligible to play in Division 3 in 2002/03. The 4NCL are interested in assessing the likely support for this event. Prospective new teams are invited to contact Mike Truran or Paul Littlewood for further details.

Internet site: http://www.4ncl.co.uk/

3rd Yateley Manor International

Date 25-27 Jan 2002 and 2-3 Feb 2002 (ie play is over 2 weekends) Type Open Event & Venue 3rd Yateley Manor International Yateley Manor School, Reading Road, Yateley, nr Camberley, Hampshire. Contact Ray Clark High Cedars, Oak End Way, Gerrards Cross, Bucks. SL9 8DA e-mail ray.clark@kpmg.co.uk tel: 01753 883300

17th North Sea Cup

Esbjerg will stage a 17th North Sea Cup July 5th-13th 2002, probably category 13-14. A 10 player round-robin hoping to carry on the reputation with previous tournament winners like Short, Jusupov, Adorjan, Larsen, Vaganian, C.Hansen, Svidler etc. Info: Brian Isaksen at brisak@esenet.dk

GM Loek van Wely vs REBEL

Loek Van Wely will play the program REBEL February 19th- 22nd 2002. It will be a four game match with a time control of 40 moves in 2 hours and thereafter 60 minutes for the rest of the game.

Location: Centre Céramique, Avenue Céramique 50, Maastricht, The Netherlands. Games start at 13:00 local time. Entry is free.

Internet coverage: http://www.rebel.nl/reb-wely.htm

On-line Tournament

The 1st Hellenic Chess Server "Apollo" a real time chess game application will host the 1st On-Line Chess Championship in Greece. The games will start at the end of February 2002.

In order to participate (free of charge) visit http://andyhot.di.uoa.gr/chess/tourn/part_form.asp open to players Worldwide.

Further details: webmaster@chess.gr

New FIDE Sites

There are two new FIDE sites. Chess Daily http://www.chessdaily.com has individual FIDE rating calculations. Also the FIDE site for the World Championships in Moscow has been launched at: http://wcc2001.fide.com

Linares 2002

The Linares tournament will take place 22nd February - 10th March 2002. The lineup will be Garry Kasparov, Viswanathan Anand, Michael Adams, Vassily Ivanchuk, Alexei Shirov, Francisco Vallejo Pons and one of Ruslan Ponomariov, Vladimir Kramnik or Veselin Topalov.

Greekbase

Greek games at: http://www.geocities.com/greekbase1

ChessMetrics Site

Jeff Sonas has updated his site: http://www.chessmetrics.com/. It now has lots of colorful graphs. It includes ratings based on ChessBase games from 1851 to 1998, and then weekly rating lists based on TWIC issues from January 1999 to September 10th 2001.

Praha Open

The 1st Praha Open takes place 2nd-9th February 2002 in Prague (the Czech Republic). As part of the Czech Tour 2001-2 and links up well with participation in the Open Marianske Lazne.

Further details: http://www.proclient.cz/czechtour

Claude Bloodgood Article

Marc Davis has written a lengthy article for the Virginian-Pilot on Claude Bloodgood. It will be available for the next few weeks.

Internet: http://www.pilotonline.com/news/nw1029blo.html

Marianske Lazne Open

The I. International Chess Tournament OPEN MARIANSKE LAZNE 2002 takes place 25.1.-1.2. 2002 in the spa Marianske Lazne (the Czech Republic). This tournament is a part of series CZECH TOUR 2001 / 2002.

Further details: http://www.proclient.cz/czechtour

2 Websites

Mastermove with chess quizzes and endgame studies. http://www.so-on.org/mastermove.html

200 words by Lev Khariton. http://pkchess.bizland.com/chesspress/200words/200words.html

Linares Chess Open 2002

The IX ANIBAL CHESS OPEN in Linares, Spain takes place 1st-10th March, 2002. The dates are parallel to the XX CIUDAD DE LINARES International Chess Tournament. The event will be Swiss system, 10 rounds using the new FIDE time control. The venue will be the Hotel Anibal, Linares.

Prizes in Euros (-25% taxes) 1º D.Luis Rentero Suarez prize 10.000 2º 5.000 3º 2.500 4º 1.500 5º 1.000 6º-25º 300 26º-50º 160

Conditions: GM and IM with inscription confirmed by the Organization: free accommodation in a double room Hotel Anibal GM 2600 ELO check special conditions.

Special prices at Hotel Anibal for those players whose inscription had been confirmed by the Organization:

Double room: 24,50 euros per person Single room: 45,00 euros Continental Breakfast: 1,90 euros Buffet Breakfast: 3,80 euros Lunch: 4,90 euros Dinner:4,90 euros

IMPORTANT: Only those players whose inscription had been confirmed by the Organization are guaranteed these prices

Inscription: Every player: 50 euros e-mail: linares@teleline.es linareschess@wanadoo.es Fax: 34 953 652204

DEADLINE: Monday, 18th February

Hawaii International Chess Festival Postponed

The Hawaii International Chess Festival has been postponed until 2003. It will have the first World Families Chess Championships. Pro (2000+), Mixed, and Amateur (all players under 2000). Prizes for all sorts of combinations of family members. Information: hawaii@chessworks.com.