THE WEEK IN CHESS 740 12th January 2009 by Mark Crowther

1) Introduction

My thanks to Mikhail Golubev, Luiz Roberto De Costa Jr, Fred Lucas, Indrek Turu, Gerard Bosch, Oystein Brekke and everyone else who helped with the issue.

The Christmas and New Year period brought a lot of chess but this week has been much quieter. That will end with the start of the 71st Corus Chess tournament. The field has been shaken up and looks like it should produce some exciting chess. This event will be more than enough to keep things interesting and there will be as usual full coverage on the TWIC website from Saturday's first round.

Hope you enjoy this issue.

Mark

2) 71st Corus Chess tournament

The 71st Corus Chess tournament takes place Friday, January 16th to Sunday, February 1st, 2009 in Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands. Alexander Morozevich, Vassily Ivanchuk, Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian and Teimour Radjabov are the favourites for the event in the absence of world champion Viswanathan Anand, challenger Vladimir Kramnik and World Number one Veselin Topalov. This shake up of the field with these three regular missing has really freshened things up and should make for exciting chess, in the usual way they do things they'll probably be all back next year.

Five players will make their debut in the A-group: the young Dutch grandmasters Jan Smeets and Daniel Stellwagen, the sensational Wang Yue from China, who climbed up to the 11th place on the latest world ranking list, the winner of Grandmastergroup B in 2008, Sergei Movsesian, and Leinier Dominguez from Cuba (ranked 21st on the FIDE October rating list).

Grandmastergroup B is stronger than ever, with an average rating of 2631. Remarkable names in this group include former World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Uzbekistan) former world championship challenger Nigel Short and former World Championship Candidate Henrique Mecking (Brazil).

In Grandmastergroup C former top player Oleg Romanishin (Ukraine) is one of the 14 participants. Romanishin won the recently held Cultural Village Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. Young GM Eduardo Iturrizaga (Venezuela) qualified early November by winning the ICC Online Qualifier, while Manuel Bosboom (The Netherlands) and Frank Holzke (Germany) gained their places in the C-group by winning the two highest amateur events (nine-rounds-all-play-all) in January 2008. Besides, two more names are remarkable: the two Junior World Champions Abhijeet Gupta (boys under 20) and Dronavalli Harika (girls under 20) will participate. Harika and Gupta both represent India.

As from January 2009, the rate of play in Grandmaster groups A, B and C will change. The rate of play will be: 40 moves in 2 hours, then 20 moves in 1 hour, followed by 15 minutes with 30 seconds per move increment to finish the game.

Official site: http://www.coruschess.com/

Library of photos: http://www.fredlucas.eu/gallery/agroup/ - http://www.chessdom.com has some new features with a forum and commentators.

71st Corus Wijk aan Zee A-Group (NED), 16 i - 1 ii 2009 Average rating: 2716 Category: 19
No.	Name	Country	WRank	Rating	Born
1	Vassily Ivanchuk	UKR	3	2779	1969
2	Magnus Carlsen	NOR	4	2776	1990
3	Alexander Morozevich	RUS	5	2771	1977
4	Teimour Radjabov	AZE	6	2761	1987
5	Sergei Movsesian	SVK	10	2751	1978
6	Levon Aronian	ARM	11	2750	1982
7	Wang Yue	CHN	13	2739	1987
8	Gata Kamsky	USA	17	2725	1974
9	Leinier Dominguez Perez	CUB	23	2717	1983
10	Michael Adams	ENG	24	2712	1971
11	Sergei Karjakin	UKR	27	2706	1990
12	Loek van Wely	NED	-	2625	1972
13	Daniel Stellwagen	NED	-	2612	1987
14	Jan Smeets	NED	-	2601	1985

71st Corus Wijk aan Zee B-Group (NED), 16 i - 1 ii 2009 Average rating: 2641 Category: 16
No.	Ti	Name	Country	Rating	Born
1	GM	Krishnan Sasikiran	IND	2711	1981
2	GM	Francisco Vallejo Pons	ESP	2702	1982
3	GM	Zahar Efimenko	UKR	2688	1985
4	GM	Rustam Kasimdzhanov	UZB	2687	1979
5	GM	Alexander Motylev	RUS	2676	1979
6	GM	Andrei Volokitin	UKR	2671	1986
7	GM	Nigel Short	ENG	2663	1965
8	GM	Fabiano Caruana	ITA	2646	1992
9	GM	David Navara	CZE	2638	1985
10	GM	Jan Werle	NED	2607	1984
11	GM	Erwin L'Ami	NED	2603	1985
12	WGM	Hou Yifan	CHN	2571	1994
13	GM	Henrique Mecking	BRA	2567	1952
14	GM	Dimitri Reinderman	NED	2549	1972

71st Corus Wijk aan Zee C-Group (NED), 16 i - 1 ii 2009 Average rating: 2521 Category: 11
No.	Ti	Name	Country	Rating	Born
1	GM	Wesley So	PHI	2627	1993
2	GM	David Howell	ENG	2622	1990
3	GM	Tiger Hillarp Persson	SWE	2586	1970
4	GM	Abhijeet Gupta	IND	2569	1989
5	GM	Friso Nijboer	NED	2560	1965
6	IM	Manuel Leon Hoyos	MEX	2542	1989
7	GM	Oleg Romanishin	UKR	2533	1952
8	GM	Eduardo Iturrizaga	VEN	2528	1989
9	GM	Frank Holzke	GER	2524	1971
10	WGM	Dronavalli Harika	IND	2473	1991
11	FM	Anish Giri	RUS	2469	1994
12	IM	Roeland Pruijssers	NED	2444	1989
13	IM	Manuel Bosboom	NED	2418	1963
14	FM	Ali Bitalzadeh	NED	2400	1989

3) Mukachevo Christmas Rapid

The Mukachevo Christmas Rapid took place 3rd-5th January 2009 and was alongside the Ivanchuk - Leko match covered last week. Konstantin Tarlev won the event on tie-break from Yuri Vovk, Sergey Pavlov and Mikhail Golubev after all scored 7/9. My thanks to Mikhail Golubev for the news.

Official site: http://ivanchukleko2009.com/en/chessmatch2009.php?page=open2009&id=5 and http://chessbase.de/nachrichten.asp?newsid=8546

Mukachevo Christmas Rapid (UKR), 3-5 i 2009
1.	5	Tarlev, Konstantin	2482	7.0	55.0	41.50	37.0	2569	+1.08
	1	Vovk, Yuri	2546	7.0	54.5	41.50	37.0	2574	+0.42
	6	Pavlov, Sergey	2443	7.0	52.5	39.25	37.5	2507	+0.79
	4	Golubev, Mikhail	2487	7.0	50.0	36.00	36.5	2513	+0.41
5.	15	Polishchuk, Oleg	2250	6.5	48.5	31.75	32.0	2425	+1.82
6.	2	Korobkov, Piotr	2501	6.0	50.0	31.50	33.5	2432	-0.61
	8	Grinev, Valeriy	2347	6.0	50.0	31.00	32.5	2407	+0.74
	21	Chabinec, Jan	2178	6.0	49.0	29.50	31.0	2324	+1.09
	12	Mazur, Stefan	2269	6.0	48.5	29.00	31.5	2387	+1.07
	3	Nesterov, Yakov	2489	6.0	47.5	29.00	30.0	2308	-1.62
	16	Burdalev, Kirill	2210	6.0	45.0	27.00	30.0	2341	+0.99
12.	9	Golubka, Petr	2326	5.5	49.5	27.50	31.0	2318	+0.05
	13	Bunda, Viktor	2267	5.5	47.5	26.50	30.0	2275	+0.02
	23	Terletsky, Oleg	2153	5.5	46.5	25.50	29.5	2237	+0.59
	18	Sukhimski, Vladimir	2210	5.5	44.5	21.25	31.0	2312	+0.90
	19	Zazuliak, Andriy	2183	5.5	43.0	22.25	28.0	2110	-0.59
	11	Shumilov, Illya	2284	5.5	39.0	21.75	25.5	2130	-1.25
18.	7	Strelnikov, Sergey	2365	5.0	47.5	24.50	29.5	2230	-1.35
	24	Bemak, Mikhail	2129	5.0	46.5	23.50	26.0	2172	+0.20
	57	Voropaev, Ivan	0000	5.0	45.0	20.50	27.0	2180	2180
	28	Romashov, Anton	2096	5.0	44.0	22.25	28.0	2274	+1.80
	17	Guivan, Vasily	2210	5.0	44.0	21.50	27.0	2222	+0.03
	10	Molnar, Peter	2285	5.0	42.5	20.75	27.5	2073	-1.94
	22	Mintenko, Heorhiy	2157	5.0	40.0	21.00	22.5	2230	+0.37
	20	Vdovichenko, Vladislav	2182	5.0	36.5	18.00	23.0	2167	-0.02
	49	Podgornov, Alexander	0000	5.0	36.5	18.75	20.5	2108	2108
	50	Ponjatishin, Jaroslav	0000	5.0	36.0	19.00	19.0	2115	+1.00
	42	Chermjanin, Georgiy	0000	5.0	34.0	16.25	18.5	2031	2031
29.	14	Rizsonkov, Vlagyimir	2252	4.5	42.0	20.00	26.0	2121	-0.70
59 players

4) Gjovik International Festival 2008-9

The Gjovik International Chess Festival 2008-9 took place 29th December - 7th January 2009. As reported last week Svidler won the Aker Chess Challenge. However there was an open alongside. Jon Ludwig Hammer won the event with 7/9.

Official site: http://www.gjovikfestival.sjakkweb.no

Gjovik Open Gjovik (NOR), 29 xii 2008 7 i 2009
Pl	Name	Ti	i-Rtg	Score	Med.Buchh	Buchholz-1
1	Jon Ludvig Hammer	IM	2522	7	37.5	44
2	Geetha.N. Gopal	GM	2548	6.5	43	50
3	Sergei Tiviakov	GM	2685	6.5	42.5	49.5
4	Boris Savchenko	GM	2648	6.5	40.5	47.5
5	Kaido Kulaots	GM	2556	6.5	39	45.5
6	Aloyzas Kveinys	GM	2533	6.5	38	44.5
7	Nijat Azad Abasov		2363	6.5	36.5	43
8	Mateusz Bartel	GM	2602	6	36	43
9	Sasha Kaplan	IM	2425	6	33.5	40
10	Alexej Sofrigin	FM	2252	6	27	33.5
11	Khayala Isgandarova		2206	6	25.5	32
12	Vadim Malakhatko	GM	2633	5.5	40.5	47
13	Nick E De Firmian	GM	2545	5.5	39	45.5
14	Mikheil Mchedlishvili	GM	2615	5.5	38.5	45
15	Eirik Gullaksen	IM	2400	5.5	36	42.5
16	Nargiz Umudova	WIM	2219	5.5	35.5	42
17	Israel Caspi	IM	2408	5.5	33.5	40
18	Turkan Mamedjarova	WGM	2269	5.5	32	38
19	Frode Elsness	IM	2440	5.5	32	37.5
20	Richard Bjerke	FM	2179	5.5	30.5	36
21	Oleg Korneev	GM	2623	5	36.5	43.5
22	Anna Zozulia	IM	2380	5	34.5	41
22	Gudmund Stenersen		2189	5	34.5	41
24	Zeinab Mamedjarova	WGM	2351	5	32	38.5
25	Vegar Koi Gandrud		2023	5	31	36.5
26	Johannes Kvisla		2221	5	30.5	37.5
27	Stephane Lohou		2132	5	28.5	34
28	Maxim L Devereaux	IM	2415	4.5	35	41
70 players

5) Bethune Open

The Bethune Open took place 26th-30th December 2008. Sergei Azerov finished first on tie-break from Vladimir Burkmakin, Tornike Sanikidze, and Erwin L'Ami after all finished on 7/9. No games available.

Official site: http://www.bethunechess.com

Open Bethune (FRA), 26-30 xii 2008 Leading Final Round 9 Standings:
Pl	Nom		Elo	Fede	Pts	Tr.	Perf.	FFE
1	AZAROV Sergei	g	2613	BLR	7	45.5	2675	2675
2	BURMAKIN Vladimir	g	2625	RUS	7	44.5	2646	2646
3	SANIKIDZE Tornike	g	2522	GEO	7	43	2627	2631
4	L'AMI Erwin	g	2610	NED	7	42	2591	2554
5	FARGERE Francois	f	2444	FRA	6.5	43	2516	2516
6	JOLLY Jean-Francois	f	2355	FRA	6.5	42.5	2571	2571
7	DEGRAEVE Jean-Marc	g	2544	FRA	6.5	40	2464	2431
8	TERRIEUX Kevin	m	2455	FRA	6.5	38.5	2381	2349
9	RINGOIR Tanguy	f	2354	BEL	6	43.5	2472	2484
10	MILLIET Sophie	gf	2366	FRA	6	42	2461	2470
11	CABRERA Alexis	g	2507	ESP	6	41.5	2435	2423
12	LE QUANG Kim	f	2310	BEL	6	41.5	2431	2444
13	SHIRAZI Kamran	m	2416	FRA	6	41	2436	2436
14	MANDON Fabrice		2219	FRA	6	40.5	2442	2442
15	LAGARDE Maxime	f	2332	FRA	6	40.5	2419	2428
16	ALMAGRO LLAMAS Pablo	f	2476	ESP	6	38.5	2384	2370
17	MIEDEMA Roi	f	2307	NED	6	37.5	2377	2377
18	VAN DER STRICHT Geert	m	2380	BEL	6	36.5	2348	2342
19	GIFFARD Nicolas	m	2376	FRA	5.5	41	2352	2348
20	LE ROUX Jean-Pierre	m	2496	FRA	5.5	40.5	2394	2381
21	BOIDMAN Yuri	m	2415	GER	5.5	40.5	2368	2354
22	KLEIN Felix		2270	GER	5.5	39	2345	2355
23	BURGNIES Stephane		2138	FRA	5.5	39	2269	2269
24	ALIENKIN Aleksander	m	2402	RUS	5.5	38.5	2322	2322
25	BERTHIER Hugo		2173	FRA	5.5	37.5	2268	2268
26	WUNDERMAN Xavier		2164	FRA	5.5	36.5	2366	2396
27	GUILLEUX Fabien		2396	FRA	5.5	36.5	2304	2292
28	BARJ Julien		2147	FRA	5.5	36	2280	2280
29	MOTOC Alina	gf	2313	ROM	5.5	36	2250	2250
30	DENAYER Eric		2265	BEL	5.5	34.5	2215	2215
31	JOSSIEN Arnaud	f	2391	FRA	5.5	33	2206	2153
32	ROGER Mehdi		2180	FRA	5.5	30.5	2133	2133
33	GALLARDO GARCIA Andres	f	2426	ESP	5	38	2244	2237
107 players

6) 7th Parsvnath Open

The 7th Parsvnath Open takes place 10th-20th January 2009.

Official site: http://www.delhichess.com/

7th Parsvnath Open (IND), 10-20 i 2009 Leading Round 3 of 9 Standings:
Rk.	Name	Ti	Rtg	FED	Pts.	TB1	TB2	TB3
1	Negi Parimarjan	GM	2600	IND	3	6	4	2
2	Kunte Abhijit	GM	2527	IND	3	6	4	2
3	Ismagambetov Anuar	GM	2523	KAZ	3	6	4	2
4	Safin Shukhrat	GM	2518	UZB	3	6	4	2
5	Sahoo Utkal Ranjan		2222	IND	3	5.5	4.5	2.5
6	Ganguly Surya Shekhar	GM	2614	IND	3	5.5	4	2
7	Kostenko Petr	GM	2501	KAZ	3	5.5	4	2
8	Vidit Santosh Gujrathi	FM	2447	IND	3	5.5	4	2
9	Khamzin Olzhas	FM	2401	KAZ	3	5.5	4	2
10	Katalymov Boris N	IM	2367	KAZ	3	5.5	4	2
11	Iuldachev Saidali	GM	2520	UZB	3	5	4	2
12	Ulibin Mikhail	GM	2511	RUS	3	5	4	2
13	Neelotpal Das	GM	2490	IND	3	5	4	2
14	Lalith Babu M R		2477	IND	3	5	4	2
15	Sethuraman S P	IM	2415	IND	3	5	4	2
16	Praveen Kumar C		2360	IND	3	5	4	2
17	Ashwath R		2312	IND	3	5	4	2
18	Joshi G B		2273	IND	3	5	4	2
19	Matta Vinay Kumar		2246	IND	3	5	4	2
20	Arun Karthik R		2348	IND	3	5	3.5	2
21	Lahiri Atanu	IM	2310	IND	3	5	3.5	2
22	Barua Dibyendu	GM	2490	IND	3	4.5	3.5	2
23	Das Arghyadip	IM	2404	IND	3	4.5	3.5	2
24	Prathamesh Sunil Mokal	IM	2389	IND	3	4	4	2
25	Suvrajit Saha	IM	2368	IND	3	4	4	2
26	Kuzubov Yuriy	GM	2626	UKR	3	4	3	2
27	Fenil Shah		2213	IND	3	3	2.5	2
28	Rathnakaran K	IM	2431	IND	2.5	6.5	4.5	2.5
29	Kulkarni Chinmay		2271	IND	2.5	6.5	4.5	2.5
30	Sarkar Justin	IM	2455	USA	2.5	6	4.5	2.5
31	Djuraev Sokhib	FM	2353	TJK	2.5	6	4.5	2.5
32	Abhishek Das		2251	IND	2.5	6	4.5	2.5
33	Roy Chowdhury Saptarshi	IM	2444	IND	2.5	5.5	4.5	2.5
34	Murshed Niaz	GM	2429	BAN	2.5	5.5	4.5	2.5
35	Shyam Sundar M	IM	2426	IND	2.5	5.5	4.5	2.5
100 players

7) Rilton Cup

The XXXVIII Rilton Cup took place in Stockholm 27th December 2008 - 5th January 2009. Radoslaw Wojtaszek and Sebastian Bognar finished on 7/9. Some additional round 9 games and a round 8 correction.

Official site: http://www.rilton.se/

38th Rilton Cup 2008-9 Stockholm (SWE), 26-29 xii 2008 Leading Final Round 9 Standings:
Rk.		Name	FED	Rtg	Pts.	TB1
1	GM	Wojtaszek Radoslaw	POL	2599	7,0	37,0
2	IM	Bogner Sebastian	GER	2448	7,0	32,5
3	GM	Kuzubov Yuriy	UKR	2622	6,5	35,0
4	GM	Berczes David	HUN	2514	6,5	34,0
5	GM	Gleizerov Evgeny	RUS	2545	6,5	32,5
6	GM	Cramling Pia	SWE	2550	6,5	31,0
7	GM	Ivanov Sergej	RUS	2547	6,0	36,0
8	GM	Hillarp-Persson Tiger	SWE	2543	6,0	33,5
9	IM	Grandelius Nils	SWE	2464	6,0	33,0
10	GM	Brynell Stellan	SWE	2447	6,0	28,0
11		Blomqvist Erik	SWE	2418	6,0	27,0
12	FM	Nithander Victor	SWE	2365	5,5	30,5
13	IM	Willemze Thomas	NED	2419	5,5	29,5
14	GM	Ulibin Mikhail	RUS	2521	5,5	29,0
15	FM	Rauan Sagit	SWE	2314	5,5	29,0
16	IM	Lindberg Bengt	SWE	2406	5,5	27,5
17	FM	Hedman Erik	SWE	2353	5,5	25,5
18	IM	Engqvist Thomas	SWE	2363	5,5	25,5
19	GM	Åkesson Ralf	SWE	2483	5,0	29,5
20	IM	Huschenbeth Niclas	GER	2417	5,0	29,0
21	FM	Hirneise Tobias	GER	2440	5,0	28,0
22	IM	Tikkanen Hans	SWE	2415	5,0	27,5
23	GM	Bellon Juan	ESP	2440	5,0	27,5
24	IM	Berczes Csaba	HUN	2399	5,0	27,0
25	IM	Gagarin Vasilij	RUS	2390	5,0	26,5
26	GM	Klovans Janis	LAT	2411	5,0	25,5
27	IM	Kolbus Dietmar	GER	2414	5,0	25,0
28	WIM	Boric Elena	BIH	2292	5,0	24,0
29		Hammar Ulf	SWE	2197	5,0	21,5
30		Forsberg Viktor	SWE	2210	5,0	21,5
31		Ängskog Kent	SWE	2243	5,0	21,0
32	IM	Furhoff Johan	SWE	2405	4,5	29,0
72 players

8) Cuban Championship Qualifier

The Cuban Championship qualifier takes place in the Hall of Casa del Joven Creador in Las Tunas 662kms way from La Habana. It is a Swiss Open which takes place 5th-13th January, 2009 (9 rounds, 32 players - including 8 GMs). After 7 rounds, GM Omar Almeida is the sole leader with 5,0 points. There are 8 players with 4,5 points.

The Cuban Championship Final will be a round robin tournament (10 players): 5 players from the Swiss Open and 5 seed players. News from Luiz Roberto Da Costa Junior. I'm not aware of any games being available but http://www.capablanca.co.cu may be the place.

News: http://www.periodico26.cu/deporte/enero2009/ahedrez120109.html

Official site: http://www.capablanca.co.cu

9) 5th IRT Merlo

The 5th IRT Merlo takes place 19th December 2008 - 7th January 2009.

Official site: http://www.ajedrezplus.com.ar/index.php

5th IRT Merlo (ARG), 19 xii 2008 - 7 i 2009
					1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0
1.	Barrionuevo, Pablo	f	ARG	2341	*	1	1	.	0	½	1	1	1	1	6½	2366
2.	Sapienza, Julian		ARG	2169	0	*	.	1	1	1	1	.	1	1	6	2438
3.	Tomeo, Nicolas		ARG	2043	0	.	*	½	½	1	1	1	1	1	6	2329
4.	Koch, Juan		ARG	2037	.	0	½	*	½	1	0	1	½	1	4½	2158
5.	De Picciotto, Marcelo		ARG	2070	1	0	½	½	*	.	1	0	0	1	4	2148
6.	Pagano, Marcelo		ARG	2049	½	0	0	0	.	*	½	1	1	1	4	2148
7.	Preuss, Maximiliano		ARG	2114	0	0	0	1	0	½	*	½	.	1	3	2036
8.	Menon, Daniel		ARG	2186	0	.	0	0	1	0	½	*	1	.	2½	2019
9.	Godoy, Carlos ARG		ARG	2199	0	0	0	½	1	0	.	0	*	1	2½	1982
10.	Tomeo, Ivan		ARG	2095	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.	0	*	0

10) 6th Mediterranean Championship

The 6th Mediterranean Championship takes place 11th-17th January 2009.

Official site: http://www.medchess.org

6th ch-Mediterranean Antalya (TUR), 11-17 i 2009
					1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1.	Gurevich, Mikhail	g	TUR	2624	+17	+24	+12	.	.	.	.	.	.	3
2.	Vocaturo, Daniele	m	ITA	2445	+32	+26	+4	.	.	.	.	.	.	3
3.	Gelashvili, Tamaz	g	GEO	2622	=18	+36	+6	.	.	.	.	.	.	2½	2500
4.	Aroshidze, Levan	g	GEO	2526	+25	+16	-2	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2493
5.	Mohr, Georg	g	SLO	2488	+20	=19	=10	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2433
6.	Georgiadis, Ioannis	m	GRE	2383	+28	+11	-3	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2444
7.	Haznedaroglu, Kivanc	m	TUR	2451	+30	=10	=13	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2461
8.	Odeev, Handszar	g	TKM	2408	+31	=13	=9	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2454
9.	Doric, Darko	m	CRO	2477	=27	+22	=8	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2370
10.	Vojinovic, Jovana	wm	MNE	2331	+35	=7	=5	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2438
11.	Wirig, Anthony	m	FRA	2464	+23	-6	+19	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2410
12.	Erdogdu, Mert	m	TUR	2460	+29	+21	-1	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2487
13.	Parligras, Mircea	g	ROU	2605	+37	=8	=7	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2498
14.	El Gindy, Essam	m	EGY	2526	=22	=27	+29	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2260
15.	Yeke, Serkan		TUR	2319	=36	=18	+30	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2249
16.	Hakki, Imad	m	SYR	2417	+40	-4	+27	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2320
17.	Plesec, Damjan	f	SLO	2317	-1	+38	+32	.	.	.	.	.	.	2	2347
18.	Mijovic, Stefan		MNE	2300	=3	=15	=24	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2456
19.	Atakisi, Umut	m	TUR	2393	+33	=5	-11	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2283
20.	Apaydin, Fethi		TUR	2200	-5	+33	=26	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2255
21.	Todorovic, Jovan	m	SRB	2384	+34	-12	=25	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2198
22.	Kose, Serkan		TUR	2201	=14	-9	+36	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2334
23.	Berke, Ana	wf	CRO	2081	-11	=28	+37	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2199
24.	Abdel Razik, Khaled	f	EGY	2429	+38	-1	=18	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2307
25.	Drljevic, Ljilja	wm	MNE	2244	-4	+40	=21	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2280
26.	Sedina, Elena	m	ITA	2380	+39	-2	=20	.	.	.	.	.	.	1½	2157
27.	Ersahin, Bulent		TUR	2127	=9	=14	-16	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2348
28.	Sanal, Vahap		TUR	1873	-6	=23	=31	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	1998
29.	Emiroglu, Cankut		TUR	2079	-12	+34	-14	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2167
30.	Richard, Emma		FRA	2073	-7	+35	-15	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2131
31.	Rechi Montes, Xavier		AND	1905	-8	=37	=28	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2056
32.	Yanik, Emine	wf	TUR	2046	-2	+39	-17	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2071
33.	Durmaz, Ayca Fatma		TUR	1897	-19	-20	+39	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2014
34.	Malokas, Nermina		BIH	1890	-21	-29	+40	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2006
35.	Aljelda,Fatema		SYR	----	-10	-30	+38	.	.	.	.	.	.	1	2008
36.	Aljelda,Khalid		SYR	----	=15	-3	-22	.	.	.	.	.	.	½	2107
37.	Makropoulou, Marina	wg	GRE	2262	-13	=31	-23	.	.	.	.	.	.	½	1924
38.	Lebel-Arias, Julia	wm	MNC	1997	-24	-17	-35	.	.	.	.	.	.	0
39.	Sammut, Ron		MLT	1826	-26	-32	-33	.	.	.	.	.	.	0
40.	Sitnic, Adnan		BIH	1932	-16	-25	-34	.	.	.	.	.	.	0

11) III Open Internacional d'Escacs

The III Open Internacional d'Escacs Illes Medes took place 28th December 2008 - 4th January 2009. Konstantin Maskak and Marc Narciso Dublan finished on 7/9. Rounds 1, 5, 7 and 9 are missing.

Official site: http://www.openillesmedes.com

Results: http://chess-results.com/tnr18305.aspx

III Open Internacional d'Escacs (ESP), 28-31 xii 2008 Final Round 9 Standings:
Rk.	Name		FED	Rtg	Pts.	TB1	TB2
1	Maslak Konstantin	GM	RUS	2544	7	41.5	51
2	Narciso Dublan Marc	GM	ESP	2511	7	39.5	48.5
3	Genov Petar	GM	BUL	2473	6	39.5	48.5
4	Ivanov Alexey	IM	RUS	2431	6	39	48
5	Alonso Rosell Alvar	FM	ESP	2416	6	38.5	45
6	Moskalenko Viktor	GM	UKR	2568	6	38	46v
7	Cuartas Medin Jaime Alexander	IM	COL	2489	5.5	42.5	50.5
8	Chatalbashev Boris	GM	BUL	2579	5.5	41	49.5
9	Fluvia Poyatos Joan	IM	ESP	2467	5.5	40.5	50
10	Vitoux Colomban	FM	FRA	2449	5.5	39.5	46.5
11	Djuric Stefan	GM	SRB	2463	5.5	39	47.5
12	Valle Luis E		CUB	2180	5.5	37	43
13	Schut Lisa		NED	2153	5.5	36	42
14	Fluvia Poyatos Jordi	IM	ESP	2455	5.5	35	42.5
15	Vehi Bach Victor Manuel	IM	ESP	2395	5	39	47
16	Hartikainen Markku	FM	FIN	2294	5	37.5	45
17	Lillo Castay Victor		ESP	2177	5	37.5	44.5
18	Sepman Yulius		RUS	2297	5	37.5	43.5
19	Vernay Clovis	IM	FRA	2341	5	37	45
20	Nikolaev Nikita	IM	RUS	2441	5	35.5	43.5
48 players

12) 11th Hotel Hilton Basle

The 11th Hotel Hilton Open took place in Basle, January 1st-4th 2009. Ivan Sokolov won on tie-break from Attila Czebe, Namig Guliyev, Andreas Heimann and Imre Hera Jr after all finished on 5/7.

Official site: http://www.beochess.ch

11th Hilton Open 2009 Basle (SUI), 1-4 i 2009 Leading Final Round 7 Standings:
Rang	Player	Ti	Rating	NAT	Pts	Buchh	BuSumm
1	Sokolov,Andrei	GM	2585	FRA	5	27	154
2	Czebe,Attila	GM	2468	HUN	5	26.5	154
3	Guliyev,Namig	GM	2523	AZE	5	25.5	157
4	Heimann,Andreas		2428	GER	5	25	154
5	Hera,Imre Jr.	GM	2530	HUN	5	23.5	156
6	Filipovic,Branko	IM	2426	CRO	4.5	26.5	147
7	Loetscher,Roland	FM	2366	SUI	4.5	26	147.5
8	Prohaszka,Peter	IM	2502	HUN	4.5	25.5	152.5
9	Varga,Zoltan	GM	2494	HUN	4.5	25	153
10	Rukavina,Josip	IM	2429	CRO	4.5	24.5	144.5
11	Hug,Marcel		2307	SUI	4.5	22.5	147
12	Vrhovnik,Damir		1966	CRO	4.5	21	141.5
13	Bukal,Vladimir Jr	IM	2380	CRO	4	29	151
14	Lutz,Bernhard		2239	GER	4	24.5	147.5
15	Jäggi,Dorian		2220		4	22	146.5
16	Martsynovskaya,Ma	WIM	2223	FRA	4	20.5	132
17	Milosevic,Goran	IM	2405	SUI	3.5	27	140.5
18	Vulevic,Vjekoslav	FM	2387	SUI	3.5	26.5	148.5
19	Haener,Philip		2182	SUI	3.5	22.5	130.5
20	Aumann,Welf		2347	GER	3.5	22	134
21	Zenkic,Mensur		2056	SUI	3.5	18.5	127
22	Melkumjanc,Nikola	FM	2288	GER	3	24	137.5
38 players

13) XX Abierto Internacional de Roquetas de Mar

The XX Abierto Internacional de Roquetas de Mar took place 2nd-6th January 2009. Marcelo Panelo won with 7.5/9.

Coverage: http://www.aulajedrez.com/directo/2009/roquetas/, http://festivaldeajedrez.blogspot.com/ and results: http://chess-results.com/tnr18254.aspx

XX Abierto Internacional de Roquetas de Mar (ESP), 2-6 i 2009 Final Round 9 Standings:
Rk.	Name	Ti	FED	Pts.	TB1	TB2	TB3	Rp
1	PANELO Marcelo	IM	ARG	7.5	1	44	2624	2624
2	PERALTA Fernando	GM	ARG	7	1	42.5	2566	2566
3	IBARRA JEREZ Jose Carlos	IM	ESP	7	1	42	2489	2489
4	SUBA Mihai	GM	ROU	7	1	41.5	2477	2477
5	DEL REY Diego	FM	ESP	7	1	39.5	2419	2419
6	CRUZ Cristhian	IM	PER	6.5	1	42.5	2454	2454
7	PEREZ MITJANS Orelvis	FM	CUB	6.5	1	42	2432	2432
8	CAMACHO COLLADOS Jose	FM	ESP	6.5	1	40	2418	2418
9	CAMPORA SIVORI Daniel H	GM	ARG	6.5	1	37.5	2367	2367
10	MOGRANZINI Roberto	IM	ITA	6	1	43.5	2429	2429
11	FERNANDEZ BARRERA Victor	FM	ESP	6	1	42	2416	2416
12	FERNANDEZ SILES Luis	FM	ESP	6	1	41.5	2321	2321
13	FIERRO BAQUERO Martha L	IM	ECU	6	1	40	2346	2346
14	RIZOUK Aimen	GM	ALG	6	1	39.5	2377	2377
15	VIDARTE MORALES Arturo	IM	ESP	6	1	39.5	2373	2373
16	FENOLLAR JORDA Manuel	FM	ESP	6	1	39.5	2368	2368
17	GARCIA ALBARRACIN Francisco D	FM	ESP	6	1	39.5	2301	2301
18	DOLEZAL Cristian	IM	ARG	6	1	38	2313	2313
19	MATNADZE Ana	IM	GEO	6	1	37	2335	2335
20	PARDO SIMON David		ESP	6	1	36	2212	2212
21	HERRAIZ HIDALGO Herminio	IM	ESP	6	2	43.5	2460	2460
22	GRANERO ROCA Antonio	IM	ESP	6	2	42	2420	2420
23	KOVACEVIC Slobodan	IM	SRB	5.5	1	39.5	2298	2298
100 players

14) 14th Bosnjaci Open

The 14th Bosnjaci Open took place 3rd-9th January 2009. Misa Pap took first place on tie-break from Ante Brkic, Ante Saric and Marko Tratar after all scored 7/9.

Official site: http://www.crochess.com/turniri/bosnjaci/09/index.shtm

14th Open Bosnjaci (CRO), 3-9 i 2009 Final Round 9 Standings:
Pl	Name	Ti	FED	IRtg	Bod	BH.	BH.	pobj
1	Pap Misa	IM	SRB	2469	7	52	55.5	6
2	Brkic Ante	GM	CRO	2550	7	49	53.5	5
3	Saric Ante	GM	CRO	2514	7	48	52.5	5
4	Tratar Marko	GM	SLO	2497	7	45.5	49.5	6
5	Kuljasevic Davorin	IM	CRO	2527	6.5	48.5	52	5
6	Martinovic Sasa	IM	CRO	2427	6.5	47.5	52	5
7	Bogut Zeljko	IM	BIH	2459	6.5	47.5	51	5
8	Lalic Bogdan	GM	CRO	2538	6.5	45.5	49	4
9	Zivanic Marko	IM	SRB	2463	6.5	44	48.5	6
10	Armanda Ivica	IM	CRO	2326	6.5	44	48	5
11	Bobanac Miro	FM	CRO	2276	6	48	53	4
12	Rosic Slavko S	FM	BIH	2230	6	46.5	51	5
13	Zivkovic Vjekoslav	IM	CRO	2419	6	44	47.5	3
14	Tomic Bosko	FM	BIH	2384	6	43	47	4
15	Kiewra Keaton F	FM	USA	2364	6	42.5	46	5
16	Budimir Boris	FM	BIH	2353	6	42.5	46	3
17	Sargac Rajna	WIM	CRO	2198	6	42	44.5	5
18	Stocko Josip	MK	CRO	2110	6	41	44	5
19	Petrina Tomislav	MK	CRO	2097	6	40.5	42.5	6
20	Vajic Goran		BIH	2079	6	39.5	41.5	6
21	Pandurevic Miro	MK	CRO	2253	6	37.5	41	6
22	Kljako Damir	FM	CRO	2159	6	37.5	41	4
23	Ivekovic Zvonimir	MK	CRO	2266	5.5	50.5	55.5	4
24	Kristovic Marijan	FM	CRO	2330	5.5	47.5	51.5	4
25	Dabo-Peranic Robert	FM	CRO	2318	5.5	46.5	50	5
26	Kruskic Mirsad		BIH	2242	5.5	44.5	49	4
27	Kadric Denis		BIH	1982	5.5	44	47.5	5
28	Kruljac Petra	NM	CRO	2052	5.5	43.5	46	3
29	Zovko Mario	MK	CRO	2161	5.5	42	46	3
30	Baturina Andrija		CRO	2049	5.5	40.5	42	3
31	Solic Kristina	WIM	CRO	2204	5.5	40	43.5	5
32	Purgar Ivona	NM	CRO	2088	5.5	39.5	43	5
112 players

15) Paul Keres Memorial Rapid

The 19th International Rapid Chess Tournament of Paul Keres Memorial, took place in Tallinn 9th-11th January 2009. Alexey Dreev and Vasily Yemelin finished with 5/7 in the main men's section. No indication as to whether tie-breaks were used.

Website: http://www.maleliit.ee/tabelid/2009/keres/. There's a pdf file with regulations on this link http://www.maleliit.ee/download/2009/kereseng.pdf

Paul Keres Mem Men Tallinn (EST), 10-11 i 2009											cat. X (2485)
					1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
1.	Dreev, Alexey	g	RUS	2688	*	½	½	1	1	½	½	1	5	2614
2.	Yemelin, Vasily	g	RUS	2578	½	*	½	½	½	1	1	1	5	2630
3.	Sveshnikov, Evgeny	g	LAT	2535	½	½	*	½	1	½	1	½	4½	2580
4.	Lugovoi, Aleksei	g	RUS	2531	0	½	½	*	½	1	½	1	4	2528
5.	Rausis, Igor	g	CZE	2501	0	½	0	½	*	½	1	1	3½	2483
6.	Volodin, Aleksandr	m	EST	2401	½	0	½	0	½	*	½	1	3	2447
7.	Sepp, Olav	m	EST	2457	½	0	0	½	0	½	*	½	2	2331
8.	Sharankov, Grigory		RUS	2192	0	0	½	0	0	0	½	*	1	2218

Paul Keres Mem Women Tallinn (EST), 10-11 i 2009
					1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
1.	Paehtz, Elisabeth	m	GER	2455	*	½	1	½	1	1	1	1	6	2361
2.	Bashkite, Viktoria	wm	EST	2160	½	*	½	1	½	1	1	1	5½	2324
3.	Tsiganova, Monika	wm	EST	2189	0	½	*	½	1	1	1	1	5	2248
4.	Skinke, Katrina		LAT	2211	½	0	½	*	1	½	½	1	4	2137
5.	Narva, Triin		EST	1835	0	½	0	0	*	0	1	1	2½	2039
6.	Fomina, Tatyana	wm	EST	2233	0	0	0	½	1	*	0	1	2½	1982
7.	Kozjukova, Olga		LAT	2045	0	0	0	½	0	1	*	1	2½	2009
8.	Airapetjan, Jana		EST	1694	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	*	0

Paul Keres Mem Prelim Tallinn (EST), 9-10 i 2009
Rk.		Name	FED	Rtg	Pts.	TB1	TB2
1	GM	Yemelin Vasily	RUS	2578	5,0	23,0	0,0
2	GM	Rausis Igor	CZE	2501	5,0	21,0	0,0
3	WGM	Paehtz Elisabeth	GER	2455	5,0	20,5	0,0
4	IM	Sepp Olav	EST	2473	5,0	20,5	0,0
5	GM	Sveshnikov Evgeny	LAT	2535	5,0	20,0	0,0
6	GM	Lugovoi Aleksei	RUS	2531	5,0	20,0	0,0
7		Sharankov Grigory	RUS	2192	5,0	18,5	0,0
8	GM	Barsov Alexei	UZB	2505	4,5	22,0	0,0
9	IM	Smirnov Artem	RUS	2449	4,5	16,5	0,0
10	IM	Volodin Aleksander	EST	2397	4,0	17,0	0,0
11	FM	Vovk Ilja	EST	2393	4,0	15,5	0,0
12		Korstin Maris	EST	2219	4,0	15,0	0,0
13		Valgmae Toomas	EST	2287	4,0	13,5	0,0
14		Kunitson Nikolai	EST	2388	3,5	18,5	0,0
15		Valner Uku	EST	2321	3,5	13,5	0,0
16	FM	Sveshnikov Vladimir	LAT	2397	3,5	13,5	0,0
17	FM	Ristoja Jan	FIN	2288	3,5	13,5	0,0
18		Koop Vjatdeslav	EST	2213	3,5	12,5	0,0
19		Niemi Mikko	FIN	2214	3,5	12,5	0,0
20	GM	Dvorjov Igor	EST	2423	3,0	15,5	0,0
32 players

16) 2nd Queenstown Chess Classic 2009

Queenstown Chess Classic takes place in Queenstown, South Island of New Zealand 15th-24th January 2009.

This will be the second such event, the first was held in Jan 2006.

The Tournament promoter is GM Murray Chandler. Over $50,000 (NZ) is being offered in prizes with additional prizes in the Rapid and Blitz events being held on January 25th-26th 2009.

Official site: http://www.queenstownchess.com

17) Prague Open

The 8th Prague International Chess Festival takes place 9th-16th January 2009 in the capital of the Czech Republic. 116 player field headed by Viesturs Meijers and Amon Simutowe.

Official site: http://www.czechtour.net/prague-open/.

18) Jose Marca Memorial

The III Open Internacional ITT Jose Marca Memorial takes place in 10th-18th Lima January 2009. Grandmasters Sergey Tiviakov, Julio Granda, Bartolomiej Macieja and Emilo Cordova compete. I couldn't find any games.

Official site: http://www.peruchess.org

19) Forthcoming Events and Links

Marienbad Open

8th International Chess Festival MARIENBAD OPEN 2009 takes place 17th-25th January 2009 in Marienbad (the second biggest spa town in the Czech Republic). Within the frame of the festival there will be 1 closed GM tournament, 2 closed IM tournaments, FIDE open, active chess and blitz tournament. Regulatios should be found on http://www.czechtour.net/marienbad-open/).

The Czech tourn: http://www.czechtour.net/news/

Tancats de la Societat Coral

The Tancats de la Societat Coral Colon Grup GM takes place 23rd January - 20th March 2009.

Official site: http://chess-results.com/tnr18677.aspx?datatyp=&art=14&lan=1

Pula Open 2009

The 23rd International Chess Tournament "Pula Open 2009" takes place 27th June - 4th July 2009 in Pula, Croatia. Official site: http://www.skpula.hr and contact e-mail: pulaopen@globalnet.hr.

Aeroflot Open 2009

The mega Aeroflot Open takes place in Moscow 16th February (the day of arrival) to 27th February 2009 (the day of departure). There are five tournaments the main ones being: A1 higher than 2549 70000 Euros, A2 higher than 2399, but lower than 2550 36000 Euros, B higher than 2199, but lower than 2400 19500 Euros and C lower than 2200 and unrated 12000 Euros. Time control: Tournament A 1 and A 2: 40 moves in 2 hours, then 20 moves in 1 hour, finally 15 minutes for the remaining moves with an increment of 30 seconds per move in the last period. Tournament B and C: 90 minutes for the whole game with an increment of 30 seconds per move from move 1.

Blitz Tournament 26 Feb. 2009 a double nine-round Swiss Blitz Tournament will be held in the same venue. It is a Qualification Tournament for the World Blitz Championship 2009 (Final). The final tournament will take place in Moscow from 15 to 17 Nov.2009.

Information e-mail: aeroflotchess@gmail.com tel/fax: +7 (495) 691-8578 tel.: +7 (495) 690-6084

Details at the official site: http://www.aeroflotchess.com/

Novi Sad Open

1) Open turnir , 10-11 jan. 2009 , Srpska Nova g. u N. Sadu , 5 kola , rejtinguje se !!, fide tempo http://www.drazic.co.rs

2) IM , berger, 10-18.jan.2009. , 10 rounds, fide tempo, Novi SAd, for elo and norms fide, http://www.drazic.co.rs

3) Open turnir , 16-18 jan.2009, Novi Sad "Zima u Novom Sadu", 5 kola , rejtinguje se !!, fide tempo http://www.drazic.co.rs

4) cuger turnir , Olimpik, 12. jan.2009, Novi Sad, start 20 h , http://www.drazic.co.rs

5) program of chess edukation, every day from 12-15 jan. 2009 chess lessons with varius GM and Im (available in 3 languages),,,, some of teachers GM Kosanovic G. , GM SEdlak Nikola, GM Kovacevic A , GM DRazic Sinisa etc...

6) Open t. , "Dunav-Drava -Sava" , Banja Junakovic(87km from N.Sad), 9 rounds, fide tempo, possible norms fide and elo, date - 21-25.01.2009., special package , only 130 eur, 4 days full board with available swiming pool, and include also entry fee !! more http://www.drazic.co.rs Special discount for people who take part in more than one events.

Luis Scalise

Luis Scalise's chess pages have moved to: http://scalise.fortunecity.com/

7th Nancy Chess Festival

The 7th International Chess Festival takes place in Nancy (France) 16th-22nd February 2009. It will be a category 13 with average elo over 2550 (with january-elo). With the indian number 3 Pentala Harikrishna, the french number 5 Christian Bauer, the young hope of Germany Georg Meier, and the numbers 2 and 3 under-20 in France : Edouard and Feller (born in 1990 and 1991)...

Players: GM Harikrishna, P 2659 India GM Tregubov, Pavel 2646 Russia GM Krasenkow, Michal 2624 Poland GM Bauer, Christian 2592 France GM Meier, Georg 2558 Germany IM Edouard, Romain 2531 France GM Feller, Sebastien 2526 France IM Gozzoli, Yannick 2503 France IM Brunner, Nicolas 2415 France IM Nezar, Mustapha 2399 France

The all Festival includes 14 closed tournaments (10 players each) for all levels of players. Web (in french and english) : http://echecs54.free.fr/

Grand Slam Masters Final

The 2nd edition of the Grand Slam Masters Final will be played in Bilbao, September 2-15th 2009. The winners of Corus-Wijk aan Zee, Ciudad de Linares and Mtel Masters-Sofia tournaments will qualify directly for the Masters Final in Bilbao, where the first edition (played at a central square, inside a glass cube) was a very big success last September.

More details on the 2009 tournament (number of players, system of play, etc) will be announced at the end of the Corus tournament in Wijk aan Zee. The Grand Slam is in negotiations to include one more high level tournament in the 2009 circuit.

Grand Slam Chess Association (GSCA)

Dresden, 23 November 2008

The 7th edition of Gibraltar's Gibtelecom Chess Festival takes place from Tuesday 27 January to Thursday 5 February 2009 at the Caleta Hotel. Details: http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/gib2009/index.html

Austrian Team Championship

The Austrian team championship started in St Veit 7th-9th November 2008, the 11 round competition has further rounds 22nd-25th January and 19th-22nd March 2009. Players in the first three rounds included: Sergei Movsesian, Hikaru Nakamura, Emil Sutovsky, Jan Gustafsson and Alexander Beliavsky.

Official site: http://www.chess.at/ and results: http://www.chess-results.com/tnr12353.aspx?art=2&lan=1&m=-1

Chess Study

Dr Robert Howard is making a study of rated chess players.

The full article: http://education.arts.unsw.edu.au/fidestudy/results

If you would like to participate, please go to this website: http://education.arts.unsw.edu.au/fidestudy/

For any queries, please contact Dr Robert Howard, University of New South Wales, on rwh@unsw.edu.au

4NCL

The 4NCL takes place 4th October 2008 - 4th May 2009. Rounds 3-4 took place 6th-7th December 2008 in the Barcelo Hotel, Hinckley Island. Next round 17th-18th January 2009.

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

Fixtures 2008-9

Rounds 1 and 2: 4th/5th October 2008 De Vere Venues, Sunningdale Divisions 1-2

Rounds 3-4: 6th/7th December 2008 Barcelo Hotel, Hinckley Island Divisions 1-3

Rounds 5-6: 17th/18th January 2009 De Vere Venues, Sunningdale Divisions 1-2

Rounds 7-8: 21st/22nd March 2009 Barcelo Hotel, Hinckley Island Divisions 1-3

Rounds 9-11: 2nd-4th May 2009 De Vere Venues, Staverton Park Divisions 1-2

Bundesliga

The Schachbundesliga season 2008/09 runs 3rd-5th October and runs until March 2009. 16 Teams compete with team rosters of 16-18 players but only eight play each weekend. There will be live coverage of all the games.

Dates: 4th-5th October 2008 25th-26th October 2008 29th-30th November 2008 12th-14th December 2008 (Here the official seventh round will be played. Although some will be played at other times) 31st January 2008 - 1st February 2009. 28th February - 1st March 2009. 28th-29th March 2009.

Official site of the Schachbundesliga (http://www.schachbundesliga.de/index.aspx) Further information (in German) and the entrance site for the live coverage: http://www.schachbundesliga.de/index.aspx

European Youth U-16 winners Texas Scholarships

The University of Texas at Dallas (USA) has offered scholarships to the winners of the U-16 European Youth Chess Championships since 2007. The agreement with the European Chess Union has been extended for another three years. The total value of the scholarships during this five-year period will be approximately 1 million USD, said James A. Stallings, Director of the UTD chess program.

Interview on the ECU website: http://www.europechess.org/home518.aspx?art=ft

27th Elba Island Festival

The 27th International Chess Festival of Elba Island "Luigi Amalfi", takes place at the Hotel Lacona 10th-17th May 2009.

Details: http://www.tuscanhotels.it/en/cmsx.asp?IDPg=23

25th Bermuda Open

The 25th Bermuda Open takes place 30th January - 1st February 2008 at the luxurious Fairmont Southampton Resort on the South Shore with private tennis courts, golf course, beach, walking trails, ferry into Hamilton for duty-free shopping 5 round Swiss. Register & pay on site. For info contact Nigel Freeman at cadilly@northrock.bm or Carol Jarecki at carolj10280@yahoo.com

Icelandic Team Championship

Icelandic Team Champ 1st div first half took place 3rd-5th October 2008. The 2nd set of games are March 21st-22nd March 2009 if I understand the website correctly. A small number of games are available.

Official site: http://www.skaksamband.is/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=5982&Itemid=499# and results: http://chess-results.com/tnr16443.aspx?tnr=16443&art=16&lan=2&flag=30&m=-1

Doeberl Cup and Sydney International 2009

The 2009 Doeberl Cup is in Canberra 9th-13th April 2009. See http://www.doeberlcup.com.au/

The 2009 Sydney International Open takes place 15th-19th April 2009. See http://www.chessaustralia.com.au/index.cfm?site=open

Free entry to GMs, IMs, WGMs and WIMs.

Free accommodation for selected GMs and WGMs.

For further information, please contact Brian Jones info@chessaustralia.com.au

Czech Litomysl Chess Christmas

Czech Chess Christmas 2008 Litomysl (CZE) 26.12.2008-2.1.2009

10th christmas chess FIDE tournament, swiss system of 9 round, rate of game 2 x 1,5h + 30s/move, prize fund 64.000 CZK (1st prize 20.000 CZK = 750 EUR), 10 financial prizes redeemable by drawings, special conditions for IM, WGM and GM, New Year’s Eve programme.

Contact: Proclient s.r.o., Jaroslav Fuksik, Svedska 3, 772 00 Olomouc, mobile: +420 608 364 664, e-mail: a64@proclient.cz, web: http://www.a64.cz/tournaments/litomysl2008/

So - Torre Match 2009

14-year-old Wesley So and 56-year-old Eugene Torre play a 12 game match starting February 10, 2009 at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City. Two games each will be played in Quezon City, Davao and Iloilo, and if the match remains undecided, the protagonists will return to Quezon City and finish the match. A knockout game will be played if the duel ends up 6-6. The winner will take home P600,000 while the loser will earn P400,000.Another P100,000 goes to the winner of each provincial leg while the loser will get P50,000.

VI Transcarpathian Rapidtournament Chess Decyk

VI Transcarpathian Rapidtournament "Chess Decyk" Ukraine, Uzhgorod, 28-29.08.2008

Organizers of tournament: Chess Federation of Uzhgorod Organizational committee: B. Borshosh, A. Samoylenko, V. Prokopishin Place: Ukraine, Uzhgorod, Pub-museum "Deca u notaria", Gagarin street, 98 Also Traditional Beer blitz-tournament will take place in Pub-museum "Deca u notaria"! Phone: +380503723900, +380503179153, (+3803122) 2-25-87 E-mail: chessfeduzh@rambler.ru Details: http://www.chessfeduzh.narod.ru

Hungarian Chess Tournaments July 2008 - March 2009

1. 19th-28th of July 2008 KECSKEMET, IM-FM Berger tmt, org: Dr.Erdelyi, Tamas, e-mail: postmaster@caissa.t-online.hu Website: http://www.caissachessbooks.hu Usually also in the second half of the month IM tmt-s in Kecskemet. 100 km South-East from Budapest.

2. 2nd-14th of August, FIRST SATURDAY Budapest GM-IM-FM, GM-IM-FM round robins (BERGER), 9-13 games, GM-IM norm possibilities in Budapest, venue: Hungarian Chess Federation, Falk Miksa Str.10. 2nd floor. Organisation: Nagy Laszlo, FIDE International Chess Organizer /NL/, E-mail: firstsat@hu.inter.net Website: http://www.firstsaturday.hu Phone-fax: +(361)-2632859, cellphone: +(36)-30-230-1914. From 12:00 a.m. until midnight - Central European Time = GMT+1.

3.16th-25th of August, IM-FM tmt, Kecskemet, org: Erdelyi

4.6th-18th of September GM-IM-FM First Saturday Budapest, org Nagy L,

5.20th -29th September IM-FM tmt Kecskemet, org Erdelyi

6.4th-16th of October, GM-IM-FM tmt, First Saturday Budapest, org.Nagy L.

7.18th-30th of October, SAKKAKADEMIA, GM-IM closed, org: WGM Csonkics, Tunde, info: firstsat@hu.inter.net

8.18th-27th of October IM-FM tmt Kecskemet, org Erdelyi.

9.1st-13th of November GM-IM-FM First Saturday Budapest, org Nagy L.

10. 15th-23rd of November, Kecskemet, IM dr.Erdelyi.

11.14th-22nd of November Tenkes Kupa Open, Harkany, 300 km South-West from Budapest, 9 round Swiss, org: Ambrus Lajos, mobile: 36-30-851-4224 e-mail: info@baranyasakk.hu www.baranyasakk.hu

12.6th-18th of December GM-IM-FM tmt, First Saturday Budapest, org Nagy L.

13.27th of Dec - 5th of January IM-FM tmt Kecskemet, org: Erdelyi.

14.9th-17th of January, EVADNYITO Open 9 rounds Swiss, Budapest, org: IA FAZEKAS, info: firstsat@hu.inter.net

15.23rd of January - 2nd of February, BALASSAGYARMAT WINTER, GM-IM closed, 100 km North from Budapest, Org: Nagy Laszlo, info: firstsat@hu.inter.net

16.7th-19th of February, FIRST SATURDAY GM-IM-FM Budapest - org: Nagy Laszlo, www.firstsaturday.hu - info: firstsat@hu.inter.net

17.7th-19th of March, First Saturday, Budapest, GM-IM-FM, org Nagy L.

18.20th-28th of March, 25th BUDAPEST SPRING FESTIVAL 9 rounds Swiss Open, org: Nagy L. - e-mail: firstsat@hu.inter.net

GM Boris Alterman's Chess Lessons

GM Boris Alterman has a blog with free chess lessons on it.

Website: http://chesslessons.wordpress.com/

FIDE Grand Prix Events

The line ups for the FIDE Grand Prix events have been announced. The top four players in the world, along with players such as Morozevich and Shirov are missing. It seems that in the case of Kramnik and Topalov that they believe that the event doesn't have big enough prize money (according to quotes in Chess Today). All this was more or less known beforehand. However the players who have signed up make this a very attractive and interesting series of events. The grand prix is organised by Global Chess which is headed by Bessel Kok.

Details: http://www.fide.com/news.asp?id=1607

FIDE Grand Prix 2008-9
Surname	First Name	NAT	Elo	1	2	3	4	5	6	Ck	08	Criteria	WRk
Svidler	Peter	RUS	2763	2763	2763		2763		2763	4	2	Pres Nom	5
Mamedyarov	Shakhriyar	AZE	2760	2760		2760	2760		2760	4	2	Rating	6
Leko	Peter	HUN	2753			2753	2753	2753	2753	4	1	Rating	8
Ivanchuk	Vassily	UKR	2751		2751		2751	2751	2751	4	1	Rating	9
Aronian	Levon	ARM	2739		2739		2739	2739	2739	4	1	Rating	10
Gelfand	Boris	ISR	2737		2737		2737	2737	2737	4	1	Rating	11
Radjabov	Teimour	AZE	2735	2735	2735	2735	2735			4	3	Rating	12
Carlsen	Magnus	NOR	2733	2733		2733	2733		2733	4	2	Wcup	13
Karjakin	Sergey	UKR	2732	2732	2732		2732	2732		4	2	Wcup	14
Adams	Michael	ENG	2726	2726		2726		2726	2726	4	2	Reserve	16
Kamsky	Gata	USA	2726	2726	2726		2726	2726		4	2	Matches	15
Jakovenko	Dmitry	RUS	2720		2720	2720		2720	2720	4	2	Hcity	17
Cheparinov	Ivan	BUL	2713	2713	2713	2713			2713	4	3	Pres Nom	19
Grischuk	Alexander	RUS	2711	2711	2711	2711	2711			4	3	Reserve	21
Bacrot	Etienne	FRA	2700	2700		2700	2700	2700		4	2	Pres Nom	22
Wang	Yue	CHN	2698	2698	2698	2698		2698		4	3	Pres Nom	25
Inarkiev	Ernesto	RUS	2681	2681		2681		2681	2681	4	2	Hcity	34
Navara	David	CZE	2680	2680	2680			2680	2680	4	2	Hcity	37
Gashimov	Vugar	AZE	2665	2665	2665	2665		2665		4	3	Hcity	48
Pelletier	Yannick	SWZ	2600			2600	2600	2600	2600	4	1	Hcity	165
Al Modiahki	Mohamad	QTR	2569		2569	2569	2569		2569	4	2	Hcity	274
AVERAGE RATING				2715.9	2709.9	2697.4	2714.9	2707.7	2708.9
Player Count	21		2709.1	14	14	14	14	14	14	84	42

Event 1 April 20th - May 6th 2008, Baku, Azerbaijan
Event 2 July 30th - August 15th 2008, Sochi, Russia
Event 3 December 13th - 29th, 2008, Elista, Russia (Doha, Qatar withdrew)
Event 4 April 14th - 28th, 2009, Montreux, Switzerland
Event 5 August 8th - 24th, 2009, Elista, Russia
Event 6 December 7th - 23rd, 2009, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Grand Prix 2008-9 Prizes Each Event
Place	EUR	Points
1	30,000	140 + 40 bonus
2	22,500	130 + 20
3	20,000	120 + 10
4	15,000	110
5	12,500	100
6	11,000	90
7	10,000	80
8	8,500	70
9	7,500	60
10	6,000	50
11	5,500	40
12	5,000	30
13	4,500	20
14	4,000	10

Grand Prix 2008-9 Prizes for Final Standings (Best three events)
Pl	Prize (Euros)
1st	75,000
2nd	50,000
3rd	40,000
4th	30,000
5th	25,000
6th	20,000
7th	18,000
8th	16,000
9th	14,000
10th	12,000

Etienne Bacrot's Website

Etienne Bacrot has a website at: http://www.chess22.fr/ with his analysis and news. Very worth while, especially when he's playing.

ICC and FICS client for mobile phones

Mats Luthman has written a program that connects to ICC and FICS, compatable with many modern mobile phones. I've been looking for something like this for a while for watching live tournaments if I'm out and about. Its a nice free solution, you can also play but I haven't tried that.

Website: http://www.luthman.nu/Mobi/Mobi.html