The Week in Chess 371

THE WEEK IN CHESS 371 17th December 2001 by Mark Crowther

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1) Introduction

My thanks to Eugeny Atarov, Laszlo Nagy, Miklos Orso and Andres Bacsi, Aard Daanen, Radu-Catalin Chirila, Koos Stolk, Cristian Ionescu, Mirjana Medic, Lubomir Ftacnik, Tom Hendricks, Colin Crouch, Marc Shaw, Leonard Barden, Lewis Ncube and all those who helped with this issue.

The finals of the FIDE World Chess Championships will be between two Ukrainians, 32 year old Vassily Ivanchuk and 18 year old Ruslan Ponomariov. It will be a match of contrasts. I personally was not too surprised that Ponomariov reached the final. He has been improving year by year since he became the youngest GM at the age of 14. This year he has kicked on to another level again and is obviously heading for a top ten rating. Its only a question of whether he can go higher than that. He has been impressively prepared and calm throughout the championships and obviously can win it. The other finalists is more of a shock. In the early 1990s Ivanchuk seemed certain to go on to challenge for the World Championship but it proved not to be. In fact he suffered a number of excruciating losses. In 1991 he played Artur Jussupow he led for most of the match before losing the final game which took the match to a playoff where Jussupow played an inspired first game to knock him out. His first appearance in the FIDE knockout Championships in 1997 saw him defeated in his first round by Yasser Seirawan, who beat him in the first game in only 22 moves. In 1999 he did better progressing to the third round before going out to LD Nisipeanu Ivanchuk lost the decisive second blitz game losing in just 14 moves. In 2000 he went out to Ehlvest in the first round he played again blundering horribly in the rapid playoffs. In Moscow however he showed a much tougher face. Perhaps his reverse against Macieja in the second round did him good. He won the first game but lost the second but then proceeded to win the playoffs 2-0 in good style. Perhaps this gave him confidence. He had regulation wins against Sutovsky and Ye Jiangchuan (win with white, draw with black) before edging out the in form Joel Lautier in the blitz in the following round. Then he reached the final by beating Anand pushing for a win in the final game when many might have steered for a draw. If he doesn't get an attack of nerves Ivanchuk may well win the final many thought he would never reach.

Hope you enjoy this issue.

Mark

2) FIDE World Chess Championships

The first part of the FIDE Championships took place in Moscow November 25th - December 14th 2001 in the Kremlin. This event produced the women's World Champion Zhu Chen and the men's finalists Vassily Ivanchuk and Ruslan Ponomariov. That eight game final takes place in the Hall of Columns January 16th-26th 2002.

The Women's World Championship finals between Alexandra Kosteniuk of Russia and Zhu Chen of China was a fluctuating event which finished 2-2 after four standard time rate games. In the rapids Zhu Chen won 3-1. The amazing thing about this final was that every single game was decisive. The men's semi-finals were settle by just one win in each. Ruslan Ponomariov beat Peter Svidler in game three of their match and held a comfortable draw with white to go through. The other semi-final was between defending champion Viswanathan Anand and mercurial genius Vassily Ivanchuk. Anand had white in the final game and so had a small advantage. However he played only solidly and Ivanchuk gradually took the initiative winning a fine positional game to go through to the final.

The official site will be: http://wcc2001.fide.com

6th Round (Semi-Finals)

1 Ivanchuk, Vassily      g UKR 2731 * -   Anand, Viswanathan     g IND 2797 1/2 1/2 1/2 1-0
2 Svidler, Peter         g RUS 2695   - * Ponomariov, Ruslan     g UKR 2684 1/2 1/2 0-1 1/2

Women's Final 

1 Kosteniuk, Alexandra      RUS 2445  - * Zhu Chen                 CHN 2497 1-0 0-1 0-1 1-0 
Playoffs 3-1 in the rapids.

3) First Saturday December

There were three main FS events took place 1st-14th December 2001. My thanks to Laszlo Nagy, Miklos Orso and Andres Bacsi for the information. Norms: GM-A cat X : Ferenc Berkes HUN GM-norm, 9/13 games Tejas Bakre IND GM-norm 8.5/12 games, GM-B cat VII : Csaba Balogh HUN IM norm 7.5/13 games IM-B Cat II / X (Women) Tian Tian CHN WGM-norm 6/9.

Internet coverage: http://w3.enternet.hu/vlagyus/fs1201.htm

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FSGMA December Budapest HUN (HUN), 1-13 xii 2001                cat. X (2478)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Bakre, Tejas          m IND 2446  * = = 1 1 = 0 = 1 = 1 1 1 1  9.5  2655 
 2. Berkes, Ferenc        m HUN 2541  = * = = = = 1 1 1 = = = 1 1  9.0  2614 
 3. Ilincic, Zlatko       g YUG 2521  = = * 0 0 = 1 1 1 1 = 0 1 1  8.0  2561 
 4. Koneru, Humpy        wg IND 2484  0 = 1 * 0 = = 1 0 = 1 = 1 1  7.5  2534 
 5. Czebe, Attila         m HUN 2491  0 = 1 1 * = = 0 = 0 = = 1 =  6.5  2477 
 6. Horvath, Jozsef       g HUN 2551  = = = = = * = 0 = = = = = 1  6.5  2472 
 7. Paschall, William M   m USA 2393  1 0 0 = = = * = 0 1 = 1 = =  6.5  2484 
 8. Cao, Sang             m HUN 2507  = 0 0 0 1 1 = * = 1 = = = =  6.5  2476 
 9. Antal, Gergely        m HUN 2426  0 0 0 1 = = 1 = * 0 = 1 = 1  6.5  2482 
10. Felgaer, Ruben        m ARG 2467  = = 0 = 1 = 0 0 1 * 0 1 = =  6.0  2450 
11. Varga, Zoltan         g HUN 2506  0 = = 0 = = = = = 1 * = = =  6.0  2447 
12. Schenk, Andreas         GER 2443  0 = 1 = = = 0 = 0 0 = * 0 1  5.0  2393 
13. Horvath, Adam         m HUN 2490  0 0 0 0 0 = = = = = = 1 * 0  4.0  2336 
14. Bokros, Albert        m HUN 2429  0 0 0 0 = 0 = = 0 = = 0 1 *  3.5  2307 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FSGMB December Budapest HUN (HUN), 1-13 xii 2001                 cat. VII (2411)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Vajda, Levente          g ROM 2489  * = 1 = 1 = = 1 1 = = 1 1 1 10.0  2616 
 2. Grivas, Efstratios      g GRE 2489  = * 0 1 = = 1 = = = = 1 = 1  8.0  2492 
 3. Horvath, Peter1         m HUN 2441  0 1 * = 0 1 = = 1 1 1 = 0 1  8.0  2495 
 4. Nyback, Tomi            m FIN 2430  = 0 = * = = 1 0 = = 1 1 1 1  8.0  2496 
 5. Szeberenyi, Adam        m HUN 2365  0 = 1 = * = 0 = = 1 1 = 1 1  8.0  2501 
 6. Balogh, Csaba           f HUN 2367  = = 0 = = * = = = = 1 = 1 1  7.5  2471 
 7. Vajda, Albert           m ROM 2416  = 0 = 0 1 = * = 0 0 = 1 1 1  6.5  2410 
 8. Munoz Pantoja, Miguel   f PER 2375  0 = = 1 = = = * = 0 0 = = 1  6.0  2384 
 9. Kosanovic, Goran A      g YUG 2442  0 = 0 = = = 1 = * = = = = =  6.0  2379 
10. Pierrot, Facundo        m ARG 2427  = = 0 = 0 = 1 1 = * = = 0 0  5.5  2352 
11. Vajda, Szidonia        wg HUN 2352  = = 0 0 0 0 = 1 = = * = = 1  5.5  2358 
12. Colovic, Aleksandar     m MKD 2364  0 0 = 0 = = 0 = = = = * 1 1  5.5  2357 
13. Pilgaard, Kim           m DEN 2437  0 = 1 0 0 0 0 = = 1 = 0 * 0  4.0  2268 
14. Biro, Sandor            m ROM 2360  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 = 1 0 0 1 *  2.5  2163 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FSIMA December Budapest HUN (HUN), 1-13 xii 2001                  cat. II (2281)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Gonda, Laszlo                 HUN 2309  * 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 = 1  8.5  2436 
 2. Mensch, Etienne             f FRA 2299  0 * 1 = 1 0 = = = 1 1 1 1  8.0  2404 
 3. Rajlich, Vasik G            f USA 2257  1 0 * 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1  7.0  2340 
 4. Petran, Pal                 m HUN 2372  1 = 0 * = = = = 1 0 = 1 1  7.0  2330 
 5. Boguszlavszkij, Jevgenyij   m HUN 2268  1 0 0 = * 0 = 0 1 1 1 1 1  7.0  2339 
 6. Berczes, Csaba              f HUN 2216  0 1 0 = 1 * 1 = 0 0 = 1 1  6.5  2315 
 7. Meszaros, Tamas               HUN 2364  0 = 1 = = 0 * = 1 1 1 0 0  6.0  2274 
 8. Galyas, Miklos              m HUN 2347  0 = 0 = 1 = = * = = 1 1 0  6.0  2275 
 9. Resika, Nathan A            f USA 2182  0 = 1 0 0 1 0 = * 1 = = 1  6.0  2289 
10. Varadi, Viktor                HUN 2248  0 0 1 1 0 1 0 = 0 * 0 1 1  5.5  2254 
11. Erdelyi, Zombor               HUN 2242  0 0 1 = 0 = 0 0 = 1 * 0 0  3.5  2126 
12. Musanti, Diego              f ARG 2293  = 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 = 0 1 * =  3.5  2122 
13. Paci, Cedric                  FRA 2256  0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 = *  3.5  2125 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------
FSIMB December Budapest HUN (HUN), 1-10 xii 2001  cat. II (2276)
----------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1  2  3  4  5  6 
----------------------------------------------------------------
1. Farago, Sandor       m HUN 2323  ** 1= == =1 11 10  7.0  2415 
2. Tian Tian              CHN 2355  0= ** 1= 10 1= 11  6.5  2370 
3. Eperjesi, Laszlo     m HUN 2294  == 0= ** == == 1=  5.0  2272 
4. Kaposztas, Miklos    m HUN 2210  =0 01 == ** == 1=  5.0  2289 
5. Brustkern, Juergen   f GER 2275  00 0= == == ** =1  4.0  2204 
6. Ashok, K               IND 2199  01 00 0= 0= =0 **  2.5  2098 
----------------------------------------------------------------

4) Winter Cup Bucharest

The Winter Cup takes place in Bucharest 11th-21st December 2001. News from Radu-Catalin Chirila.

Internet coverage: http://users.rol.ro/r/rchirila/

Players:
Osman, Mihai                          2138    FRA 
Bochkarev, Alexander                  2361    UKR 
Oancea, Nicolae                       2158    ROM 
Sebe, Florin                          2278    ROM 
Solcanean, Serghei                FM  2236    MDA 
Ionescu, Cristian                 FM  2312    ROM 
Moraru, Marius                    IM  2303    ROM 
Tikhomirov, Sergei                IM  2357    MDA 
Voicu, Carmen                    wFM  2205    ROM 
Vioreanu, Bogdan                      2347    ROM 
Nanu, Ciprian                     IM  2412    ROM 
Aldea, Laurentiu-Ioan                 2258    ROM

5) Admiralteiskii Women's Tournament

The Admiralteiskii Women's tournament took place 2rd-12th December 2001. Svetlana Bezgodova-Filichkina won with 6/9. Games from the last four rounds are available, I have been unable to read the Cyrillic in the games from the first five.

Coverage: http://www.totalchess.spb.ru/Kalend/Admir01.html

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Admiralteiskii Women St Petersburg RUS (RUS), 3-12 xii 2001  cat. I (2270)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Bezgodova-Filichkina, Svetlana     RUS 2254  6.0
 2. Kochetkova, Julia               wf RUS 2257  5.0 
 3. Sudakova, Irina                 wm RUS 2341  5.0
 4. Zimina, Olga                    wm RUS 2326  5.0
 5. Kalinina, Vladislava            wm UKR 2271  4.5
 6. Kharashkina, Bairta             wf RUS 2178  4.5
 7. Stjazhkina, Olga                wg RUS 2310  4.5 
 8. Piarnpuu, Leili                 wm EST 2214  4.0
 9. Melamed, Tatiana                wg UKR 2291  3.5
10. Tsiganova, Monika               wm EST 2261  3.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6) Semi-Finals of the Dutch Championships

The second round of the semi-final of the Dutch Championships took place in Leeuwarden 8th-9th December 2001. This knockout event will conclude on March 9th-10th with four qualifiers for the 2002 Dutch Championships. My thanks to Koos Stolk.

Internet coverage: http://www.schaakbond.nl/nieuws/nk2002/hfronde2.htm

Round 2 8th-9th December 2001
-------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. De Vreugt, Dennis      - * Nijboer, Friso       0-1 ½-½ 
 2. Van Der Wiel, John   * -   Berkvens, Joost      1-0 ½-½ 
 3. Van Mil, Johan         - * Jonkman, Harmen      0-1 ½-½ 
 4. Janssen, Ruud        * -   Solleveld, Maarten   ½-½ 1-0 
 5. Hoogendoorn, Joost   * -   Werle, Jan           ½-½ ½-½ 2-1
 6. Van Der Weide, Karel   - * Stellwagen, Daniel   ½-½ 0-1 
 7. Hendriks, Willy        - * Bosch, Jeroen        ½-½ ½-½ 0.5-1.5
 8. Visser, Yge          * -   Tondivar, Babak      1-0 1-0 

Round 3 9th-10th March 2001
-------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Nijboer, Friso         -   Stellwagen, Daniel  
 2. Hoogendoorn, Joost     -   Van Der Wiel, John  
 3. Jonkman, Harmen        -   Visser, Yge  
 4. Bosch, Jeroen          -   Janssen, Ruud

7) Romanian Championships

Cristian Ionescu reports that the men's and women's championships of Romania took place in Targoviste a small but historic town close to Bucharest. Mircea Parligras won the event with 10.5/15. The event took place 24th November - 9th December 2001.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ch-ROM Targoviste ROM (ROM), 23 xi-9 xii 2001                        cat. IX (2454)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Parligras, Mircea         ROM 2431  * 1 = = = = 1 = 1 = = = = 1 1 1 10.5  2604 
 2. Itkis, Boris            m ROM 2472  0 * = = = 1 1 = = = = 1 1 = = =  9.0  2524 
 3. Nevednichy, Vladislav   g ROM 2593  = = * = = 1 = = = = = 0 = 1 = 1  8.5  2494 
 4. Berescu, Alin           m ROM 2422  = = = * = = = = = = = 1 = 0 1 =  8.0  2477 
 5. Ionescu, Constantin     g ROM 2481  = = = = * = = = = = = 1 = = = =  8.0  2473 
 6. Lupulescu, Constantin     ROM 2467  = 0 0 = = * 0 = 1 1 = = 1 = = 1  8.0  2474 
 7. Manolache, Marius       m ROM 2394  0 0 = = = 1 * = = = = = 1 = = 1  8.0  2479 
 8. Moldovan, Daniel        m ROM 2450  = = = = = = = * = = = = = = = =  7.5  2454 
 9. Badea, Bela             g ROM 2530  0 = = = = 0 = = * = = 1 = = = 1  7.5  2449 
10. Navrotescu, Catalin     m ROM 2435  = = = = = 0 = = = * = = = 1 = 0  7.0  2434 
11. Grunberg, Mihai         m ROM 2472  = = = = = = = = = = * = 0 = = =  7.0  2431 
12. Jianu, Vlad             f ROM 2397  = 0 1 0 0 = = = 0 = = * 1 = 1 =  7.0  2436 
13. Vasiesiu, Dan           m ROM 2440  = 0 = = = 0 0 = = = 1 0 * 1 = =  6.5  2405 
14. Cosma, Ioan             m ROM 2472  0 = 0 1 = = = = = 0 = = 0 * = 1  6.5  2402 
15. Sofronie, Iulian        m ROM 2473  0 = = 0 = = = = = = = 0 = = * 1  6.5  2402 
16. Tugui, Adrian             ROM 2337  0 = 0 = = 0 0 = 0 1 = = = 0 0 *  4.5  2312 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ch-ROM w Targoviste ROM (ROM), 23 xi-9 xii 2001
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Ionica, Iulia           wm ROM 2186  * 1 1 0 = 1 1 = 0 1 1 1  8.0  2383 
 2. Ciobanu, Camelia        wf ROM 2239  0 * = 1 1 0 = 1 1 = 1 1  7.5  2336 
 3. Olarasu, Gabriela       wg ROM 2285  0 = * 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 = 1  7.0  2301 
 4. Calotescu, Cristina     wf ROM 2296  1 0 1 * = = = = 0 1 1 1  7.0  2300 
 5. Apostoaie, Liliana      wf ROM 2167  = 0 0 = * 1 1 0 = 1 1 1  6.5  2274 
 6. Mosnegutu, Mariana      wf ROM 2230  0 1 0 = 0 * 0 1 1 1 1 1  6.5  2269 
 7. Sasu-Ducsoara, Andreea  wm ROM 2240  0 = 0 = 0 1 * 1 1 0 1 1  6.0  2239 
 8. Ionescu-Brandis, Irina  wg ROM 2338  = 0 0 = 1 0 0 * 1 1 1 1  6.0  2230 
 9. Vasiesiu, Cristina      wm ROM 2222  1 0 1 1 = 0 0 0 * 0 1 0  4.5  2139 
10. Bogza, Oana                ROM 2143  0 = 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 * = =  3.5  2078 
11. Tutulan, Mihaela           ROM 2012  0 0 = 0 0 0 0 0 0 = * 1  2.0  1961 
12. Kovacs, Ondina             ROM 2116  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 = 0 *  1.5  1905 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

8) Salona Tournament

The Salona tournament took place in Solin-Split 8th-16th December 2001. The winner was Robert Zelcic with 6/8. Dusko Pavasovic won his first round game but then had to leave the event. My thanks to WGM Mirjana Medic for the information.

Lubomir Ftacnik reports: Salona is a small town of few thousand inhabitants very close to the great Split (300.000) in the south of Croatia. It's history dates back even before the famou one of Split, that has well preserved old town with remnant's of Dioclecian's palace from the great days of Roman Empire. The current croatian team champion chess club Mravinci (actually another smallish place very close to everything else in the valley) organized it's 9th annual round robin GM tournament. The 7thy one in 1999 reached FIDE cat 13., two following ones were happy with 12. Split's chess club run's it's own GM tournament in May, but it is never stronger than cat 7, so it was finally possible to join forces with Mravinci for the big time event. The players stayed in the heart of Split and 4 round's were even held out of proud Solin in the split hotel.

The first round gave a fighting tone to the competition, but Pavasovic had to leave abruptly due to the serious family reasons after just one game. The numbers were not rearanged, so the players with bad luck were left with 5-3 black and white pieces distribution of colours. Fighting event have divided the field into two halves and the lucky ones have scored nearly all the wins. Zelcic is a strong GM with potential, he cleverly exploited some aggressive attempts of his opponent's hoping to stop his march forward.

Nearly all croatian GMs are living in Zagreb, but the capital has no chess activity. Dalmacia and Split were the craddle place for Kovacevic,Vlatko, Kurajica (Bosna), Pavasovic (Slovenia) and Zaja and many of them play for Mravinci club. Chess thrives in places with people devoted to the game, who are ready to organize and find sponsors, the physical presence of grandmasters is not decisive (as they can always be lured to come). The closing ceremony turned into a prelude to preparations of the 10th Salona 2002...

Internet coverage: http://www.crochess.com/turniri/solin/salona_01.htm

------------------------------------------------------------------
Salona Solin-Split CRO (CRO), 8-16 xii 2001        cat. XII (2529)
------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Zelcic, Robert      g CRO 2547  * 0 1 = 1 = 1 1 1 .  6.0  2720 
 2. Kurajica, Bojan     g BIH 2542  1 * = 1 1 = = = = 0  5.5  2607 
 3. Dizdarevic, Emir    g BIH 2490  0 = * 1 = = = 1 1 .  5.0  2629 
 4. Kovacevic, Vlatko   g CRO 2499  = 0 0 * = 1 1 1 = .  4.5  2576 
 5. Ftacnik, Lubomir    g SVK 2566  0 0 = = * = = = 1 .  3.5  2481 
 6. Ribli, Zoltan       g HUN 2564  = = = 0 = * = 0 = .  3.0  2438 
 7. Stevic, Hrvoje      m CRO 2511  0 = = 0 = = * = = .  3.0  2444 
 8. Kozul, Zdenko       g CRO 2569  0 = 0 0 = 1 = * = .  3.0  2437 
 9. Zaja, Ivan          g CRO 2476  0 = 0 = 0 = = = * .  2.5  2395 
10. Pavasovic, Dusko    g SLO 2526  . 1 . . . . . . . *  1.0       
------------------------------------------------------------------

9) Yin Hao+ vs. World Team Concludes

Tom Hendricks reports: The Internet correspondence chess rematch between Chinese IM Yin Hao and Internet chess players from around the World has concluded. The World Team defeated Yin Hao in a sparkling game full of deep analysis and exciting decisions. Choosing to avoid a fairly obvious and uneventful draw that was rapidly approaching in the symmetrical English, Yin Hao played 13.Bxc6. There appear to be many, many drawing lines after the move. However, playing a basically perfect game from the black side, the World Team used some early counter-play to produce a strong position that resulted in a mating attack that even some creative moves from Yin Hao could not finally stop. Throughout the game, Yin Hao presented the World Team with several important decisions where the result of the game hung in the balance, and on each occasion the World Team found the line to keep its winning hopes alive.

YinHao+ - World Team, [A36] 1.c4 c5 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nge2 Nge7 7.d4 cxd4 8.Nxd4 0-0 9.Nde2 d5 10.cxd5 Nxd5 11.Nxd5 exd5 12.0-0 d4 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.exd4 Re8 15.Be3 Bg4 16.Qd2 Bf3 17.Nf4 Qd7 18.Ng2 Re7 19.a4 Rae8 20.Ra3 h5 21.b4 Bxg2 22.Kxg2 h4 23.d5 h3+ 24.Kg1 cxd5 25.Bc5 Re2 26.Qd3 d4 27.Qf3 Re1 28.Rd3 Qe6 0-1

This game was a rematch of last year's 43-move draw between the World Team and Yin Hao. Like that game, this game began on July 5th and followed the same time control of a maximum of three days per move for each side. The two games have set the standard for fair and fun Internet chess team play.

Using a moderated board found at http://boards.gamers.com/messages/overview.asp?name=WTChess&page=1 , players from around the World were able to discuss strategy and decide moves. Yin Hao's generosity in committing to the games and the World Team's sustained cooperative efforts are to be held in the highest regard by anyone interested in productive Internet chess play. As the participants themselves have said, these were certainly "Serious Games Among Friends". (The World Team invites interested GMs or IMs to contact them at tahiv@hotmail.com or mochwaz@hotmail.com for discussion of a possible future game.)

10) London Open Championships

The London Open Chess Championship took place 14th-16th December. Colin Crouch reports: The revived London Chess Association organised the final event of Britain's 2001 Terence Chapman Grand Prix. Grandmaster Keith Arkell needed 6/6 to overtake Julian Hodgson at the post. A second round draw with Mark Lyell scuppered his chances. Hodgson promptly withdrew after round two, happy to have secured his top place. Scottish grandmaster Jonathan Rowson had an outstanding tournament, playing the strongest opposition of the three players who tied on 5/6, a last round win against Keith Arkell enabling his to catch up with Nick Pert, and keep up with Danny Gormally. Your reporter was one of those who tied on 4.5, finding that combining playing, helping organise, and inputting games rather a tiring weekend! Stewart Reuben, the initial guiding force behind the LCA, won the under-180 BCF (2040 Elo) grading prize. It is hoped that the LCA will be prominent in getting tournament chess in London back to the level of activity it should be at.

11) Terence Chapman Group Grand Prix

Terence Chapman (who famously played Garry Kasparov in an odds match in April) sponsors via his company the Terence Champman Group the British Chess Federation Grand Prix of events which range from GM tournaments to local rapidplays. Points are available for achievements in these events and these are added up at the end of the year. Julian Hodgson took the 5000 pound first prize in the top Grand Prix. It was a big battle with Keith Arkell. Hodgson finished strongly in the British Championships and had 100% scores at Thanet and Hereford. Arkell beat Hodgson in Newcastle on his way to a 5/5 score. Arkell's title charge finished in the London open where he needed 100% but had to concede a draw in round 2 (see report above). Information Leonard Barden.

This is Hodgson's 3rd Grand Prix win following wins in 1990 and 1999. Hebden with 5 wins heads the all time list ahead of Adams and Miles 4, Hodgson 3, and Arkell, Nunn, Plaskett and Rumens.

The Prixette for the top lady was won Harriet Hunt. Other winners: Junior Prix Nicholas Pert, Amateur Prix David Jameson, Amateur Prixette Lana Boztas, Disabled Prix Dean Hartley and Senior Prix James Sherwin (famous for losses against Bobby Fischer who now lives in Bath).

Grand Prix Top 20:
 1. Hodgson, Julian M.  g  ENG  2589   196.9  
 2. Arkell, Keith C.    g  ENG  2457   195.6  
 3. Gormally, Daniel    m  ENG  2505   184.3  
 4. Hebden, Mark        g  ENG  2567   183.3  
 5. Lalic, Bogdan       g  ENG  2522   175.7  
 6. Pert, Nicholas      m  ENG  2451   175.6  
 7. Rowson, Jonathan    g  SCO  2512   172.4
 8. Turner, Matthew     m  ENG  2502   172.2
 9. Ghasi, Ameet K.        ENG  2290   157.7
10. Shaw, John          m  SCO  2499   156.9
11. Crouch, Colin S.    m  ENG  2375   153.3
12. Williams, Simon     m  ENG  2288   151.5
13. Palliser, Richard   m  ENG  2443   147.4
14. Mannion, Stephen R  m  SCO  2361   138.5
15. McNab, Colin A      g  SCO  2431   112.9
16. Cooper, Lawrence    m  ENG  2362   112.8
17. Sherwin, James T    m  USA  2345   112.8
18. Sowray, Peter J.    f  ENG  2310   112.0
19. Georghiou, Paul I.     ENG  2258    97.9
20. Buckley, Graeme     m  ENG  2409    92.9

12) Belgrade Open

The Belgrade Internetional Open took place 26th November - 4th December 2001. Dejan Antic won the event with 7.5/9. No games available.

Internet coverage: http://www.beochess.org.yu/english.htm

Final Standings
 Place  Name                   Feder Rtg  Score Buch. 

   1    Antic, Dejan           YUG   2464 7.5    54.0 
  2-6   Vojinovic, Goran       YUG   2466 7      57.0 
        Ivanisevic, Ivan       YUG   2547 7      55.0 
        Savic, Miodrag R.      YUG   2464 7      50.5 
        Bratanov, Zsivko       BUL   2389 7      49.0 
        Tadic, Branko          YUG   2460 7      47.5 
 7-13   Damljanovic, Branko    YUG   2569 6.5    54.0 
        Bogdanovski, Vlatko    MKD   2430 6.5    51.0 
        Blagojevic, Dragisa    YUG   2479 6.5    51.0 
        Drasko, Milan          YUG   2508 6.5    50.5 
        Maksimovic, Branimir   YUG   2432 6.5    49.0 
        Perunovic, Milos       YUG   2462 6.5    46.5 
        Mozetic, Dejan         YUG   2471 6.5    45.5 
 14-28  Milanovic, Danilo      YUG   2407 6      52.0 
        Arsovic, Zoran         YUG   2404 6      51.5 
        Popchev, Milko         BUL   2452 6      51.5 
        Brenjo, Slavisa        YUG   2455 6      50.0 
        Kozhuharov, Spas       BUL   2282 6      48.5 
        Svetac, Nenad          YUG   2363 6      47.5 
        Perunovic, Miodrag     YUG   2306 6      46.5 
        Zivanic, Marko         YUG   2411 6      46.5 
        Certic, Branimir       YUG   2415 6      45.5 
        Popovic, Dragan B      YUG   2324 6      44.5 
        Stojanovic, Dalibor    YUG   2378 6      44.0 
        Benkovic, Petar        YUG   2413 6      43.5 
        Jesic, Dusan           YUG   2374 6      43.0 
        Boskovic, Drasko       YUG   2343 6      42.0 
        Zakic, Srdjan          YUG   2366 6      41.5 
  158  players

13) African Junior Championships

Lewis Ncube President of the Chess Federation of Zambia reports: The 2001 African Junior Chess Championship took place in the Zambian Capital City of Lusaka from 2nd. to 12th December 2001. A total of seven countries were represented in this annual FIDE sanctioned event.The tournament which was held at the Commonwealth Youth Centre which is wituated within the grounds of the University of Zambia initially had a total of 16 participants. However after the second round the organisers were advised that the top seeded Zimbabwean International Master Robert Gwaze had encountered problems in making the event despite earlier confirming his availability.This left a field of 15 players which included top juniors from Egypt and Nigeria. The event was won by the 14 year old Egyptian, Ahmed Adly with a score of 9/9.The runner-up was the promising local 15 year old youngster Daniel Jere with a score of 6.5/9.The third position was taken up by the 13 year old Egyptian Bassem Amin with a score of 6/9.

A feature of the tournament was the dominance of the younger players (15 years and under) over their older companions ( 18&19 Year olds).

In accordance with FIDE Regulations the winner attains the IM title.

Final Placings of 2001 AFRICAN JUNIOR

No.  PNo.  Name                      rat.  Score WP   TPR  
-----------------------------------------------------------
  1.    1  Adly      Ahmed     (Egy) 2214  9.0  44.0  2730 
  2.   10  Jere      Daniel    (Zam) 2000  6.5  48.0  2233 
  3.    2  Amin      Bassem    (Egy) 2192  6.0  47.5  2171 
  4.   12  Moyo      Dion      (Zim) 2000  5.5  44.5  2177 
  5.    9  Bunda     Costa     (Zam) 2000  5.0  48.5  2109 
       13  Mwali     Chitumbo  (Zam) 2000  5.0  41.5  2096 
  7.    3  Njovu     Ignatius  (Bot) 2177  4.5  48.0  2056 
        6  Chikwanda Wisdom    (Zim) 2008  4.5  38.5  2057 
        4  Phiri     Joseph    (Zam) 2098  4.5  38.0  2077 
        5  Khetho    Phemelo   (Bot) 2022  4.5  34.5  2064 
       11  Louw      Daniel    (RSA) 2000  4.5  33.5  2064 
 12.    7  Antonio   Casamaro  (Ang) 2000  4.0  41.0  2045 
 13.   14  Sebastiao Claudio   (Ang) 2000  3.5  38.0  2010 
 14.    8  Borekilwe Itumeleng (Bot) 2000  3.0  33.0  1919 
 15.   15  Salihu    Bala      (Nig) 2000  2.0  33.5  1834 
 16.   16  Gwaze     Robert    (Zim) 2280  0.0  36.0  1337

14) Forthcoming Events and Links

Carlos Torre Memorial

The Carlos Torre Memorial takes place in Mérida, Yucatán, México 14th-22nd December 2001.

Internet coverage: http://www.carlostorre.org.mx

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

Ljubljana Chess Club 90th Anniversary

Ljubljana Chess Club Metalka Trgovina - 90th anniversary The Chess Club of Ljubljana (Slovenia) was established on 31.1.1912 by grandmaster and scientist dr. Milan Vidmar and by the Ljubljana City. In this honour we organize Grandmaster tournament (11. Category) from 19th-31st of January 2002 in Hotel SLON Best Western. The event by the sponsorship of Metalka Trgovina is the uverture for the Chess Olympiade at Bled 2002. The participants are : GM Beliavsky (SLO), GM Kharlov (RUS), Ukrainian young GM Volokytin, GM Sveshnikov (RUS), GM Pavasovic (SLO), GM Farago (HUN) and Slovenian IMs Tratar, Soln, Jelen, Podlesnik and young FM Sebenik.

In Slovenia, after this tournament starts the Open tournament in Nova Gorica (31.1.-8.2.2002). Links and information (sites under construction) : http://www.metalka.com, http://www.sah-zveza.si and http://www.hotelslon.com.

Bermuda Tournament

The Bermuda tournament has changed venue. It was to be held in last year's venue, the Elbow Beach hotel but they reneged on the deal, the tournaments will instead take place at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel. Owing to the extra costs the format is likely to be changed. They will definitely hold two ten player GM tournaments, followed by an Open. Invitees are: Johann Alvarez, Emanuel Berg, Pawel Blehm, Pascal Charbonneau, Dennis de Vreugt, Erald Dervishi, Robert Fontaine, Leif Erlend Johannessen, Heikki Kallio, Irina Krush, Bartek Macieja, Hikaru Nakamura, Elisabeth Paehtz, Greg Shahade, Bartosz Socko, Hannes Stefansson, Yan Teplitsky, Throstur Thorhallsson, Giovanni Vescovi and Bojan Vuckovic. Nigel Freeman says they have had many players interested in playing and they are open to others playing and putting on an extra GM tournament, but they would have to pay $110 per day for a shared room with food included. Anyone interested should contact Nigel Freeman at: cadilly@northrock.bm.

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

Swiss Chess Tour

The "Swiss Chess Tour 2001" will finish in Interlaken, one of the most attractive towns in Switzerland for tourists. The 1st Casino Open ("Ambassador Open" cancelled) December 26th-30th 2001. Swiss system, 7 rounds and the games will last a maximum of 5 hours (40 moves for 2 hours and 30 minutes till the end). Prize are: 1.500 SF, 1.200, 900, 700, 500, 400, 300, 250, 200 and 150 SF. From 11.- 20. places natural prizes. Special prizes for best Lady, senior (1941), junior (1981-84), schoolboy (1985) and best local player. Entry fee 130 SF, FMs and juniors 60 SF, at the door 10 SF more, GMs and IMs free. 1st "Chalet Oberland" Open. Players under 2000. Swiss system, 5 rounds and the games will last a maximum of 5 hours. Prizes: natural. Entry fee: 100 SF (juniors 50 SF). At the doors +10 SF. Venue: "Casino"

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

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

Registered: GM Rausis (LAT), GM Solak (YUG), GM Kovacevic (YUG), WGM Kachiani (GER), IM Berzinsh (LAT), IM Velicka (CZE), IM Joksic(YUG), IM Czebe (HUN), IM Peredy (HUN), IM Izsak (HUN), IM Erdelyi (HUN).

More information and registration: Robert Spoerri tel. +41+34+424-01-06, fax +41+34+424-01-07 E-mail info@beochess.ch Or Ervin Tellenbach tel. +41+79+311-23-53

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

Viktor Korchnoi again on Swiss Chess Tour 2001 The 4th Hilton Open in Basle

Last year Viktor Korchnoi celebrated his 70th birthday at HILTON-BASLE. It was very nice and Viktor comes again this year. Swiss Chess Tour 2002 starts the first and address gala Hilton Open again in honor of Viktor.

The "Swiss Chess Tour 2002" starts in Basle with the 4th Hilton Open January 1st 6th 2002. Swiss system 7 rounds and the games will last a maximum of 6 hours (40 moves for 2 hours and 60 minutes till the end). After 5 rounds a first three + Korchnoi play knockout system, the others continue with Swiss system. Prizes: 1. 2000 SF (Swiss Francs), 2. 1.500, 3. 1.200, 4. 1.000, 5. 800, 6. 600, 7. 500, 8. 400, 9.-10. 2x300, 11.-12. 5x200 SF (min 100 players). Special prizes 200 SF each: best Lady, senior (1942), junior (1982-85), schoolboy (1986), and Basle player. Entry fee: 130 SF (FMs + juniors 60; GMs + IMs free). At the doors +10 SF. Amateur Open January 1st 6th. Players under 1900. Swiss system 7 rounds and the games will last a maximum of 4 hours (30 moves for 90 minutes and 30 minutes till the end). Prizes: 1. 500, 2. 400, 3. 300, 4. 250, 5.-6, 2x200, 7.-10. 150 SF (min 50 players). Entry fee: 110 SF (juniors 50). At the doors +10 SF. Blitz Open January 1st Swiss system 9 double round, 5 minutes. First four play Tele-Rapid. Prizes: 1. 300 SF, 2. 200, 3. 150, 4. 100, 5.-8. 50 SF. Over 50% natural prize. Entry fee: 20 SF (juniors 5 SF). Basle's Junior January 2nd. Open for 1982 and younger. Natural prizes for all participants. Entry fee: 5 SF. Tele-Rapid January 2nd 4th. 8 players, 15 minutes, knockout system (four from blitz). Prizes: 1. 700 SF, 2. 600, 3. 500, 4. 400, 5.-8. 4x200 SF. Venue Hotel "Hilton"

The others celebration events: January 2nd Basle's juniors four category U-20, U-17, U-14, U-12 (7 rounds 15 minutes). January, 4th Viktor Korchnoi, Simul & show with juniors and VIP persons

Time table for "Hilton Open": January 1.: The last registration 13.00-16.45. Blitz tournament 14.00-16.00. Open ceremony 16.45-17.00. Round 1st Hilton Open 17.00-23.00. Amateur Open Round 1st 18.00-22.00. January 2.: Juniors Tournament 13.30-17.00. Tele-Rapid 11.00-13.00 ¼ Final. Round 2nd Hilton Open 17.00-23.00. Amateur Open Round 2nd 18.00-22.00. January 3.: Tele-Rapid 11.00-13.00 ½ Final. Round 3rd Hilton Open 17.00-23.00. Amateur Open Round 3rd 18.00-22.00. January 4.: Tele-Rapid 11.00-13.00 Final. Korchnoi Simul & show 14.00-18.00. Round 4th Hilton Open 17.00-23.00. Amateur Open Round 4th 18.00-22.00 . January 5.: Round 5th Hilton Open 9.30-15.30. The first four-play knockout and the other continue Tournament. Semi-final and Round 6th Hilton Open 16.30-22.30. Amateur Open Round 5th 11.00-15.00, Round 6th 16.30-20.30. January 7. : Final 9.30-15.30. Round 7th Hilton Open 10.00-16.00. Amateur Open Round 7th 11.30-15.30. The closing ceremony 18.00

Registered: GM Korchnoi (SUI), GM Tukmakov (UKR), GM Kovacevic (YUG), GM A. Sokolov (FRA), GM Solak (YUG), GM Pelletier (SUI), GM Varga (HUN), GM Nemet (SUI), WGM Kachiani (GER), IM Velichka (CZE), IM Joksic (YUG), IM Berzinsh (LAT), IM Csebe (HUN), IM Peredy (HUN), IM Izsak (HUN).

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

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

77th Hastings Congress

The 77th Hastings International chess Congress takes place 28th December 2001 - 6th January 2002. There are events for all strengths of players, lasting from 3 to the full 10 days. There is play either in the morning or afternoon.

Final line up for the Premier: Alexei Barsov (2525), Joe Gallagher (2511), Pentala Harikrishna (2502), Mark Hebden (2567), Petr Kiriakov (2547), Irina Krush (2411), Nicholas Pert (2451), Krishnan Sasikiran (2569), Peter Wells (2517) and Zhang Zhong (2657).

Further details: Con Power: power@hicc.demon.co.uk

Internet coverage: http://www.hastingschess.org.uk

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

Prague - Abner Cup

The Prague - Abner Cup takes place 26th December 2001 - 1st January 2002.

Further information: http://www.sach.cz/ or e-mail: orbis64@login.cz.

Melbourne Festival of Chess

The Melbourne Festival of Chess takes place December 28th 2001 - January 19th 2002. The event incorporates the Australian National Championships, Australian Senior Championships, Australian Championships Reserves, Australian Rapid Play Championships, Australian Lightning Championships, Australian Women's Championships Black Opal Masters, All Season Fide Tournament and a Fischer_Random Exhibition Tournament.

Further details: http://www.chessvictoria.com/austch.htm

3rd Friendship chess tournament

The 3rd Friendship chess tournament takes place 4th-14th December 2001 in Prerov (Czech Republic). There will be organized several tournaments including round-robin IM and GM tournament and 3 open tournaments. For more information contact the director of this tournament Mr. Richard Biolek (richard.biolek@atlas.cz).

Internet site: http://www.proclient.cz/a64

Cairnhill Open 2001

The 19th Cairnhill International Open Chess Championship will be held from 26th to 30th December 2001 in Singapore. 7 rounds Swiss System and will be limited to a maximum of 120 entries only.

Details and entry form at: http://cairnhil.fide.org/open.htm E-mail: cairnhil@fide.com or open_chess@yahoo.com.sg

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

Hungarian Events

1. 1st-14th of December, FIRST SATURDAY, Budapest, HUN GM /cat. IX and VII/,IM,FM closed events, org: Nagy Laszlo, e-mail: firstsat@elender.hu Website: http://www.elender.hu/~firstsat 2. 15th-28th of December, THIRD SATURDAY, Belgrade, YUG, GM,IM,FM, org: FM Kotevski, 3. 4th-12th of January, TAPOLCA Open Budapest, org: Parej Jozsef, 4. 19th-31th of January, THIRD SATURDAY Novi Sad YUG, GM-IM-FM, YUG, org: IGM Drazic, 5. 2nd-15th of February, FIRST SATURDAY Budapest HUN GM-IM-FM, org: Nagy Laszlo 6. 16th-28th of February THIRD SATURDAY GM-IM-FM Belgrade, YUG, org: Kotevski, 7. 2nd-15th of March FIRST SATURDAY Budapest, HUN, GM-IM-FM, org: Nagy, 8. 15th-23rd of March /18th Budapest Spring Festival Open/, 9 rounds Swiss, org: Nagy Laszlo. 9. 16th - 28th of March THIRD SATURDAY Novi Sad, YUG, GM-IM-FM, org.: IGM Drazic

Aeroflot Open 2002

The Aeroflot Open 2002 will take place in Moscow 4-11 February 2002. According to the website below there will be $150,000 US in prizes.

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

London Championships

The London Championships take place 14th-16th December 2001 at the South Bank University, Wandsworth Road. 6 round Swiss open to all, £400 first, total £1250. Details Andrew Webster scorchaw@hotmail.com. Telephone 01438 213 969.

October FIDE List Study and FIDE Championships

Chess Siberia http://www.chessib.com/ has two new articles. An article "Study of the October 2001 FIDE Rating List" (By Boris Schipkov, 12.11.2001) and one predicting the results of the FIDE Championships in Moscow.

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

Leko Interview

Peter Leko has a new interview on his www site: http://www.chessgate.de/leko/homepage.html Main content: - Expectations FIDE WC in Moscow - Statement: New time control - Review 2001. There will be an English version today or soon after.

Linares 2002

Most of the line-up for Linares 2002 has been announced. The players will be Kasparov, Anand, Shirov, Adams, Ivanchuk, Francisco Vallejo and on other player who will be confirmed soon (likely to be either Topalov or Kramnik).

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

20th Stanislaw Gawlikowski Memorial

GM Bartlomiej Macieja reports: The 20th Stanislaw Gawlikowski Memorial includes two tournaments: 1) Amplico AIG Life Chess Tournament 15-16 December 2001. 2) Warsaw Blitz Chess Championship 15 December from 18:00.

Both tournaments will be played in the sport hall, located in the main building of Polonia Warsaw Sport Club 6, Konwiktorska Street Warsaw Poland

Full details (Polish and English): http://www.amplicolife.pl

Winter Cup, Bucharest

Lasker Chess Club in Bucharest is organising a Winter cup with a GM and IM event. 11th-23rd December 2001.

Further details: http://www.web.rol.ro/rchirila

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

Gausdal Troll Masters 2002

The Gausdal Troll Masters Open International takes place January 6th-13th 2002 at Gausdal Høifjellshotel. Includes: * GM- and IM norms available * 9 rounds * FIDE rules. * 2h/40 moves, 1h/20 moves and ½hour rest. * 1st round Sunday January 6th at 19:30. * 9th and last round Sunday 13th at 9:00. * Double rounds on Thursday. * Open to all with FIDE-rating and a limited number of non-FIDE-rated players. * Several strong GMs and IMs are invited.

Details: http://home.online.no/~bjarke-k/TrollMasters/

5th Email Afro-Asian Championship

All chessplayers from Africa and Asia are invited to take part to the 5th email Afro-Asian Championship 2002-2003 , organised by the ICCF. The start date for the preliminaries is : 15-01-2002. Like the previous editions there are 2 stages (preliminaries and Final) and no entry fees are required . The entries should be sent not later than 31.12.2001 to M. Samraoui , email address : samraoui@aol.com .

2002 US Chess Championships

The 2002 US Chess Championships are held under the auspices of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) and sponsored by the Seattle Chess Foundation.

They take place in Seattle, Washington, January 5th-13th 2002 at the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center and Experience Music Project. 56 players will compete in a nine-round Swiss tournament for a $200,000 prize fund, with $15,000 slotted for the winner. Included in the line-up are Grandmasters, top women and junior players, as well as an emerging young stars who qualified in the US Open such as the second strongest woman player, 12 year old Hana Itkis.

Further information http://www.seattlechessfoundation.org

ONCE Chess Lectures

Next month there will be some lectures by famous people in chess: Leontxo Garcia, GM Valery Salov, IM Boris Zlotnik, IM Ricardo Calvo. The organisers will publish the names of the winners of the literary contest about chess at the same time. ONCE is the organizer (spanish organization for blind people) of all these events.

Further details: http://www.hechiceros.net/site/news/articulos/espana/nesp00138.shtml

Free Online ajedrez.uruwow.com event

ajedrez.uruwow.com launches an International on-line Tournament 3 levels : Beginners, Advanced and Profesional, in series of 5 players. Registration is free.

Address: http://ajedrez.uruwow.com

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

New Dolmen International

Title of Tournament: New Dolmen International Tournament Country: Malta Tournament dates: 13th January to 19 January 2002 Venue: New Dolmen Hotel, Qawra, St. Paul's Bay Prize Fund: US$ 5000 Format: Open 7 round Swiss FIDE Rated Organisers: International Chess Organising Committee (Malta) C/O New Dolmen Hotel, Qawra, St. Paul's Bay, Malta Fax No. +356 438730 Email: jjgrech@mail.global.net.mt

Details: http://www.global.net.mt/jjgrech

Extensions to the pgn standard

Alan Cowderoy (Palamede), Ben Bulsink (DGT Projects), Andrew Templeton (Palamede/Palview), Eric Bentzen (Enpassant.dk, Palamede), Mathias Feist (Chessbase) and Victor Zakharov (Chess Assistant) have started discussions on possible extensions to the PGN standard. The original standard was compiled by Steven J. Edwards but it hasn't been possible to contact him (if you read this they'd like to talk to you!).

The new proposals can be read at: ftp://palamede.com/pub/chess/final.txt

XXXI Rilton Cup

The XXXI Rilton Cup takes place 27 December 2001 to 5th January 2002.

Information: http://home1.swipnet.se/~w-21958/XXXIRilton_cup0102.htm

109th New Zealand Chess Championships 2001/2002

The 109th New Zealand Chess Championships 2001/2002 take place 28th December 2001 - 11th January 2002 in Christchurch. The venue will be at The Millennium Hotel, 14 Cathedral square, Christchurch, New Zealand. The Chief Arbiter will be IA Leon Muys (Netherlands).

Chris Wright reports they have had numerous enquiries from overseas regarding the tournament, from Russia, Belarus, England, Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, and Australia. They hope to have a number of strong international players competing. The tournament will involve many of New Zealand's top players, as it is a selection event for next year's 35th World Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia 2002.

Internet coverage: http://nzchesscongress109.tripod.com/

Two New Books in German

There are two new books in German are out. Both are written by famous chess players.

Svetozar Gligoric and Sinisa Joksic have produced a book in German about the King's Indian Defence. The title is "Gligoric-variante" and it is in German. It is the story of the Mar del Plata variantion which Gligoric played first in 1953 and afterwards played and analysed a lot. The last games included in the book from May and June 2001.

More info: http://avala.yubc.net/~yuchess/engleski/index.htm

The Exzelsior Verlag Berlin has just just published (in German) the only story by Emanuel Lasker: "Wie Wanja Meister wurde". A Hardcover book of 184 pages is costs DM 29.90. Further information Redaktion_Schach@compuserve.com.

Bethune Tournament

The 22nd International chess Tournament takes place in Bethune (North of France) 26th-30th December 2001 7 rounds, 40 moves in 2 hours plus one hour K.O, first prize 10000 Francs (about 1500 $)

For more information: http://bethunechess.free.fr

E-mail :bethunechess@aol.com

44th World Congress of Chess Composition

The 44th World Congress of Chess Composition was held at Wageningen, Netherlands from 28th July to 4th August. The highlight of the week's program was the 25th World Chess Solving Championship, which took place on 31st July and 1st August.

Internet coverage: http://www.bstephen.freeuk.com/pccc/2001pccc.html

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.

Tiviakov reports

Sergey Tiviakov's site http://www.tiviakov.demon.nl/ has his reports on the European Championship in Ohrid (Macedonia) and the Dutch Championships in Leeuwarden.

Yin Hao+ vs. World Team (The Rematch)

Tom Hendricks reports: On July 5, 2001, Chinese IM Yin Hao (2576) will begin play against the World Team in an Internet correspondence chess game. This will be a rematch of the game they played last year. That game, which began July 5th, 2000 and ended January 18, 2001, was a 44-move struggle ending in a draw. This time colors will be reversed with Yin Hao now being white and the World Team black. As he was in the first game, Yin Hao will be assisted by U.S. correspondence player Richard Fleming (2404). The first game attracted World Team players from Brazil, Canada, England, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and the United States. Most of these players first came together during the Kasparov vs. The World game held in 1999. The upcoming game is open to anyone who wishes to play and is willing to follow the basic guidelines of the World Team. Players of all skill levels are welcome. General game topics and specific strategy are discussed at a moderated board found at:

http://boards.gamers.com/messages/overview.asp?name=WTChess&page=1

Visit the site and review the Game Rules and Move Selection Rules. To participate you must both register with gamers.com AND click on 'Request Password' at the top of the strategy board page. Registration with gamers.com is the process of selecting your UserName and Password. When you click on 'Request Password' you will be e-mailed another password that is specific to the strategy board. You will need to enter it only the first time that you post to the board. Those of you who participated in the first game with Yin Hao need not request the board password - it remains the same.

Book prizes and ICC (Internet Chess Club) memberships will be awarded throughout the game to lucky members of the World Team. So come and join the fun. Additional information can be obtained by writing to tahiv@hotmail.com

Weihnachts-Open 2001

The Weihnachts-Open 2001 takes place in Strausberg (Berlin) Germany from 27.12.2001 to 30.12.2001. The tournament will be ELO and DWZ rated. First prize : 500 DM entry fee : 30 DM

Further information: http://www.weihnachtsopen.de