THE WEEK IN CHESS 700 7th April 2008 by Mark Crowther

Sponsored by the London Chess Centre

TWIC Home| The London Chess Centre| Online-Shop

1) Introduction

My thanks to Frank Berry, Luis Blasco de la Cruz, Bela Lengyel, Ian Rogers, Jonathan Berry, Peter Svidler, Luiz Roberto Da Costa Jr, Laszlo Nagy, Miklos Orso, Dimitris Skyrianoglou, Marius Fraenzel, Philip Feeley, Michael Rahal, Sinisa Joksic, Lennarth Eriksson, John D. Thornton, Anders Hansen, Frits Agterdenbos, Viktor Novotný, Dragan Babic and everyone else who helped with the issue.

Another milestone in 700 issues up. I never know what to really feel as these issues really just come along. I suppose in another year the 750 will probably feel like a bigger milestone but its nice to be still here and have readers. There is plenty of good chess, especially from Russia with their very strong team event with many of the world's best players, but there is other interesting material, the Dutch Championships, the Ruy Lopez tournament in Spain, a Kramnik clock simul and even a new game from Kasparov. Just another week, but for all that not a bad one.

Hope you enjoy this issue.

Mark

2) Russian Team Championships

The Russian Team Championship takes place in Dagomys, Sochi 1st-14th April 2008. A very strong field competes.

Official site: http://www.russiachess.org/. Additional coverage: http://www.chessdom.com/

3) II Ruy Lopez International Chess Festival

The II Ruy López International Chess Festival takes place in Mérida, Spain (not Mexico!) 4th-13th April 2008. The main event is a category XV all-play-all.

Official web page http://ruylopez.juntaextremadura.net/modules/news/

4) Dutch Championships

The Dutch Championship takes place takes place 2nd - 13th April 2008 in a television studio (Studio 2) in Hilversum Media Park. First prize is EUR 10.000. It is a 12 player Round Robin with 2007 champion Sergei Tiviakov (GM 2634), Daniël Stellwagen (GM 2621), Erwin L’Ami (GM 2600), Jan Smeets (GM 2578), Sipke Ernst (GM 2559), Friso Nijboer (GM 2558), Dimitri Reinderman (GM 2526), Ruud Janssen (IM 2504), Yge Visser (GM 2477), Jan-Willem De Jong (IM 2474), Manuel Bosboom (IM 2471) and Daan Brandenburg (IM 2435).

http://www.schaakbond.nl/nk2008/ and photos and reports at: http://www.chessvista.com/

5) 10th Dubai Open

The Dubai Open takes place 5th-15th April 2008 at the Dubai Chess Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Coverage should appear at: http://www.arabfide.com/

6) Serbian Women's Championships

The Women's Serbian Championships takes place in Kac 15th-28th March 2008.

Official site: http://www.serbiachess.net/

7) 3rd Kolkata Open

The 3rd Kolkata Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament took place 24th March - 2nd April 2008. Viktor Laznicka won on tie-break from Krishnan Sasikiran after both scored 8.5/10.

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

8) Turkish Championship

The Turkish Championship took place 23rd March - 4th April 2008. Mikhail Gurevich won the event 11.5/13 half a point clear of Suat Atalik.

Official site: http://www.tsf.org.tr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1547&Itemid=98

9) Belgrade Spring Open

The Belgrade Spring Open took place 25th March - 2nd April 2008 in Belgrade. Sasa Jovanovic won on tie-break from Nenad Ravic after both finished on 7.5/9.

Official site: http://www.beochess.org.yu

10) 20th Lenk International Chess Festival

The great jubilee, 20th Lenk International Chess Festival part of the "Swiss Chess Tour 2008" continued in Lenk March 20th-24th 2008. Florian Jenni took clear first with 6.5/7.

Sinisa Joksic reports: Lenk International Chess Festival The "Swiss Chess Tour 2008" took place in Lenk with the 20th "Kreuz-Open" March 20th-24th 2008. 7 rounds (40 moves for 2 hours and 30 minutes till the end). Florian Jenni won jubilee, the 20th Lenk Open convincingly. Jenni won first 6 games and drew only in the last round with Stojanovic. Probably he wanted to celebrate tranquil his 28th birthday. Surprise was second placing junior Marco Lehmann (17). Last three money prizes took Serbian, IM Benkovic, GM Stojanovic and GM Pavlovic. Special prizes (200, 150, 100 CHF): Lady WGM Sedina (ITA), Sabrina Roelli (SUI), De Seroux (SUI); senior Maurer (SUI),Lavanchy (SUI), Moise Del Val (SUI); junior (1988-91) Marco Lehmann (SUI), Lukas Muheim (SUI), Andreas Lehmann (SUI); schoolboys (1992) Kambez Nuri (SUI), Sebastian Muheim (SUI), Gaehwiler (SUI); amateurs (under 2000) Frey (SUI), Nico Georgiadis (SUI), Kaspar Stucki (SUI). Gold serial (more then 10 times, 300, 200, 150 CHF) Curien (SUI), FM Mueller (NAM), FM Kolly (SUI); Silver serial (6-9 times 200, 150, 100 CHF) GM Jenni (SUI), Marco Lehmann (SUI), Broennimann (SUI). The event took place in Hotel "Kreuz", with 82 players competed. Tournament director and the main organizer was Robert Spoerri. Arbiter, your reporter, Sinisa Joksic. "It was easy to be arbiter on tournament with so many gentlemen." Young but famous pianist, Jean-Jacques Schmid, from Bern, also chessplayer, gave a wonderful concert for chess colleagues, playing Mozart and Chopen. The 21st Lenk Open will take place April 9th-13th, 2009.

Official site: http://www.beochess.ch for more details.

11) Cinco Soles Pinamar

The Magistral Internacional Cinco Soles Pinamar Apart Hotel Cinco Soles, Pinamar, took place 25th March - 2nd April 2008. Max Cornejo edged out Luis Rodi after both finished on 6.5/9.

Official site: http://www.utopiasdepinamar.com.ar/5soles08.htm

12) Frank K Berry US Championship Qualifier

Seven GMs led the very strong field of 104 players (included 60+ USCF masters) through seven rounds of intense competition for seven qualification slots in the upcoming Frank K. Berry U.S. Championship. Winning qualifier spots were GM Jesse Kraai, GM Alex Yermolinsky, GM John Fedorowicz, and IM Dean Ippolito (all with 5½/7, tying with GM Julio Becerra for first), plus IM David Pruess, 17-year-old FM Daniel Ludwig, and surprising 16-year-old National Master Sam Shankland (5/7). The latter three beat out “local” favorites IM Michael Brooks (MO), IM Joe Bradford (TX), and FM Todd Andrews (TN) who also scored 5/7 but lost out on tiebreak points. WFM Iryna Zenyuk of NYC won the spot in the FKB U.S. Women’s Championship.

It was also confirmed at this tournament that five other players would be seeded into the U.S. Championship based on rating: GM Julio Becerra, GM Alexander Ivanov, GM Eugene Perelshteyn, GM Sergey Kudrin, and IM Ben Finegold. All five of them played in this Qualifier Open because at the time of the entry deadline they were unsure whether they would be seeded automatically.

The FKB USA Championship Qualifier Open was one of strongest open tournaments ever held in the Southwest and was enthusiastically approved by the players. Many masters remarked that they appreciated the opportunity this kind of event offered them for both great competition and the realistic chance to win a spot in the upcoming prestigious championship scheduled for this May 13 – 23 in Tulsa. Most players enjoyed the G-90 + 30 sec increment time control. Of course most players were from the USA but other players had FIDE federations of UKR, LTU, MGL and CAN.

Young phenoms FM Ray Robson (2433) and FM Daniel Naroditsky (2242) had solid performances but finished just out of the top tier with 4½/7. Robson was stopped by veteran fide master John Bick of Louisiana in round 5, and Naroditsky could “only” get draws against IM Brooks and IM Blas Lugo in the final two rounds.

Larry Cohen of Chicago won the U-2200 prize and Jaime Fernandez of Wichita won the U-2000 prize. Assistant Organizer was Tom Braunlich and Assistant Arbiters were Steve Wharry and IO Jon Haskel. My thanks to IA/IO Frank Berry for this report.

Website: http://okchess.org/

Games will follow next week as I ran out of time to process them this week.

13) Welsh Championships

The Welsh Championship was a 7-round FIDE rated event held over the Easter weekend closed to Welsh qualified players. It was won jointly by IM Leighton Williams and FM James Cobb on 6/7 with Tim Kett in 3rd place on 5.5/7. I give the games and table again as I didn't identify Richard S Jones correctly. News: John D. Thornton.

Official site: http://www.welshchessunion.co.uk/

14) IX Internet Chess Tournament Ciudad de Dos Hermanas

Jorge Sammour-Hasbun wins for the second time in a row

(Internet Chess Club (ICC), March 28th-April 5th 2008)

IM Michael Rahal (EDAMI, Barcelona)

For the second time in a row, ex-prodigy Jorge Sammour-Hasbun (aka NECF-InSchools on ICC) has won clearly the 9th Dos Hermanas Internet Chess Tournament 2008, which has been played on the ICC Internet Chess Club (http://www.chessclub.com). A total of 2167 players have participated with 5455 in the 12 qualifiers.

The KO final stage, with the 32 qualifiers, was specially exciting this year, as more than half the players were seasoned GM's, with special attention going to Blitz American Hikaru Nakamura (2670), one of the fastest players on the planet.

In the end, with a spectacular result of 15/17 points), Jorge Sammour-Hasbun (2460), an ex-prodigy kid, with 28 years old, from Massachusetts (USA) was the only untitled player of the 8 finalists. He had to defeat consecutively IM Anton Kovalyov (2.5-0.5), GM Timur Gareev (3-0), favourite GM Baadur Jobava (3-0), in semifinals GM Dmitry Kononenko (2.5-0.5) and in the final he defeated his friend GM Ronen Har-Zvi, 4-1, thus keeping the title that he won in 2007, and winning the 2.000 euros first prize. Har-Zvi finished second, earning a 1.300 euros prize, while Kononenko and GM Zaven Andriasian (eliminated by Har-Zvi in the other semi-final) shared 3rd/4th winning 700 euros each.

After the final finished, Har-Zvi congratulated his opponent and interviewed him during 30 minutes in the following video http://webcast.chessclub.com/DosHermanas/2008/DosHermanas.html in which both players discuss the Dos Hermanas tournament and analyze some of the most interesting games of the final.

Jorge (Zamora) Sammour-Hasbun was a chess child prodigy. He won the Under 10 World Championship in 1988, the same year and at the same venue that one Alexei Shirov became Under 16 World Champion, and he also became under 12 world champion a couple of years later. Jorge’s family emigrated from Palestine to America and there, at the age of 15 he already had a USCF rating of 2500 and an over-the-board defeated of Gata Kamsky.

Alongside the prizes for the main winners, this year the tournament direction established several other cash prizes for amateurs for rating sections, bad on accumulate scores. The most important are:

a) Best ICC Amateur member from all over the world (<1800 ICC blitz rating).

1. (250 EUR) OxidisedLizard // William Taylor (GBR)
2. (150 EUR) Intelectual // Giovanni Gonzales (COL)

b) Best ICC FIDE Rated members (No FIDE title) from all over the world

1. (250 EUR) Baltimora // Mike Gough (GBR)
2. (150 EUR) fito // Juan Pablo Demaria (ARG)

c1) - Special prize to the best ICC Spanish amateur member (<1800 ICC Blitz rating): two nights full accommodation to come to Dos Hermanas (Spain) from April 17th to 21st to see the Top 4-player event with tour of the best players in the world, plus 250 euros cash for travel.

WINNER: metaxas // Gustavo Gaviria (ESP)

c2) - Best "Peón de Rey" magazine Spanish amateur subscriber (<1800 ICC Blitz rating): two nights full accommodation to come to Dos Hermanas (Spain) from April 17th to 21st to see the Top 4-player event with tour of the best players in the world, plus 250 euros cash for travel.

WINNER: "MrCamel" // Manuel Iglesias Novo (ESP)

Dos Hermanas is a Spanish City 15 km south if Seville, with nearly 115.000 residents. Chess has always been an important sport there, and they have organized many important tournaments, with the best players in the world. A new edition of this event, this year with rapid games, will be held from the 18th to the 21st of April, with the participation of Topalov, Shirov, Polgar and Paco Vallejo.

The complete classifications, games in PGN format, and other interesting information can be found at the official Dos Hermanas website. http://www.doshermanas.net

15) First Saturday April

The First Saturday tournaments takes place 5th-17th April 2008

Official site: http://www.firstsaturday.hu

16) Krush - Mkrtchian

The 1st North American Match Challenge took place between Irina Krush (USA) and Lilit Mkrtchian (ARM) March 31st - April 3rd, 2008. Irina Krush won 2.5-1.5.

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

17) Kramnik DGT Chess Exhibition

Vladimir Kramnik won a clock simul at DGT, Enschede on Wednesday April 2nd 2008. Kramnik beats Marie Sebag from France and Jan Werle from The Netherlands. Time control 90mins + 30 seconds a move.

Official site: http://dgtprojects.nl/april2008/uk/index.html

18) Kasparov exhibitions in Pasching and Hluboka

Garry Kasparov took part in two major chess exhibitions in Austria and the Czech Republic.

First of all Kasparov was in Pasching Austria for the "Days of Chess" 28th-29th March 2008. He was there with the chess playing boxing brothers Vitali and Vladimir Klitschko and Judit Polgar who also gave a simul. Kasparov played against Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer and then played a 32 board simul, as did Judit Polgar.

Kasparov moved on to a chess exhibition in Hluboka, Czech Republic on 30th March 2008. He played a single game against Martin Vaculík which was recorded and then a simul against 26 opponents, all of which he won.

It does seem a shame to me that all the games were not recorded in this day and age for the historical record. One of my first chess books was the "Unknown Capablanca" which had a lot of his simul games and I'm sure someone in the future is going to wonder where the games are.. As it is there is just the game against Martin Vaculík and a couple of fragments at: http://www.chess.cz/

A nice photo report of the Austrian Pasching event is available at: http://www.chessbase.de/nachrichten.asp?newsid=7601. Maybe something more will appear at: http://www.chess.at/

Full reports on all at http://www.nss.cz>www.nss.cz

19) Doeberl Cup and Sydney International

More games from both the Doeberl Cup and the Sydney International. My thanks to Ian Rogers for his help.

Doeberl Cup

The Doeberl Cup Premier took place March 20th-24th 2008, Varuzhan Akobian won with 7.5/9. Games from the first four rounds only are currently available.

Official site: http://www.doeberlcup.com.au/

Sydney International Open

The 2008 Sydney International Open took place at Parramatta Town Hall 25th-29th March 2008. Surya Shekhar Ganguly, Zhang Zhong, Gawain Jones and Zhao Zong-Yuan all finished on 7/9.

Official site: http://www.chessaustralia.com.au/

20) Stockholm Ladies Open

The Stockholm Ladies Open tournament took place 20th-25th March 2008. The prize money was over 100 000 Skr. Anna Muzychuk took first place on tie-break from Sopiko Khukhashvili and Elina Danielian after all finished on 7/9. More games available.

Official site: http://www.scandinavian-chess.se/

21) Jacob Aagaard at the London Chess Centre 15th April 2008

The London Chess Centre are pleased to announce that GM Jacob Aagaard, the 2007 British Chess Champion and acclaimed author will be signing copies of his latest book, The Attacking Manual 1. This is a fantasic opportunity for you to meet one of the foremost writers of his generation in what should be a lively and entertaining evening. His previous works include the award-winning Excelling at Chess series, Practical Chess Defence, Experts Vs the Sicilian and five DVDs in the Fritz Media series.

Timetable of Events (to be held at Chess & Bridge, 369 Euston Road, London, NW1 3AR)

Tuesday 15th April 2008

4pm - 5.45pm - Book signing and photo opportunities. FREE ENTRY

6.15pm - 7.30pm - Lecture based on Jacob’s best-ever game of chess. (REQUIRES TICKET!)

7.30pm - 8pm (approx) - Your chance to quiz the champion on all things chess. (REQUIRES TICKET!)

Tickets for this event cost £5 - however Jacob’s books will be on sale at a £5 discount on the night, effectively making the lecture free to all those who buy a copy of one of his books.

Full details and tickets

22) Forthcoming Events and Links

6th Solingen Chess Weeks

The 6th Solingen Chess Weeks will be held at Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) between May, 9th and May, 17th 2008.

The main events of the chess festival are the two opens between June, 9th and 12th, both 7 rounds swiss, 2h/40+30 min/all.

The A-open is an Elo tournament open for all players; the top prizes are 800/500/300 euros. IM and GM are free of entry fee.

The B-open is for players rated below 1900 DWZ (national rating) only; the top prizes are 250/200/150 euros.

Additionaly there will be a blitz tournament on May, 16th (15 rounds swiss, 5 min/game) and a rapid tournament on May, 17th(9 rounds swiss, 20 min/game).

Further information: Andreas Peschel: +49 (0)175 591.24.07; anrope@hotmail.com and on the tournaments website: http://www.schachwochen.de/  

Ikaros Chess Festival

The main event of the Ikaros Chess Festival, the International Aegean Open Championship takes place from 12th-20th July 2008. It is a 9 round swiss event with prize fund 3000 Euros in total (1st prize 800 Euros, special money prizes for ladies and veterans). Special conditions for GMs/IMs and WGMs/WIMs are provided. The URL of Ikaros Chess Festival is: http://www.chess.gr/ikaros . Our e-mail is: ikaros@chess.gr while to contact us on the phone one can try: +30 6932 478386 or +30 210 5010871 (Mr. Savas Kyriakou). For general information about the island of Ikaria one can also check at: http://www.island-ikaria.com

French League Top 16

The first three rounds of the French League Top 16 took place 22nd-24th March 2008. All the games apart from Nijboer-Chomet from the first three rounds seem to be available. The final three rounds of the group stage take place 10th-13th April 2008.

Official site: http://www.echecs.asso.fr

Dutch Team Championship

The Dutch Team Championships take place 15th September 2007 - 17th May 2008. Round 8 was on 29th March 2008 and it settled all the major issues with a round to go. HSG won the title, HWP and LSG 2 were both relegated. Report Chess Vista

Links: Dutch Chess Federation: http://www.schaakbond.nl/- Meesterklasse Games side bar at: http://www.schakers.info/ and also photo coverage at: http://www.chessvista.com/

16th Sigeman & Co

The 16th Sigeman & Co Chess Tournament takes place 22nd - 30th April 2008 in Malmo,Sweden. Play starts at 14:00 CET except for the final round (12:00 CET).

Official site: http://www.sigeman-chess.com

8th PAL/CSS Freestyle Tournament

8th PAL/CSS Freestyle Tournament with $16,000 prize fund 24.03.2008 - A "Freestyle tournament" is one in which computer assistance - or help in any conceivable form - during the game is allowed and encouraged. The Eighth PAL/CSS Freestyle tournament will take place on the Playchess server on two weekends, April 11-13 and April 25-27. The main sponsor, the PAL Group in Abu Dhabi (UAE), has provided a $16,000 dollar prize fund. http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4528

Cez Chess Trophy.

Vladimir Kramnik plays David Navara for the Cez Chess Trophy. The match of 8 games in rapid chess will be the main event of the festival CEZ CHESS TROPHY 2008 and will take place in the Czech Republic in Prague 14th-18th May 2008.

Official site: http://www.praguechess.cz

Leko - Carlsen Match

There is an 8 game rapid match between Peter Leko and Magnus Carlsen 28th May - 1st June 2008.

Official site: http://www.lekokarpov.hu

European Union Championships, Liverpool 2008

This years European Union Championships takes place in Liverpool, England 9th - 18th September 2008. The prize fund is 30,000 pounds with 6000 pounds first prize. Already 16 Grandmasters have entered including Nigel Short, Sergei Tiviakov and Maxim Vachier-Lagrave.

Details:  http://www.liverpoolchessinternational.co.uk            

Mecking - Greenfeld Match

GM Henrique Mecking plays Alon Greenfeld  in the amphitheatre of Law College at University of Passo Fundo in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The 4 game match takes place 16th-20th April 2008. Official site: http://www.ligadexadrez.com.br/conteudo/ver.asp?id=19&conteudoId=347

French Youth Championship

The French Youth Championship takes place 19th-27th April 2008. Interviews etc at http://www.echecs.com/

Website http://www.echecs.com/

Voronezh Chess Festival

12th Voronezh traditional chess festival takes place 10th-21st June 2008.

Details: http://www.relex.ru/~xuser/voronezh_open

8th Brno Chess Festival

The 8th Brno Chess Festival 2008 takes place 27th or 29th June - 6th July 2008) in the luxury hotel BOBYCENTRUM****. Two open tournaments (FIDE and national) and closed tournaments (one grandmaster and 2-3 masters) are proposed. More details at: http://www.skduras.cz/en

Polgar appears in Italy

Judit Polgar plays in a Casino event on April 12th 2008. Details: http://www.campioneitalia.com/homepage/news_details.cfm?id=25

VII Benidorm International Chess Festival 2008

The VII Benidorm International Chess Festival takes place 28th November - 8th December 2008. For information contact: E-Mail: eventosdeajedrez@yahoo.es festivaldebenidorm@gmail.com News: Patricia Claros Aguilar.

Brussels International Chess Festival

The Brussels International Chess Festival rapid chess tournament (11 rounds - 25 minutes) Open to all rated and unrated players takes place Saturday 24th May - Sunday 25th May 2008

Details: http://www.creb.be/

III President's Cup Baku

The III President's Cup takes place 11th-21st May 2008 in Baku, Azerbaijan dedicated to the memory of Haydar Aliyev has a prize fund of $85000. Details: http://www.chessclub.az/kubok3/regulations.htm

Magistral Ciudad de León

The 21st edition of the "Magistral Ciudad de León" takes place May 29th - June 2nd in León, Spain.

The players will be World Champion Viswanathan Anand, Ukrainian Vassily Ivanchuk, and the 2 best Spanish Players, Alexei Shirov and Francisco Vallejo Pons.

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

2nd Annual Ennis Open

The 2nd Annual Ennis Open will take place on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April 2008 at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Galway Road, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland (http://www.auburnlodge.com/). The tournament will incorporate the 2008 North Munster Championship, with the title of North Munster Champion going to the best performing player in the Open who is resident in or orginally from North Munster.

Alongside the Open an Under 1400 tournament will be run. Players rated under 1400 have the option of playing in either tournamet. A report of last years tournament can be viewed at the website of the Irish Chess Union (www.icu.ie)

Entries to: John Cassidy 065 6824642/ 087 2495913 or Rory Quinn 065 6821835 ennischessclub@hotmail.com

Tournament Venue: Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare Prizes: Subject to entries. Minimum first prize of Euro 700 in the Open. System: Swiss system of 6 rounds Starting Time: 8 pm sharp Time Control: All moves in 105 mins. Application deadline: 17th April Entry Fee: Titled players free, Adults Euro 40, Under 18 Euro 25 (players can deduct Euro 5 if fee received before closing date)

XIX Internet Chess Tournament "Ciudad de Dos Hermanas"

For the ninth year running the XIX Internet Chess Tournament "Ciudad de Dos Hermanas" (Spain) is being held on the ICC Internet Chess Club playing zone (http://www.chessclub.com). Registration for the event is completely free both for ICC members and non-members.

This event is clearly the most important Internet chess tournament in the world, featuring the biggest number of participants. In the 2007 edition, nearly 2000 players from all over the world took part. The winner, former prodigy child and under-10 World Champion IM Jorge Sammour-Hasbun, overcome an impressive field of 300 IM/GM’s, including top players Shahriyar Mamedyarov, Tigran L. Petrosian, Gata Kamsky, Hikaru Nakamura, Kiril Georgiev and Sergey Shipov.

This year the prize fund is 7.700 euros, with 2.000 euros for the winner. In addition, there are many class prizes and special cash prizes for amateur players. Also, winners can achieve the opportunity to travel to Dos Hermanas for the main Event, with Topalov, Shirov, Polgar and Vallejo, at the end of April.

As in previous editions, the playing system is as follows: twelve 12-round Swiss qualifiers using the playing rate: 3 minutes per game. Qualifiers are held twice a day from March 28th to April 2nd, and the finals are held on April 4th and 5th. The 12 qualifier winners plus the 20 best scores qualify to the 32 KO final.

Full rules and registrations can be found on the Dos Hermanas website http://www.doshermanas.net/aje_9torneo.asp

Dvoretsky-Jussupow Chess School in Paris

The Dvoretsky-Jussupow Chess School will hold lessons in Paris in June.

The first stage will be held in the "Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris" 11th-15th June 2008. The training sessions (3 hours with Dvoretsky and 3 hours with Jussupow)are given in english (with possible translation into french), and the trainers will deliver written lessons (available both in English and French).

Groups : limited to 16 persons a day, groups of 8 persons maximum for each trainer.

Charges : 220 Euro per day.

Wednesday : under 1700 elo.

Thursday :1700-2100

Friday :1800-2199

Saturday :+2200

Sunday :+2200

Send your reservations to : L’Ecole Parisienne du jeu d’Échecs, 2 rue des Goncourt, 75011 Paris, France (cheque 220 Euro, order E.P.J.E.). The lessons will be delivered in la Cité Internationale Universitaire, Maison internationale, 19 Bd Jourdan, 75014 Paris. From 10h to 13h and from 14h to 17h. Further information: eneiman@free.fr or phone: +33 6 81 48 64 58

Official site (in French): http://epje.free.fr/

World Championship Match Anand vs Kramnik in Bonn

The World Championship match where Viswanathan Anand will defends his World title against Vladimir Kramnik in Bonn, Germany will now take place October 14th - 2nd November, 2008. The main reason for the slight change in dates is to fit in with the sponsors and politicians ability to attend the opening. The main sponsor is Evonik Industries AG and the prizemoney 1,5 Million Euro. The contract was signed by both players 18th December 2007.

Dates for the match: Gm1: Oct 14th, Gm2: Oct 15th, Gm3: Oct 17th, Gm4: Oct 18th, Gm5: Oct 20th, Gm6: Oct 21st, Gm7: Oct 23rd, Gm8: Oct 24th, Gm9: Oct 26th, Gm10: Oct 27th, Gm11: Oct 29th, Gm12: Oct 31st, Tiebreak Nov 2nd.

Website: http://www.uep-worldchess.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

Event 1 April 20th - May 6th 2008, Baku, Azerbaijan
Event 2 July 30th - August 15th 2008, Sochi, Russia
Event 3 December 13th - 29th, 2008, Doha, Qatar
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

British Chess Championships 2008

The 95th Championships of The British Isles organised by the English Chess Federation takes place Sunday 27th July - Saturday 9th August 2008 in St. George's Hall, Liverpool.

Details: http://www.englishchess.org.uk/events/bc2008/index.html

Canadian Open

The Canadian Open takes place in Montreal July 19th-27th 2008.

Further details: Fédération québécoise des échecs

2nd Thun Open

The "Swiss Chess Tour 2008 continues in Thun with the 2nd "Rathaus Open Thun" May 9th-12th 2008. Thun is famous tourist town, 20 minutes from Bern by train, located on the lake of the same name. The venue is the Hotel-Restaurant "Rathaus" Thun, Open, 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. Special prizes for best Lady, senior (1947), junior(1988-91), schoolboy (1992) and 3 best local players. Entry fee 130 SF, FMs and juniors 60 SF, at the door 20 SF more (for everybody include GM, IM), GMs and IMs free. Venue: Hotel "City House". Time table: Round 1st 18.00-23.00 May 9th ; Rounds 2/3 09.30-14.30 and 15.00-20.00 May 10th; Round 4/5 9.30-14.30 and 15.00-20.00 May 11th; Rounds 6/7 09.30-14.30 and 15.00-20.00 May 12th; Closing ceremony May 12 at 20.30. Info: Beochess +41+62+965-46-50 (Robert Spoerri) or info@beochess.ch

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

Cidade de Ferrol International

XXIII International Chess tournament Cidade de Ferrol Prizes : 14750 euros (different sections) Dates : 15th-20th July 2008 Time rate : 90’ + 30 Secunden Accomodation : 24,5 euros Full board in a Student house. There other posibilities. Entry: 30 euros . contact e-mail: xanrei@arrakis.es Other tournaments: Bernasque 3/7-12/7. Circuito Galego From 22/7 to 30/9

Further info: http://www.cfxadrez.org

X Sants Open

The X International Open of Sants, Hostafrancs and la Bordeta (Barcelona - Spain) takes place 22nd-31st August 2008. 10 round swiss system tournament with + 12.000 euros in prizes.

Other activities include a blitz tournament and rapid chess tournament with 1500 euros in prizes. Last year: 500 players from 40 countries including 70 titled players competed. There were 2 GM and 5 IM norms.

Yerevan Open Rapid Chess Tournament 2008

The Chess Federation of Armenia is organizing an International Open Rapid Chess Tournament which takes place June 12th-15th, 2008, in Yerevan, Armenia. The event is organized simultaneously with the tournament "Chess Giants Yerevan 2008" with the participation of the world's top grandmasters.

The total prize fund of the open rapid tournament is 33000 USD with the following breakdown.

Grandmasters and chess players with an Elo above 2450 will pay no entry fee. For the other participants the following fees are fixed: International Masters with an Elo up to 2450 30 USD Chess players with an Elo from 2301 to 2450 50 USD Chess players with an Elo from 2151 to 2300 70 USD Chess players with an Elo up to 2150 and without an Elo 100 USD The board and lodging costs will be covered by the participants. The following accommodation options are offered: Ani Plaza Hotel Single room - 80 Euro Double room - 50 Euro Breakfast is included in the prices. Optionally lunch - 10 Euro, dinner - 10 Euro Erebuni Hotel Single room - 60 Euro Double room - 35 Euro Breakfast is included in the prices.

For further information please contact: Mr. Gaguik Oganessian General Secretary, Armenian Chess Federation President, FIDE Zone 1,5
Tel.: (374)10-554923
Fax: (374)10-570758
E-Mail armchess@arminco.com

The 8th European Senior Championship

The "Swiss Chess Tour 2008" will present the 7th Chess Summer Festival in Davos from August 9th to 17th, 2008. The main event will be the 8th European Individual Senior Championship. The second tournament will be traditional, 7th Davos Open.

8th European Individual Senior Championship, August 9th to 17th 2008. "Sunstar Park Hotel" (4 stars) will be host festival in Congress Center. Swiss system, 9 rounds and the games will last a maximum of 6 hours (40 moves for 2 hours and 60 minutes till the end). Valid for FIDE titles and rating: FIDE, Swiss (SSB) and German (DWZ). Seniors: men born 1947 and earlier; women born 1957 and earlier. Prize (men): 2.500/1.700/1.000/700/600/500/2x400/2x300 CHF. 3-4 group rating prize (200/150/100 CHF). Women: 400/300/3x200 CHF; Entry fee 80 CHF; at the door 20 CHF more. Time table: Rounds 1 15.00-21.00 August 9th; Round 2/8 9.30-15.30 August 10th-16th; Round 9 9.30-15.30 August 17th.

7th Davos Open, 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: 1.000 SF, 800, 600, 400, 300, 200, 2x150 CHF. Natural prizes for 4 and more points. Entry fee 130 CHF, FMs and juniors 60 CHF, GMs and IMs free; juniors lodging at Sunstar Park Hotel free; at the door 20 CHF more. Time table: Rounds 1 15.00-21.00 August 10th; Round 2/7 16.00-22.00 August 10th-16th. Venue: "Sunstar Park Hotel" Congress Center. Closing ceremony August 17th, 4 p.m. Info Beochess: +41+62+9654-650 (Robert Spoerri) Email beochess@bluewin.ch or read the website: http://www.beochess.ch

Paleochora International Open 2008

The Paleochora (southern Crete) International Open takes place 21st-28th July 2008.

Further details: http://www.chaniachess.gr

The Battle of Senta 1697 Chess Festival 2008

12th International Chess Festival "The Battle of Senta 1697" will be held 18th-25th. July 2008. in Senta (the Vojvodina /Serbia).

Further details: http://www.chess-senta.org.yuand in English: http://www.chess-senta.org.yu/select.php?lang=3&xid=2

XXVI International Chess Open of Andorra

The XXVI International Chess Open of Andorra takes place 19th-27th July 2008. Contact: open@escacsandorra.com FEVA - Tel/Fax: 00.376.824465

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

Offene Internationale Stuttgarter Stadtmeisterschaft 2008

Offene Internationale Stuttgarter Stadtmeisterschaft 2008, 1st-4th May 2008, in Ditzingen, South-Germany. 7 Rounds, Swiss System, A/B/C-tournament, over 7000 Euro prizes.

Further Details: http://www.stuttgarter-stadtmeisterschaft.de

Alushta Diary 2008

GM Norm events: 23.05 - 1.06, 2.06 - 12.06, 15.06 - 25.06, 2.09 - 12.09, 14.09 - 24.09, 26.09 - 6.10, IM Norm: 23.05 - 1.06, 2.06 - 12.06, 15.06 - 25.06, 2.09 - 12.09, 14.09 - 24.09, 26.09 - 6.10, Rating tournament: 4.06 - 12.06, 22.06 - 27.06, Open tournament (under 16 years) First prize - 200$ 3.06 - 11.06, 13.06 - 21.06, Alushta Swiss 9 rounds Open tournament First prize - 1000$ First prize (woman) - 500$ 28.06 - 6.07, Alushta Swiss 9 rounds Blitz tournament 7.07, Alushta Swiss 9 rounds Open tournament (rapid chess) 8.07 - 9.07, Alushta Session of school of Gennadi Kuzmin 21.06 - 27.06 Individual and group studying. phone +38 (06560)5-05-32,

Further information: http://www.kaissa.com.ua

M-Tel Masters

M-Tel Masters takes place 7th-18th May 2008 in the Central Military Club in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. The event is a 10 round double round robin with a 5 hour time control. In case of a draw at the top there will be a tie break for determining the winner. Like in the previous three editions of M-Tel Masters the rule for the draws introduced in Sofia will be valid. According to it the players do not have the right to agree a draw. This can be decided only by the chef arbiter of the tournament.

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

Chess Classic Mainz 2008

The schedule for Chess Classic Mainz 2008 is now available. The event takes place 28th July - 3rd August 2008 in Mainz/Germany (a week later than originally advertised).

In addition there is a Chess Classic Calendar for the next year, which will be available in the first week of December. It is a big format (420 x 594 mm) and shows the stars and the biggest moments of the 14 years tournament history. The copies are limited to 200 (39,- Euro plus delivery) plus 64 with an autograph of World Champion Vishy Anand (48,- Euro plus delivery). Contact for order: juergen.wienecke@chesstigers.de

Further details: http://www.chesstigers.de

IX European Individual Chess Championship 2008

The IX European Individual Chess Championship takes place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria 20th April (day of arrival) - 4th May (day of departure) 2008.

Official site: http://www.eicc2008.com

Pula Open 2008

The Pula Open 2008 takes place 21st-28th June 2008 in Pula, Croatia. Contact e-mail: pulaopen@globalnet.hr

Further details: http://www.skpula.hr

echiquier-nicois Website

Thierry Foissez's echiquier-nicois website reports on news and events in French daily.

http://www.echiquier-nicois.org

Hungarian Chess Tournaments April - June 2008

1. 5th-18th of April First Saturday Budapest, org.NL,

2. 19th-28th of April, KECSKEMET, CAISSA IM tmt, org. Erdelyi

3. 3rd-15th of May First Saturday Budapest, org. NL,

4. 22nd-30th of May, ZALAKAROS Open, 9 rounds Swiss, 1st prize 500,000 Ft (brutto 2 thousand EURO), org: IM Horvath, Tamas, e-mail: mssz@zalaszam.hu Mobile: 36-20-9777003

5. 7th-19th of June First Saturday, Budapest, org: NL.,

6. 13th-21st of June, Balatonlelle Open, GM-IM round robin, org: IM Rigo, e-mail: me-ri@t-online.hu

Anand - Kramnik World Championship Match

A Press release from UEP Promotions announces that Viswanathan Anand will defend his World title against Vladimir Kramnik in Bonn, Germany October 11th-30th October, 2008. Main sponsor Evonik Industries AG and prizemoney 1,5 Million Euro. The match will be 12 games followed by playoffs if required. The contract was signed by both players 18th December 2007.

Website: http://www.uep-worldchess.com/

Mindsports

The World Mindsports games takes place in Beijing, China after the Olympics 3rd -18th October 2008.

Details: http://www.worldbridge.org/competitions/Calendar/files/WorldMindSportsGames2007.pdf.

XXI Benidorm Open

The XXI Open Internacional de Ajedrez Villa de Benidorm 2008 Benidorm organised an international tournament 1977 till 1995 now it has returned second year. The event takes place 25nd April - 4th May 2008 (10 rounds). 35.000 Euros in prizes. Information: Mr. Alfonso Vilches Tel: +34 695 91 56 78. E-mail: open@chessbenidorm.com

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

Icelandic Rapid Championships

The Icelandic Rapid Championships took place 18th-20th October 2007. Bragi and Björn Þorfinnsson will meet in the final in December which be on TV in Iceland.

Official site: http://www.skaksamband.is/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=5661&Itemid=387

Halkidiki Chess Festival 2008

Games Festival is a mass event organized for the third year in Halkidiki, Greece 28th April - 6th May 2008. The festival includes series of tournaments & exhibitions in prestigious sports like, chess, billiards, bridge, darts, streetbasketball and popular table games like scrabble, strategic games, pc games etc.

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

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.

32nd Kings Head Rapidplay

The 32nd Kings Head Rapidplay takes place Saturday 5 April 2008 start time 11:00, details below: 6-round Swiss rapidplay (30 minutes), prize fund £700

The Porchester Hall Porchester Road Bayswater London W2 5HS

Contact: Colin Mackenzie 9 Allan Way Acton London W3 0PW 020 8992 1849 colin.mackenzie@atosorigin.com

Further details; http://www.khcc.org.uk

Alex Brunetti's TotoScacco Site

Alex Brunetti's TotoScacco Site allows predictions for current chess tournaments. http://e4e6.com/toto

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