This page is a brief archive of articles between the previous website and the new one which have relevance or links to up-to-date items …
More from Jan Mazuch
Monday, 04 January 2010
Dear chessfriends,
Let us invite you most cordially to the final tournament within the frame of 9th CZECH TOUR 2009/2010 Series
13.-20.2. 2010 1st NOVY BOR OPEN (the Prazak Grandhotel)
http://www.czechtour.net/novy-bor-open/
Furthermore allow us to inform you that the registration deadline for
8.-15.1. 2010 9th PRAGUE OPEN (TOP HOTEL Praha) http://www.czechtour.net/prague-open/
16.-23.1. 2010 9th MARIENBAD OPEN (the Kossuth hotel) http://www.czechtour.net/marienbad-open/
is 4th January 2010
Preliminary starting lists to the day 27.12. 2009 should be found at http://www.czechtour.net/news/
Dates of the first tournaments of the 10th jubilee CZECH TOUR 2010/2011 Series:
15.-22.5. 2010 1st HRADEC KRALOVE OPEN (the Cernigov hotel)
15.7.-1.8. 2010 21st CZECH OPEN (Pardubice, CEZ Arena)
4.-12.8. 2010 13th OLOMOUC CHESS SUMMER (the Sigma hotel)
We wish you a lot of happiness, health and chess success in 2010!
With best regards – Jan Mazuch
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From Uwe Starowski
Monday, 21 December 2009
Dear chessfriends,
Please take note – the preliminaries of the World Correspondence Chess Championship Cycle 2010 and the International Open Tournament ‘Slovenia’s 15-Year Membership of ICCF’ are going to start soon.
Regards
Uwe Staroske
ICCF Marketing Director
uwe.staroske@iccf.com
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From Iceland
Monday, 21 December 2009
Dear European Chess Friends!
I would like to point out that Reykjavík Open 2010 is running from 24th February – 3rd March
The website of the tournament is http://www.chess.is and the e-mail of the organize commitee is reykjavikopen2010@gmail.com
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From Hungary
Monday, 21 December 2009
Five GM-IM closed tournaments in a row in Hungary
It is possible to stay for 2 months and play 5 closed tournaments in a row
Strongly recommended for the GM-IM-norm seekers
GM-tmt ELO average: 2381-2450
IM-tmt ELO average: 2231-2280
We have 4 GM-tmt in a row in Hungary from 23rd of Jan until 18th of March
9 – 13 games, min 2381-2420 ELO average, GM norm possibility
Players can stay in a 3-star hotel for 25 € per night in Budapest and in Kecskemet – please contact the organizer Mr.Erdelyi
E-mail – postmaster@caissa.t-online.hu
1 – 3rd-14th July 2010 Budapest, First Saturday, org. Nagy Laszlo, e-mail: firstsat@hu.inter.net
website: www.firstsaturday.hu Mobile: +36-30-230-19-14,
2 – 17th-25th July 2010, Kecskemét (100 km South from Budapest), org: Dr IM Erdelyi, e-mail: postmaster@caissa.t-online.hu website: www.caissachessbooks.com Mobile: +36-30-2713338,
3 – 27th July-4th August 2010, Szombathely (300 km West from Budapest), org: Csonka Attila, Mobile: +36-70-2004233
4. 7th-18th August 2010, Budapest, First Saturday
5. 21st-29th August, 2010, Kecskemet, contact Laszlo Nagy firstsat@hu.inter.net
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11th European Individual Chess Championships
Thursday, 17 December 2009
NOTE – If anyone is interested in playing, please contact the Director of International Chess Lawrence Cooper at director.international@englishchess.org.uk
Dear chess friends,
We should like to inform you that the organizers of the 11th European Individual Men and Women’s Chess Championship have provided excellent accommodation opportunities in Opatija, the oldest Croatian tourist resort, famous for its mild climate, large botanic garden and Central European architecture, which is unique on the Mediterranean. Accommodation is also being provided in the host city of Rijeka, in Hostel Rijeka, a beautiful villa from the 19th century, which has been converted into charming and modern high standard accommodation.
We would like to remind you that accommodation prices have more than 10% off should you send your accommodation request and payment by January 31st 2010.
All information regarding the EURO 2010 are available at www.eurorijeka2010.com. Please contact us for all further information.
With best wishes for the upcoming holidays we look forward greeting you in Rijeka to in spring 2010!
Sincerely,
Damir Vrhovnik – EC President
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UK Chess Challenge
Monday, 14 December 2009
The UK Chess Challenge began in 1996 and was an immediate success, with 700 schools entering, involving approximately 23,000 children. The tournament begins every Spring Term, and continues over four stages and eight months. Every child is able to win prizes, whether badges, gold spots, mascots, trophies and even baseball caps, so every child has something to play for. For more on the UK Chess Challenge click here
http://www.ukchesschallenge.com/
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Yateley Manor Schools Championship – Last Chance Saloons
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Have you been knocked out of your Zone? Would you like another chance? One is available! There will be Last Chance Saloons on Saturday 6th February at Nottingham High School and Sunday 7th February at Eton College, each providing two national-stage qualifying places: one in the Championship and one in the Plate.
The Saloons are open to all teams that fail to reach their Zone Final. If you have already been knocked out, you can enter now. If not, you can wait till you know. The closing date (31st January) allows for this. The Saloons are also open to teams that did not enter at the Zonal stage.
The entry form is at http://www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/LastChanceEntries2010.pdf
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European Youth Chess Teams Championship from Jan Mazuch
Wednesday, 09 December 2009
Dear chessfriends,
Allow us to invite members of your chess federation to the European Youth Chess Teams Championship which will be held in July 2010 in Pardubice, the Czech Republic
You can download the regulations at http://www.czechopen.net/news/index.php
and see the results from the former championship at http://www.czechopen.net/results/results_en.php?id_turnaje=44
Regards – Dr. Jan Mazuch, Director of CZECH OPEN & CZECH TOUR – j.mazuch@avekont.cz
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Vacancies – British Rapidplay 2010
Friday, 04 December 2009
Three vacancies exist for British Rapidplay Chess Committee / Officers
Webmaster – responsible for running the website
Grading Officer – responsible for grading / pairing cards / grading queries
Assistant Tournament Co-ordinator – assisting with organizing the event
Email Brent Kitson on br.kitson@sky.com to enquire further
Tournament dates – 20 / 21 November 2010 at the North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax
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Gaziantep – from the ECU (transl. AW)
Thursday, 03 December
Official Press Release (by ECU and TSF)
Gaziantep – the capital of European Women’s Chess?
Dateline – 5 November 2009
The President of the European Chess Union, Mr. Boris Kutin and the president of the Turkish Chess Federation and the Vice-President of FIDE, Mr. Ali Nihat YAZICI were the guests of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. The reason for that high-powered meeting was to plan a new project which will occupy an important position in European and World Chess.
On the night of the 4th November 2009, two presidents – Prof. Dr. Kivanç Güngör (Chairman of the TSF Medical Committee and member of FIDE Medical Committee) and Mr. Fatih Ekinci (a member of the TSF Board) met President Kutin and President Nihat in Gaziantep Airport. On the morning of the 5th November, the chess delegation was welcomed by the management team of Gaziantep Municipality. Bilateral meetings were held during the day and before night the decision was made in principle.
The meetings were productive and friendly. Mr. Boris Kutin mentioned his happiness with the high level hospitality provided by the Municipality. President Kutin mentioned that the project will be an important point on the road map of European Women’s Chess.
The meetings were very successful. According to the agreement, in 2011 the European Women’s Individual Chess Championship, European Women’s Rapidplay Championship, and European Women’s Blitz Championships will be organised in Gaziantep with a prize fund of 150.000€. The prize fund will be a new record, and the ECU and TSF will try to make the events a record in the Guinness Book of Records. 2011 is settled, since there is no other bid for the event, and considering the high prize funds, Gaziantep will be a strong candidate for the 2012 and 2013 events.
The aim of the project is to ensure Gaziantep comes to be known as the ‘women’s chess city’ or perhaps the capital of European Women’s Chess.
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FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship
Wednesday, 02 December 2009
Commencing March 19th, 2010 – an Official FIDE World Chess Championship! 9R-SS G/90 + 30/sec increment.
At the Holiday Inn Hotel, 5300 W Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60077 Tel: 847.679.8900
$20,000 Guaranteed. More information and online registration available at: http://www.worldchesschamps.com
Questions via email only: sevan@worldchesschamps.com
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Obituary – Richard W. O’Brien from Andrew Smith
Wednesday, 02 December 2009
Sadly I report that Richard O’Brien died in hospital in Sussex on the 5th November 2009 aged 65. He had lived on the Sussex coast for many years.
Although a controversial character in the chess world, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Richard made lots of positive contributions to chess community. Many will remember him as the publisher of the ‘Trends’ series of books on openings and ‘Tournament Chess’. He would sell these along with many other publications through his network of dealers across the world as well as at his chess stalls at weekend tournaments.
But perhaps not everyone was aware of his other chess accomplishments. He was an International Chess Arbiter, an accolade not achieved by many, and a Chess Tournament Organiser – the Lewisham Internationals in the early 1980s and Accountancy Age Masters to name but two.
He was also very knowledgeable about the mechanics of the ELO Rating system and therefore was able to help many players achieve the results required to get GM/IM Norms particularly at the Lloyds Bank Masters, where he acted as an Arbiter.
He was Team Captain of Essex County Chess Team in the 70s & 80s and played for many club teams. I know him from having been a member of Charlton Chess Club and my own Club Lewisham for whom he was an excellent Team Captain. In that capacity, he was most definitely a hugely competitive captain who would ‘play to win’ at all costs.
He also represented Ireland a couple of times in matches against Wales and was a frequent traveller to Spain and other European Countries to play Tournaments and network with players and book dealers. Although he also dabbled in accountancy, chess was his life, love and living! A man who lived on his wits, he was a true entrepreneur.
In later years, he played for Lewes in the local Sussex League, although not for some time as his health had deteriorated over the last few years. Despite this, he still kept in contact with many of his friends from the Chess Community and remained interested in chess till the end.
But overriding all of this, on a personal level, his passing, means the loss of a long standing friend of more than 30 years.
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National Club Major – from Julie Johnson
Friday, 27 November 2009
For your information – the draw is as follows
Preliminary match – Barnsley v Alwoodley
Round 1
Bushbury v Barnsley or Alwoodley
Maidstone v Hastings
Gloucester v Brown Jack
Bourne End v St Albans
Wood Green v London Deaf
Ilford v Metropolitan
Home Office & Justice v Wanstead & Woodford
Hackney v Athenaeum
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Vacancy – ECF DMR, Standard, Junior Members
Monday, 09 November 2009
A vacancy has arisen for an ECF Direct Members’ Representative for Standard and Junior Members, to replace John Paines, who is standing down. Initial enquiries to the CEO Chris Majer at chief.executive@englishchess.org.uk
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English Deaf Chess Association National Championship
Tuesday, 03 November
Results of the English Deaf Chess Association National Championship are now in.
The tournament took place on 17th-18th October 2009 in Bristol
Premier, 5 rounds
1st Lewis Martin (Swindon) 4/5
2nd Richard Dunn (Hampstead) 3.5/5 SB:10
3rd Neil Dunlop (Bath) 3.5/5 SB:9.5
4th Barry David (Finchley) 3/5 SB:8
5th Phillip Gardner (Letchworth) 3/5 SB:6
6th Michael Freund (Canons’ Park) 2.5/5 SB:9.5
7th Ilan Dwek (Cricklewood) 2.5/5 SB:8
8th Chris Williamson (Birmingham) 2.5/5 SB:5
9th Chris Kreuzer (Whitton) 2/5 SB:8
10th Alasdair MacLeod (Worcester Pk) 2/5 SB:4.5
Major, 5 rounds
1st Jet Ajimal (Birmingham) 2.5/5
2nd David Whiston (Sheffield) 2/5
3rd Mick Simmons (Sheffield) 1.5/5
4th Frank Wood (Liverpool) 0.5/5
For the final two rounds we arranged for the Major players to be paired against the lowest scoring players in the Premier.
Congratulations to Lewis Martin, 18, who is now the youngest ever EDCA National Champion since Michael Freund in 1975. A very well done too to Jet Ajimal for winning the Major on his only 2nd attempt, his first appearance being in 2005.
Many thanks goes to Neil Dunlop for ensuring that things ran smoothly at the Bristol end and to Bristol Centre for the Deaf for allowing us use of their premises for the weekend. We’re also grateful for the support given by Ilan Dwek acting as tournament controller where things ran smoothly without problems.
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ECF Elections – news from Chris Majer
Monday, 19 October 2009
1) All candidates for uncontested posts were elected
2) CJ de Mooi was elected President
3) Adam Raoof was elected Director of Home Chess
4) Nigel Short was elected ECF FIDE Delegate
5) Alan Martin and John Wickham were elected Non-Executive Directors
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Magazine of the Year
Monday, 19 October 2009
John Wickham presenting John Charman, editor of ‘En Passant’ with the ECF Magazine of the Year 2009 Award
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Manager of Women’s Chess – vacancy
Thursday, 15 October 2009
With some sadness we have to announce that Meri Grigoryan has decided not to continue as the ECFs Manager of Women’s Chess. This post now falls vacant – details to follow, initial enquiries to the ECF Offices
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European Chess Championships | Richard Lobo / Amy Hoare interviews
Monday, 12 October 2009
Richard Lobo, 17, recently played in the European Youth Chess Championships in Fermo, Italy. He scored 4/9. This interview was conducted with him shortly after the event.
1. How did you get interested in chess?
I was fascinated with the game from the age of four when my father taught me how to play.
2. Have you had any notable successes prior to this tournament?
Under 12 British Champion in 2004, Under 13 British Champion in 2005 and Under 18 and Under 21 London Champion in 2006. Represented England at the Commonwealth Chess Championships in 2008.
3. How did you qualify to play at the European Youth Championships?
I came joint first in the Leicester Selection Tournament.
4. Have you had experience of international chess previously?
Representing England in the Commonwealths 2008, and squad trips to Poland, Germany, Dubai, and Holland.
5. How did you find the event?
It was very enjoyable, with a strong team spirit taking us through the highs and lows. I found the event challenging, and it was a good experience to play so many strong opponents.
6. What was your favourite game from the tournament?
My last round game against Vincento Piccoli, where I converted a sound opening advantage into a strong attack. I then forked his king and queen.
7. What hobbies do you have aside from chess?
I play badminton, and also hockey for my school.
8. Are there any other comments you’d like to make?
I’d like to thank Mr. Purland, the coaches and all the people behind the scenes who made the trip possible. It was very well organised and a pleasure to participate in.
Amy Hoare, 12, also played in the European Youth Chess Championships. She scored 4.5/9
1. How did you get interested in chess?
My Mum first taught me how to play chess when I was about 5 years old but it wasn’t until I joined the school chess club at school in Prep 3 that I started to get more interested in the game. The club is run by Chris Dunworth and he suggested that I go along to some Sussex Junior Chess events…the first competition I went to I won a prize for the best under 8. That’s how it all started!
2. Have you had any notable successes prior to this tournament?
Getting into the England squad last year was a highlight as I’d been working towards that for over a year. I also hold the Under 12 national girls title which I won last Summer. I played with the England squad in Poland in May at an international tournament and was the 3rd placed girl.
3. How did you qualify to play at the European Youth Championships?
I qualified by playing in a number of tournaments throughout the country with my best 3 scores counting. I actually came second and as the winner was unable to go to the competition I was offered the place.
4. Have you had experience of international chess previously?
Yes I had experience of international chess with the England squad. We have played the Dutch team, visited Flanders to play their team, and spent just under a week in Poland taking part in an international tournament. In November I go to Holland to play in the Battle of the Giants competition with the Sussex team and next March will play in the Czech Republic.
5. How did you find the event?
I found the event fun overall. We played 9 games in total, in the morning we prepared for our games with our coaches and then travelled to the playing hall in the afternoon. The games started at 3pm, my shortest game was about 3.5 hours, my longest game was just over 5 hours that was against the number 6 seed in my section a girl from Hungary. After getting back to the hotel each evening we then went through our games with our coaches before all sitting down to dinner. I tried out a number of new openings during the tournament, some worked, and some didn’t! I played in the Under 14 section and was one of the youngest players as I was only 12. I started as seed 62 and finished in 37th place on 4.5 points, so I was really pleased.
6. What was your favourite game from the tournament?
My favourite game was the game against Katarina Larionova from Finland; it was a really exciting mate as I had to sacrifice my rook.
7. What hobbies do you have aside from chess?
Hockey and roller blading
8. Are there any other comments you’d like to make?
I think everyone should have the chance to learn chess, it’s a fun game and I’ve had the chance to make some great new friends
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Junior Chess Interview
Monday, 28 September 2009
Matthew Wadsworth, 9, recently played in the European Youth Chess Championships in Fermo, Italy. He scored a very impressive 6/9 to finish 11th. This interview was conducted with him shortly after the event.
1. How did you get interested in chess?
I learnt to play at the age of 4 when my dad showed me the moves on a chequerboard table we have at home. I started going regularly to my local chess club in Maidenhead when I was 5, and used various PC packages to improve.
2. Have you had any notable successes prior to this tournament?
British Under 10 champion 2009; UK Chess Challenge Under 9 winner 2008 & 2009; London Under 10 Junior Chess Champion 2007; English Junior Rapidplay Under 8 Champion 2007
9th= Under 8 World Youth Chess Championships 2008
Currently the top rated Under 10 in England as measured by English Chess Federation grade.
I was my county’s (Berkshire) Under 9 Board 1 for 3 years from the age of 6, winning 36 out of the 39 games I played.
3. How did you qualify to play at the European Youth Championships?
I came second in the ECF Junior grand prix
4. Have you had experience of international chess previously?
World Youth Chess Championships in 2008 (Vietnam) & 2007 (Turkey) as an under 8
5. How did you find the event?
It was great to be part of the team and to work closely with the coaches. I was delighted to finish as the highest placed under 9 player; but also a bit disappointed to end up half a point outside the prizes.
6. What was your favourite game from the tournament?
I was thrilled to win 2 and draw the other from the 3 games I played against Russian team members; but my favourite was probably in round 4 against a Spaniard, where I finished the game off with a queen sacrifice!
7. What hobbies do you have aside from chess?
I really enjoy sport, especially rugby and cricket.
8. Are there any other comments you’d like to make?
I would like to thank the many volunteer organisers of Junior Chess, especially Nigel Dennis in Berkshire. Without them running tournaments and other events I wouldn’t have the opportunities to improve.
