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Four Players Tie in First Place at Olivier Breisacher Memorial, Tiebreaks to Follow

August 2, 2013, 8:53 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

The very exciting Olivier Breisacher Memorial in Biel had its last round today. The whole tournament was very intriguing regarding the standings, as all the players showed their strength at some point. After Etienne Bacrot led for a couple of rounds, Ding Liren took over first place and seemed ready to grab the title today. however, things went other way.

After today’s results, no less than four players tied for first place with 14 points each. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, who missed a lot of chances during the whole event, scored a final win over leader Ding Liren; meanwhile, Etienne Bacrot and Alexander Moiseenko took this opportunity to also catch the Chinese with a draw. Ian Nepomniachtchi and Richard Rapport also split the point.

Ding Liren was a win away from clear first place and, in retrospect, given the other results, he would have taken the trophy even with a draw. On the other hand, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave arrived with a slim chance of catching the leaders, and he took it. He had a remarkable performance in most of his games, so the final result only seems fair.

The young Chinese used his only weapon against the 1.d4 systems, the King’s Indian Defense. The players took a sideline and ended up focusing most of the fight on the queenside. A very slow maneuvering battle began and white obtained the better of it. When the smoke cleared, Vachier-Lagrave was a pawn up with four rooks on the board, and the grinding began. Only on move 75, Ding Liren finally gave up hopes when it is clear that white will either end up in a totally won pawn endgame, or will get a second pawn if the rooks are left on the board. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave defeated Ding Liren with white

The other key game of the round was Etienne Bacrot – Alexander Moiseenko. The oldest participants showed throughout the event that they are still capable of fighting with the new generations. In previous rounds, Bacrot saved a couple of inferior pawn endgames and Moiseenko showed his class and preparation with the white pieces.

The players went into a Nimzo-Indian and started simplifying the position rather quickly. None of them took too many chances, as they focused their strengths on trying to win a pawn in a very positional battle. The defensive skills of the experienced GMs were up to the task and they reached a drawn position on 32 moves. Both of them will participate in tomorrow’s tiebreak to fight for first place.

Ian Nepomniachtchi had a rather disappointing performance, given the fact that he arrived as the second seed. Richard Rapport arrived as the outsider and could not cope with the pressure of playing these strong GMs, however, he showed a lot of creativity and added a lot of value to the event. It would not be surprising if they invite him again next year. These two players finished at the bottom of the standings after drawing their last round game.

The four players that tied on first place will play a mini-tournament tomorrow to decide who will be the champion. The rules are presented below:

There will be semi-finals in blitz (two games with 5’+2’’; if 1-1, one Armageddon game). The semi-finals will be Player 1- Player 4 and Player 2- Player 3 (according to Sonnenborn-Berger), with 1 and 2 having the priority to choose the color.

Then, the winners make the final: two rapid games with 15 minutes, with increase of 10’’/move. If 1-1, two games with 5’+2”. If again 1-1, one Armageddon game with 5’ for white (has to win) and 4’ for black. (www.chessdo.com)

The pairings for the semifinals are Bacrot – Moiseenko and Vachier-Lagrave – Ding Liren.

Final Standings:
1 Etienne Bacrot 2714 FRA 14 68.00
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 2719 FRA 14 61.00
Ding Liren 2714 CHN 14 61.00
Alexander Moiseenko 2699 UKR 14 59.00
5 Ian Nepomniachtchi 2717 RUS 10 55.00
6 Richard Rapport 2693 HUN 6 38.00

Official website

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
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Ni Hua Wins China Rapid Chess Event in Senzhen

August 2, 2013, 9:43 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

The 3rd China Rapid Chess Tournament took place from July 29th until August 1st in Senzhen. Eight of the strongest players from the Oriental country will battle in a round-robin event with a rapid time control. With such a strong field and the little amount of rounds, it was not surprising that four players tied on first place, all with 4 points. The first tiebreak criterion was the result of direct encounters among the tied players. Ni Hua was declared winner after evaluating this factor.

Second place went to Wang Yue, who arrived directly after leading his national team to beat the USA in Ningbo. Third place went to Zhou Jianchao. Former women’s world champion Hou Yifan had an unfortunate event and finished in last place. (www.chessdom.com)

Official website

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Maxime Vachier-Lagrave Wins Olivier Breisacher Chess Memorial in Biel

August 3, 2013, 10:48 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave defeated Liren Ding 2-0 in a blitz semifinal and then Alexander Moiseenko 1.5-0.5 in a rapid final to claim the top prize in the Olivier Breisacher Memorial in Biel, Switzerland. Olivier Breisacher Memorial was the main event of the 46th Biel Chess Festival. After the regular ten rounds in the tournament as many as four players shared the first place with 14 points each (three points for a win, one for draw) - Etienne Bacrot 2714 FRA, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 2719 FRA, Ding Liren 2714 CHN and Alexander Moiseenko UKR 2699.

Ian Nepomniachtchi 2717 RUS was fifth, while Richard Rapport 2693 HUN finished sixth.

Official website

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Karpov Chess Simul at Sokolniki Club Opening

August 4, 2013, 10:09 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 


Sunday chess video time: Here are two videos from the July 27 opening ceremony of the chess club 'Sokolniki'. A simultaneous was held with the 12th World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov. There were lots of prizes as well!










From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
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at www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
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Parimarjan Negi Wins Politiken Chess Cup

August 5, 2013, 2:21 pm
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

Indian Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi emerged convincing winner of the 2013 Politiken Cup following his last-round victory against earlier co-leader Sabino Brunello of Italy.

Negi completed the event with 9,0 points from ten games, leaving the chasing pack of seven players a full point behind. This is his second trophy at the Politiken Cup following the success in 2009.

Politiken Cup was held from 27th July to 4th August at the Konventum Lo-Skolen in Helsingør, Denmark. 309 players from 26 countries took participation.

Tournament director was IA Lars-Henrik Bech Hansen. More information on the official website. (www.chessdom.com)


Final standings:


1 GM Negi Parimarjan IND 2634 – 9
2 GM Cheparinov Ivan BUL 2678 – 8
3 GM Edouard Romain FRA 2662 – 8
4 GM Maze Sebastien FRA 2547 – 8
5 GM Hansen Sune Berg DEN 2549 – 8
6 GM Timman Jan H NED 2584 – 8
7 GM Brunello Sabino ITA 2593 – 8
8 GM Van Kampen Robin NED 2595 – 8
9 GM Erenburg Sergey USA 2615 – 7.5
10 GM Melkumyan Hrant ARM 2632 – 7.5
11 IM Bekker-Jensen Simon DEN 2414 – 7.5
12 GM Bulski Krzysztof POL 2534 – 7.5
13 FM Ochsner Bjorn Moller DEN 2343 – 7.5
14 GM Smerdon David AUS 2521 – 7
15 GM Hector Jonny SWE 2509 – 7
16 IM Glud Jakob Vang DEN 2520 – 7
17 GM Schandorff Lars DEN 2522 – 7
18 GM Halkias Stelios GRE 2565 – 7
19 GM Grandelius Nils SWE 2573 – 7
20 GM Danielsen Henrik ISL 2510 – 7
21 GM Kunin Vitaly GER 2502 – 7
22 FM Aabling-Thomsen Jakob DEN 2370 – 7
23 IM Carlstedt Jonathan GER 2387 – 7
24 IM Andersen Mads DEN 2477 – 7
25 GM Rasmussen Allan Stig DEN 2502 – 7
26 IM Svane Rasmus GER 2427 – 7
27 FM Tari Aryan NOR 2383 – 7
28 IM Haugli Petter NOR 2287 – 7
29 Louis Thibault FRA 2222 – 7
30 IM Nilssen John Arni FAI 2353 – 7
31 FM Arvola Benjamin NOR 2347 – 7
32 FM Larsen Karsten DEN 2270 – 7
33 Rydstrom Tom SWE 2172 – 7
34 GM Kristiansen Jens DEN 2396 – 6.5
Stojanovski Sandi DEN 2270 – 6.5
36 GM Portisch Lajos HUN 2479 – 6.5
37 IM Argandona Riveiro Inigo ESP 2388 – 6.5
38 Englert Fabian GER 2282 – 6.5
39 FM Teplyi Igor DEN 2409 – 6.5
40 FM Carstensen Jacob DEN 2384 – 6.5
41 FM Holm Kristian Stuvik NOR 2255 – 6.5
42 FM Bekker-Jensen David DEN 2310 – 6.5
43 IM Soors Stef BEL 2405 – 6.5
44 WGM Saduakassova Dinara KAZ 2340 – 6.5
45 IM Lund Silas DEN 2421 – 6.5
46 Nilsen Joachim Birger NOR 2259 – 6.5
47 Rosenkilde Alexander DEN 2260 – 6.5
48 Skjoldager Per DEN 2136 – 6.5
49 Schou-Moldt Thomas DEN 2202 – 6.5
50 WGM Cherednichenko Svetlana UKR 2290 – 6.5
51 Gandrud Vegar Koi NOR 2267 – 6.5
52 Royset Pal NOR 2170 – 6.5
53 Thybo Jesper Sondergaard DEN 2097 – 6.5
54 Nilsen Martin NOR 1820 – 6.5
55 Poulsen Iver DEN 2087 – 6.5
56 IM Mikkelsen Nikolaj DEN 2418 – 6
57 FM Friedrich Norbert GER 2305 – 6
Hobber Anders NOR 2278 – 6
59 Lindgren Philip SWE 2287 – 6
60 Jorgensen Dennis DEN 2245 – 6
61 FM Bach Matthias GER 2251 – 6
62 Hagen Anders Gjerdrum NOR 2187 – 6
63 Eriksson Christian DEN 2143 – 6
64 Grant Jonathan I M SCO 2235 – 6
65 Bruun Henrik Emil DEN 2078 – 6
66 Merkesvik Sondre NOR 1980 – 6
67 Vistisen Lars DEN 2177 – 6
68 FM Fossan Petter NOR 2245 – 6
69 Percivaldi Martin DEN 2178 – 6
Carnstam Tomas SWE 2052 – 6
71 Klings Peter GER 2167 – 6
72 Haubro Martin DEN 2201 – 6
73 FM Matthiesen Martin DEN 2275 – 6
74 Hansen Victor NOR 2089 – 6
75 Brorsen Jacob Abildlund DEN 2142 – 6
76 FM Nielsen Lars Aaes DEN 2265 – 6
77 Pedersen Nicolai Kvist Brondt DEN 2180 – 6
78 Jepsen Thomas Tange DEN 2079 – 6
79 Kristensen Kjell Ole NOR 2141 – 6
80 Garberg Tore NOR 1914 – 6
81 Ivarsson Torbjorn SWE 2121 – 6
82 Rolvag Mikael NOR 2162 – 6
83 Mihajlov Sebastian NOR 2138 – 6
84 Stray Gunnar NOR 2056 – 6
85 Martinsen Stig K NOR 2164 – 6
86 Colpe Malte GER 2311 – 6
87 CM Heedt Thorsten Dr. GER 2173 – 6
88 Andersen Soren Mikkel DEN 2115 – 6
89 Boukhris-Ferre Yacine FRA 2058 – 6
90 Henriksen Geir NOR 2215 – 6
91 Roggensack Hans Peter GER 1950 – 6
92 Petersen Peter Birk DEN 2155 – 6
93 Undheim Bjarne NOR 1838 – 6
94 Schmidt Kresten DEN 2272 – 5.5
95 CM Molvig Henrik DEN 2167 – 5.5
96 Evertsson Lennart SWE 2200 – 5.5
97 Pedersen Henrik Bolding DEN 2118 – 5.5
98 Hinrichs Jan GER 2072 – 5.5
99 Rorvik Jon F. NOR 2154 – 5.5
100 Segovia Sanchez Antonio ESP 2059 – 5.5
101 Andersen Morten DEN 2166 – 5.5
102 Spanton Tim R ENG 2015 – 5.5
103 Smagin Nikita RUS 2081 – 5.5
104 Christiansen Jens Jorgen DEN 2121 – 5.5
105 Thuesen Mogens DEN 2267 – 5.5
106 Christensen Bo Garner DEN 2256 – 5.5
107 Riis Jens SWE 2174 – 5.5
108 Thaler Toni SUI 2091 – 5.5
109 Olsen Miriam F DEN 1959 – 5.5
110 Eddy Samuel DEN 2096 – 5.5
Haldorsen Benjamin NOR 1983 – 5.5
112 Jorgensen Rasmus DEN 2064 – 5.5
Pettersen Joar Gullestad NOR 1944 – 5.5
114 Collareta Giovanni ITA 2108 – 5.5
115 Alquist Erik SWE 2053 – 5.5
116 Leutwyler Martin SUI 2180 – 5.5
117 Nielsen Jan Mose DEN 2088 – 5.5
118 Christenson Bjorn Aa NOR 1886 – 5.5
119 Lundberg Roland SWE 1996 – 5.5
120 Jacobsen Fredrik Beer NOR 1935 – 5.5
121 Jensen Ib DEN 1977 – 5.5
122 Preuss Flemming DEN 1994 – 5.5
123 Oland Arne DEN 1955 – 5.5
124 Hedin Niclas SWE 1969 – 5.5
125 Sopko Cassio Roberto BRA 0 – 5.5
126 Alfven Jorgen SWE 1851 – 5.5
127 Quinn David SCO 1983 – 5.5
128 Marthedal Anton Mehmet Yildiz DEN 1644 – 5.5
129 Satre Roger NOR 1833 – 5.5
130 Johansen Stian NOR 2085 – 5
131 Karlsson Ulf SWE 1973 – 5
132 Petersen Martin Reib DEN 2009 – 5
133 Hinrichs Lars GER 1997 – 5
134 Taksrud Vidar NOR 2050 – 5
135 Kristensen Bjarke Hautop DEN 1921 – 5
136 FM Andersen Daniel DEN 1917 – 5
137 Skovgaard Ib DEN 2036 – 5
138 Skjoldager Mikael DEN 2088 – 5
139 Schmied Andreas GER 2063 – 5
140 Jensen Tobias Ilsoe DEN 1954 – 5
141 Skovgaard Tom DEN 1962 – 5
142 Rolvaag Birk Anders NOR 1988 – 5
143 Ancion Merowig BEL 1954 – 5
144 Nielsen Morten DEN 1965 – 5
145 Tryggestad Andreas Garberg NOR 1774 – 5
146 Fjellengen Bard NOR 1869 – 5
147 Green Per SWE 1967 – 5
148 Skjoldager Flemming DEN 1979 – 5
149 Svedberg Hans SWE 2011 – 5
150 Thiry Jean-Christophe BEL 1981 – 5
151 Heimisson Hilmir Freyr ISL 1690 – 5
152 Helin Mikael SWE 1910 – 5
153 Marder Simon SWE 2049 – 5
Nordstrom Hakon N NOR 1830 – 5
155 Henrichsen Jens DEN 1937 – 5
156 Borg Flemming DEN 1855 – 5
157 Justinussen Sigurd B. FAI 1970 – 5
158 Greeuw Sietske NED 1971 – 5
159 Larsen Ulrik DEN 1992 – 5
160 Rasmussen Morten DEN 1921 – 5
161 Degerfeldt Sven SWE 1921 – 5
162 Svendsen Peter DEN 1974 – 5
163 Molin Claus DEN 1982 – 5
164 Olsson Tomas SWE 1932 – 5
165 Andersen Rune DEN 2083 – 5
166 Rasmussen Lars DEN 1977 – 5
167 Nielsen Ejgild DEN 1900 – 5
168 Andreasen Jakup A.R. FAI 2008 – 5
169 Jensen Michael Agermose DEN 2066 – 5
170 Rasmussen Morten DEN 1920 – 5
171 CM Hyldkrog Lars DEN 2009 – 5
172 Lofgren Claes DEN 2127 – 5
173 Strachan Christian C. DEN 1873 – 5
174 Jacobsen Mikkel Manosri DEN 1928 – 5
175 Hansen Anders SWE 1709 – 5
176 Hansen Rasmus Agertoft DEN 1945 – 5
177 Halamus Agata POL 2046 – 4.5
178 Johansson Alexander SWE 2022 – 4.5
179 Molvig Julius DEN 1889 – 4.5
180 Hanssen Johnny NOR 1879 – 4.5
181 Jensen Soren Holm DEN 2004 – 4.5
182 Pedersen Carl Aage DEN 1734 – 4.5
183 Olsen Filip Boe DEN 1753 – 4.5
184 Andersen Dag NOR 1860 – 4.5
185 Frederiksen Kristian Pade DEN 1823 – 4.5
186 Hansen Morten Moller DEN 2126 – 4.5
187 Hansen Alex Mehr DEN 1953 – 4.5
188 Bjornes Leif NOR 1918 – 4.5
189 Klitgaard Ebbe DEN 1935 – 4.5
190 Philipsen William Horup DEN 1922 – 4.5
191 Kistrup Nicolai DEN 1623 – 4.5
192 Madsen Ole Rysgaard DEN 1919 – 4.5
193 Sorensen Dick DEN 2000 – 4.5
194 Bue Gunnar NOR 1654 – 4.5
195 Bayhan Erkan DEN 1753 – 4.5
196 Jensen Kim Ronnow SWE 0 – 4.5
197 Nordin Eric SWE 1874 – 4.5
198 Oe Oluf DEN 1992 – 4.5
199 Saltvedt Martin NOR 0 – 4.5
200 Hansen Ib Lynaes DEN 1895 – 4.5
201 Rasmussen Ole DEN 1727 – 4.5
202 Bjorn Lasse E NOR 1810 – 4.5
203 Svorono Gabriel SWE 1819 – 4.5
204 Hansen Tommy NOR 1804 – 4.5
205 Jarlnaes Erik DEN 1961 – 4.5
206 Marshall Michael DEN 1839 – 4.5
207 Nielsen Jens Holm DEN 1849 – 4.5
208 Andersen Claus Nis DEN 1806 – 4.5
209 Martinez Vestergard Kristian ESP 1809 – 4.5
210 Satre Mathias NOR 1805 – 4.5
211 Ranby Hans SWE 1958 – 4.5
212 Christophersen David DEN 1818 – 4.5
213 Egholm Leif DEN 1793 – 4.5
214 Pedersen Jan Kaas DEN 2018 – 4.5
215 Willumsen Henrik DEN 2127 – 4
216 Christensen Janus DEN 2156 – 4
217 Jacobsen Per DEN 1641 – 4
218 Zyde Fadmal DEN 1675 – 4
219 Greibrokk Ingrid Andrea NOR 1598 – 4
220 Rosell Sven SWE 1973 – 4
221 Norlander Svante SWE 1796 – 4
222 Rasmussen Henning DEN 1835 – 4
223 Christiansen Niels Jorgen DEN 1669 – 4
224 Sjol Henrik NOR 1871 – 4
225 Kopperberg Steen DEN 1777 – 4
226 Endresen Ola Torstein NOR 1399 – 4
227 Torkilseng Runar NOR 1827 – 4
228 Maagaard David Bille DEN 1821 – 4
229 Rose Dennis Lauge DEN 1827 – 4
230 Kyrkjebo Marte B. NOR 1641 – 4
231 Henninger Holger DEN 1759 – 4
232 Moller Arne DEN 1860 – 4
233 Larsen Hans Haagen DEN 1712 – 4
234 Tandrup Michael DEN 2018 – 4
235 Moltu Eirik Andre NOR 0 – 4
236 Henningsen Lasse DEN 1779 – 4
237 Rendlev Niels Moller DEN 1843 – 4
238 Nielsen Leo DEN 1752 – 4
239 Kearsley Raymond J ENG 1764 – 4
240 Wiberg Jonas SWE 1877 – 4
241 Kristensen Thomas Overgaard DEN 1645 – 4
242 Suntharalingam Jarani NOR 1644 – 4
243 Thinley Shanphen SWE 0 – 3.5
244 Nielsen John Bauneborg DEN 2161 – 3.5
245 Madison Sigurd SWE 1792 – 3.5
246 Bratteteig Tore-Inge NOR 1692 – 3.5
247 Larsen Ulrik Jejlskov DEN 1700 – 3.5
248 Tallaksen Henrik G NOR 0 – 3.5
249 Larsen Preben R. DEN 1836 – 3.5
250 Ottesen Soren Rud DEN 1782 – 3.5
Jacobsen Caroline Beer NOR 1585 – 3.5
252 Huse Sigurd Kjelsbol NOR 0 – 3.5
253 Jorgensen Orla Eilegaard DEN 1614 – 3.5
254 Merkesvik Frode NOR 1611 – 3.5
255 Kyrkjebo Hanna B. NOR 1577 – 3.5
256 Wadtland Flemming DEN 1585 – 3.5
257 Nielsen Kai Gylling DEN 1833 – 3.5
258 Fredericia Ellen DEN 1544 – 3.5
259 Standal Bard NOR 1807 – 3.5
260 Kyrkjebo Eirik NOR 1711 – 3.5
261 Kristensen Lars Ostergaard DEN 1666 – 3.5
262 Hansen Ole Foss DEN 1779 – 3.5
263 Skjolas Erling Dyrhaug NOR 1581 – 3.5
264 Nielsen Andre NOR 0 – 3.5
265 Rasmussen Arne DEN 1503 – 3.5
266 Yilmaz Kazim NOR 1651 – 3.5
267 Dyrhaug Sverre S NOR 1577 – 3.5
268 Videbaek Kurt DEN 0 – 3.5
269 Fossan Andreas NOR 1622 – 3.5
270 Starup Leo DEN 1686 – 3.5
271 Szucs Michell Daniel DEN 1504 – 3.5
272 Brogaard Lars DEN 1570 – 3.5
273 Larsen Daniel DEN 0 – 3.5
274 Olofsson-Dolk Mattis SWE 2113 – 3
275 Collins Alan ENG 1740 – 3
276 Merkesvik Amalie Isabel NOR 0 – 3
277 Emborg Jens DEN 1618 – 3
278 Sivaranjan Aschmirthan NOR 1583 – 3
279 Sorensen Bernhard DEN 1591 – 3
280 Greibrokk Maria NOR 0 – 3
281 Hansen Martin Mandrup DEN 1537 – 3
282 Bremer Erik DEN 1493 – 3
283 Sajjadi Kimiya NOR 1485 – 3
284 Larsen Jens Evald DEN 1533 – 3
285 Loveid Erik NOR 0 – 3
286 Thybo Thomas Sondergaard DEN 1512 – 3
287 Narheim Mats NOR 1315 – 3
288 Morkedal Oyvind NOR 1628 – 2.5
289 Thybo Jan DEN 1303 – 2.5
290 Wimo Jorgen DEN 1714 – 2.5
291 Flasen Aleksander NOR 0 – 2.5
292 Karlsson Mats SWE 0 – 2.5
293 Hagedorn Jutta GER 0 – 2.5
294 Wollan Joakim NOR 0 – 2.5
295 Petersen Albert Emil Lyng DEN 1533 – 2.5
296 Edwardsson Hannu Kalervo SWE 1474 – 2.5
297 Hein Jacob DEN 1491 – 2.5
298 Knudsen Jes West DEN 1886 – 2.5
299 Schjolin John DEN 0 – 2
300 Nielsen Bjorn DEN 1458 – 2
301 Huse Arne Kjelsbol NOR 0 – 2
302 Torgersen Markus NOR 1737 – 2
303 Tryggestad Linnea Garberg NOR 0 – 2
304 Bendixen Daniel DEN 1885 – 2
305 Haubro Sigfred DEN 2155 – 2
306 Bredeli Havard Iversen NOR 0 – 1.5
307 Agovic Seifo SWE 1678 – 1
308 Jensen Hans Askov DEN 1574 – 1
309 Gade Jens DEN 1623 – 1

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
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Michael Adams Wins Dortmund Sparkassen Chess Meeting 2013

August 6, 2013, 3:12 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

English Grandmaster Michael Adams played in excellent shape to deservingly win the 41st Dortmund Sparkassen Chess Meeting 2013, which was held from 26th July to 4th August in Dortmund, Germany.

Adams took a clear first place with 7 points from nine games, leaving the most dangerous opponent Vladimir Kramnik half a point behind.

Adams' rating performance was 2925 and he earned 21 elo points. His next challenge will be the FIDE World Cup in Tromso.

Further below, Peter Leko and Arkadij Naiditsch shared the third place with 50% score.

Tournament website

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Strong Chess Girls: Name Them

August 6, 2013, 3:20 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 
Here are three strong women chess players. Can you name them? For the answer, keep reading Chess Blog and we will give you a full report on their recent achievement soon!

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal chess blog 
at www.chessqueen.com
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US Chess Team Bags Eight Medals at Pan Am Youth!

August 6, 2013, 9:54 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 
 
Front row: Jessica Regam, Maggie Feng, Shaileja Jain, Kevin Chor, Aasa Dommalapati, Naomi Bashkansky, Chase Frutas, Cole Frutas. Back row: Michael Khodarkhovsky, Aviv Friedman, Armen Ambartsoumian, Shyam Gandhi, Alvin Cao, Ethan Bashkansky, Shaurya Jain, Agata Bykhovtsev.

The Brazilian South-Western spa city of Pocos de Caldas was the venue for the 2013 Pan American Youth championships, held between July 25-August 1, writes FST & FM Aviv Friedman.
The president of the Brazilian chess federation, main organizer GM Darcy Lima and his able crew, once again did a fine job in running this multi-country event. We owe them a debt of gratitude for obliging our unique travel and accommodations needs!

Our delegation quickly acclimated at the comfy Golden Park hotel, up the hill from the convention center, where all the games took place. The steep circular road from the hotel to the hall was a slalom skier’s dream (or a mountain climber trainee’s going back up!), but the organizers thoughtfully arranged for a continuous shuttle to and fro.

As its name implies, the event is open for youth players up to age 18, from the American continents (19 countries were represented this year), divided to sectionals under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 years of age – both for girls and open. Our delegation was smaller than previous years – 17 players plus parents, family members, and coaches. Team coaches were IM and FST Armen Ambartsoumian, FST Michael Khodarkovsky, and your narrator, who served as the head of delegation, while GM Dejan Bojkov and IM Andranik Matikozian came as private coaches.

Airfares were sky high, due to the Pope’s visit to Brazil at the same dates, and many chose the North American Youth, scheduled right after the event, in the much-closer Toronto, Canada. A 10+ hour flight (and more to some!), ‘complemented’ by a 4-5 hour bus ride from Sao Paulo is not for everyone! The silver lining in this cloud was that with a good coach to player ratio (even with a crammed schedule of 9 round over 6 days), we have managed to maximize our pre game prep sessions, and post game analysis ones. (Continue reading at the US Chess Federation official website)

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
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Joshua Friedel Wins 114th United States Open Chess Championship

August 6, 2013, 10:44 am
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Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone,

The 114th Annual United States Open Chess Championship took place on 27 July – 4 August 2013 at the Madison Marriott West, 1313 John Q Hammons Drive, in Middleton, Wisconsin.
The tournament was played as a single section with class prizes and a projected prize fund of $50,000. 519 players (with re-entries) competed in the merged event. Grandmaster Joshua Friedel won a tiebreak playoff against IM Mackenzie Molner to become the US Open Chess Champion. Friedel also qualified for the 2014 US Championship.

GM Josh Friedel

The U.S. Open Weekend Swiss was played on 27-28th July with 58 participants. IM Ronald Wayne Burnett (TN 2417) won with the perfect score 5,0/5. Prathib Yuvarajan (NJ 2181) was second with 4,5 points.

The U.S. Open Blitz Championship was held on 3rd August as a 7-round double Swiss (14 games). 117 players took part and the prize fund was set at $2000. Last year US Open Chess Champion GM Manuel Leon Hoyos (MO 2668) won convincingly with 13,0 points. GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez (MO 2653) finished second with 11,5 points. (www.chessdom.com)

US Open final standings:
1-3. GM Sadorra Julio TX 2640, GM Friedel Joshua E WI 2595 and IM Molner Mackenzie AZ 2558 – 8,0
4-7. GM Lenderman Aleksandr NY 2665, GM Corrales Jimenez Fidel MO 2653, GM Chirila Ioan Cristian TX 2600 and GM Hungaski Robert NY 2541 – 7,5
8-21. GM Holt Conrad KS 2627, GM Ivanov Alexander MA 2622, GM Ghaem Maghami Ehsan CA 2604, GM Fedorowicz John P NY 2491, GM Martin-Del-Campo Roberto 2486, IM Mulyar Michael A CO 2481, FM Rosen Eric S-RE IL 2409, IM Watson John L CA 2358, WGM Baginskaite Camilla SD 2355, Schmakel Sam A IL 2346, Mo Kevin PA 2343, Aramil William James IL 2332, Li Ruifeng TX 2326, Haubrich Scott A WI 2044 – 7,0
22-47. GM Hoyos Manuel Leon MO 2668, FM Bryant John Danie CA 2527, IM Sarkar Justin NY 2527, IM Burnett Ronald Wayne TN 2417, Haskel Jeffrey FL 2370, Chakraborty Dipro AZ 2304, Feng Roland WA 2268, Iwu Okechukwu Anele Nneji MN 2264, Checa Nicolas De T NY 2241, Rubsamen Cornelius HI 2239, Rosenthal Nichola FL 2200, Auger Michael William IL 2192, WIM Yuvarajan Prathiba NJ 2181, Mattson Dane M WI 2169, Andrews Uri WI 2168, Cooklev Steven IN 2162, Rea Andrew B VA 2150, Tiglon Bryce WA 2142, Dejmek Mark W TX 2115, Jing Aaron WI 2111, Ukoli James O TX 2088, Cohen Jonathan D NJ 2066, Luo Brian J WI 2056, Gatica Jose Migue IA 2043, Stuart Zach NM 2033, Ewing Gabriel NM 1989 – 6,5 etc

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FIDE Launches Online Chess Playing Arena with AceGuard Super-Strong Anti-Cheating System

August 7, 2013, 8:45 am
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Hi everyone, 



Here is some fantastic chess news: FIDE president Kirsan Ilyuzhinov today announced the launch of the beta version of the FIDE online chess playing arena. FIDE's official Internet playing platform has been developed in co-operation with CNC. In October 2013, after the Executive Board meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, the fully operational version of FIDE online arena will be in service and available all over the world.

FIDE president said, "FIDE firmly believes that online chess offers enormous opportunities for millions of chess lovers who are unable to regularly participate in over-the-board events for a variety of reasons: professional and family commitments, problems reaching tournaments and other difficulties, etc. Now FIDE makes the virtual real with an online arena that allows players to compete in top class tournaments with official FIDE ratings. The attractiveness and ease of online chess will also draw millions of new players - in particular the young. FIDE online arena will be an important step in achieving my goal of '1 billion chess players' throughout the world."

Some features of the online arena include:
- A highly sophisticated chess anti-cheating system AceGuard. Until now, it has been impossible to award official ratings for online chess because of the difficulty in preventing cheating. Now AceGuard will be an invaluable tool in the fight against cheaters. PremiumChess company has developed this revolutionary technology.
- When the full version of FIDE online arena starts in October, every move of every game played by full arena members will be monitored and extensively analyzed by the anti-cheating system and a special team of experts, creating a fair playing venue for all. 
- While it is not possible to prevent some players from cheating, this constant highly detailed monitoring guarantees that they can be successfully identified and appropriate action taken. Every member's playing history is evaluated with a Fairness Index rating, allowing you to see quickly if an opponent is reliable or not.
- In addition, FIDE online arena offers a complete chess experience online: challenge games and tournaments, master challenge matches and simuls, free master lessons and lectures, full statistical analysis, broadcasts of major FIDE events, chat, game files, multi-lingual interface and much more - all from the comfort of your home or anywhere elsewhere you happen to be.
- So now you can enjoy all the features that FIDE online arena has to offer and very soon play in official FIDE events night or day, seven days a week.

Click on the screenshot or check out the FIDE online chess playing arena at this link.

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2nd Annual Twin Ports Chess Open from Aug 17 in Minnesota

August 6, 2013, 2:53 pm
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Hi everyone, 
 
The 2nd Annual Twin Ports Chess Open is scheduled to take place on 17-18th August at The Suites Hotel in Canal Park, Duluth, Minnesota. The event will be held in three sections: Open, Reserve (U1800) and Bantan (U1200). All sections will be played over five rounds of Swiss pairings. The prize fund is projected to $2,300.Open: (b/35) $600, $300, $150; U2200 $100; U2000 $100.
Reserve: (b/35) $400, $200, $100; U1600 $75; U1400 $75.
Bantam: (b/15) $150, $75, $40 + Trophies for Top High School and Elementary student.

Friday Night IM Lecture & GM Simul:International Master John Bartholomew (Minnesota’s # 1 ranked player) will host an hour long lecture at 6:00pm in the Suites Hotel the night before the tournament, Friday August 16. The topic of the lecture will be how to think like a master, which prepares players for the GM Simul. Next, at 7:30pm Grandmaster and two times United States Champion Alex Yermolinsky will play all comers. One player will receive a copy of GM Yermolinsky’s signed book. Please contact Dane Zagar at danezagar@gmail.com or (218)-409-5678 with any questions or concerns.

Tournament website


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Postman Francis Delivers National Chess Crown

August 7, 2013, 8:33 am
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Hi everyone, 
 
A talented chess fanatic from Peterborough is celebrating after winning a national contest at the ninth attempt. Francis Bowers (42) of Penine Way, Gunthorpe triumphed at the Civil Service Sports Council national chess contest held at Leeds University last month. Francis, who has been playing the game since the age of six, was competing at the annual contest for the ninth time and said he was delighted to have won.

“It’s very pleasing to be able say I’m a national champion. I was seeded in second place so I was able to beat this ranking and come away with trophy,” Francis told the PT.
 


Francis, a Royal Mail worker, is a member of the New England Chess Club in Peterborough and also teaches the game to youngsters at Peterborough Academy. (peterboroughtoday.co.uk)

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Rethymno Chess: GM Dmitry Svetushkin from Moldova Wins Clear First

August 7, 2013, 10:33 am
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Hi everyone, 
 

The 5th International Open Chess Tournament Rethymno took place from 28th July to 4th August at the Municipal House of Culture in Rethymno, Crete, Greece. The tournament was organized by the Municipality of Rethymno and Chess Club Rethymno, with support from the Region of Rethymno and Greek Chess Federation. Grandmaster Dmitry Svetushkin from Moldova clinched a clear first place in the tournament with a last round win against IM Ankit R. Rajpara. Svetushkin collected 7,5 points from nine rounds. Greek Grandmasters Hristos Banikas and Spyridon Kapnisis were also victorious in their final games to share the second place with 7,0 points each. Tournament director was Anagnostakis Emmanouil and chief arbiter was Logothetis Sotiris.

Official website
 
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Filipino Chess Player Wins Ramadan Rapid Open Chess in Qatar

August 7, 2013, 11:58 am
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Hi everyone, 
MANILA, Philippines – Qatar-based Filipino chess player Robert Arellano topped the Ramadan Rapid Open Chess Tournament, held last July 13-21 at the Girls Chess Club Abu Hamour in Doha, Qatar.

Arellano, a former player for the University of Santo Tomas, defeated India’s Shatrughan Jha in the seventh and final round.

His victory earned him a perfect 7.0 points and the winner’s purse of 3,000 Qatari riyals (about P35,000) and the championship trophy.

Arellano, who is already a National Master, also defeated Amvar Kassim of India, Ahmed Batah of Syria, Tareg Al Qadi of Egyp, Yasser Alshawaffa of Syria and Ahmed Hamed of Egypt in the earlier rounds.

Meanwhile, another Qatar-based Filipino, Rolenson Loyola, defeated Adamin Hussein Ahmad in the final round to make it a 1-2 finish for the Philippines.

Loyola, a former player for San Sebastia, tallied 6.0 points and claimed the runner-up purse of 2000 Qatari riyals (about P23,000).

Aside from Qatar and the Philippines, India, Egypt, Syria, Somalia and Indonesia also sent representatives to the tournament. (By Marlon Bernardino)

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Pentala Harikrishna Wins Biel Chess Masters International Tournament

August 7, 2013, 5:16 pm
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Hi everyone,

Parallel to the Olivier Breisacher Memorial, a very strong 11-rounds open took place in Biel. Indian GM Pentala Harikrishna showed a great performance to finish in sole first place with 8.5/11 points.

Harikrishna arrived as the second seed with 2680 rating points. Thanks to his strong run at this event, he joined the 2700-club and is now on the 38th position according to the live ratings list. Second place went to GM Mateusz Bartel. The fur-time Polish champion arrived to the last round with the same amount of points as Harikrishna, but was not able to defeat GM Susanto Megaranto, thus getting a final 8/9 score.

Two other players obtained 8 points. Turkish GM Dragan Solak got the medal for third place due to his better tiebreak score. Bu Xiangzhi was the player left out of the podium.
 

The first prizes were distributed as follows: CHF 7’000, 5’000, 4’000, 3’000. Daniel Hausrath from Germany obtained a GM norm, and three players gained IM norms: Huang Qian (CHN), Holger Rasch (GER) and Hakimifard Ghazal (IRI). Ghazal also got a WGM norm.

Tournament website

Final Standings:
1 Harikrishna,Penta GM 2680 IND 8.5
2 Bartel,Mateusz GM 2619 POL 8
3 Solak,Dragan GM 2598 TUR 8
4 Bu,Xiangzhi GM 2664 CHN 8
5 Gharamian,Tigran GM 2655 FRA 7.5
6 Adianto,Utut GM 2548 INA 7.5
7 Megaranto,Susanto GM 2524 INA 7.5
8 Grachev,Boris GM 2683 RUS 7
9 Salem,A R. Saleh GM 2531 UAE 7
10 Smeets,Jan GM 2643 NED 7
11 Hausrath,Daniel IM 2516 GER 7
12 Zhao,Xue GM 2553 CHN 7
13 Saric,Ivan GM 2639 CRO 7
14 Ganguly,Surya She GM 2628 IND 7
15 Cvitan,Ognjen GM 2562 CRO 7
16 Malakhatko,Vadim GM 2529 BEL 7
17 Kurnosov,Igor GM 2657 RUS 6.5
18 Antipov,Mikhail A IM 2490 RUS 6.5
19 Sandipan,Chanda GM 2623 IND 6.5
20 Farid,Firman Syah IM 2396 INA 6.5
21 Donchenko,Alexand IM 2477 GER 6.5
22 Saric,Ante GM 2565 CRO 6.5
23 Medina,Warda Auli WIM 2286 INA 6.5
24 Raetsky,Alexander GM 2412 RUS 6.5
25 Huang,Qian WGM 2487 CHN 6
26 Sebenik,Matej GM 2511 SLO 6
27 Braun,Christian IM 2360 GER 6
28 Masruri,Rahman 2174 INA 6
29 Wirig,Anthony GM 2496 FRA 6
30 Nuri,Kambez FM 2244 SUI 6
31 Rindlisbacher,Jan 2219 SUI 6
32 Sukandar,Irene Kh WGM 2365 INA 6
33 Gaehwiler,Gabriel 2267 SUI 6
34 Minko,Vladimir FM 2312 RUS 6
35 Studer,Noel FM 2324 SUI 6
36 Patuzzo,Fabrizio FM 2332 SUI 6
37 Bartel,Michal FM 2276 POL 6
38 Cebalo,Miso GM 2438 CRO 6
39 Hasenohr,Benedict 2276 SUI 6
40 Gloor,Roger FM 2340 SUI 6
41 Rasch,Holger FM 2220 GER 5.5
42 Zozulia,Anna IM 2316 BEL 5.5
43 Lampert,Jonas 2373 GER 5.5
44 Schiendorfer,Eman FM 2392 SUI 5.5
45 Botta,Gabriele FM 2319 SUI 5.5
46 Padurariu,Ioana-S WIM 2208 ROU 5.5
47 Pomini,Aurelien 2051 SUI 5.5
48 Kamber,Bruno FM 2283 SUI 5.5
49 Burnier,David FM 2347 SUI 5
50 Lang,Torsten FM 2338 GER 5
51 Schoorl,Rob FM 2340 NED 5
52 Meins,Gerlef IM 2474 GER 5
53 Hakimifard,Ghazal WIM 2196 IRI 5
54 Sihite,Chelsie Mo WIM 2285 INA 5
55 Schiendorfer,Flor 2180 SUI 5
56 Muhammad,Luthfi A CM 2279 INA 5
57 Cherniaev,Alexand GM 2447 RUS 5
58 Ludwig,Peter 2265 GER 5
59 Silber,Gerhard 2217 GER 5
60 Heinis,Vincent 2100 FRA 5
61 Sean,Winshand Cuh 2259 INA 4.5
62 Zuse,Klaus-Peter FM 2263 GER 4.5
63 Schaerer,Julian 2294 SUI 4.5
64 Dewi,Aa Citra WFM 2138 INA 4.5
65 Liepins,Oliver 2087 LAT 4.5
66 Lienhard,Alex 2151 SUI 4.5
67 Speck,Hans 2016 SUI 4.5
68 Valet,Richard 2060 GER 4.5
69 Kuenzli,Thomas 1995 SUI 4.5
70 Bozinovic,Bogdan FM 2218 CRO 4.5
71 Heer,Stephan 2105 SUI 4
72 Haussernot,Cecile WFM 2135 FRA 4
73 Eidinger,Helmut 2188 SUI 4
74 Bischoff,Peter 2082 SUI 4
75 Arbinger,Roland D 2075 GER 4
76 Gorse,Gerard 2073 FRA 4
77 Khanabiev,Alexey 1986 BLR 3.5
78 Oud,Niek 2043 NED 3.5
79 Saikrishnan,Sai 1912 SUI 3
80 Cochet,Jean-Danie 2067 SUI 3
81 Post,Nikolai 1937 SUI 3
82 Banas,Jan IM 2310 SVK 2.5
83 Paust,Wolf-Dieter 2049 GER 2
84 Khaetsky,Roman IM 2424 UKR 0.5
85 Marro,Christian 1995 SUI 0


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RIP: GM Igor Kurnosov

August 8, 2013, 9:06 am
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Hi everyone, 


This is shocking and sad news. GM Igor Kurnosov, 28, has passed away after being run away by a car last night in Chelyabinsk, Russia. He was number 20 on the Russian rating list and had just returned home after playing in the Masters section of the Biel Chess Festival. His last major tournament victory is the Abu Dabi Chess Masters. He also won this year’s Nakhchivan Open 2013. One of his most memorable victories was in Politiken Cup 2011, where he finished with 8,5. His last tournament was the Biel Masters 2013 where he finished in top 20 with 6,5/9. Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of GM Igor Kurnosov. Our prayers to help them get through this tragedy.

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World Chess Championship Chennai: Carlsen Preparing with Hammer, Fressinet

August 8, 2013, 8:39 am
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Hi everyone, 

The World No. 1 has posted interesting photos and even a video on his Facebook page about his preparation for the World Chess Championship 2013 to be held in Chennai this November. Carlsen is preparing with Grandmasters Jon Ludvig Hammer and Laurent Fressinet in Kragerø.







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The Chess Players at Washington Square

August 8, 2013, 5:19 pm
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Hi everyone, 

Here is a nice feature on the chess scene in New York - Washington Square to be specific. Every new feature about the chess players in the park is interesting. Though, it's sad that the historic legacy of the chess scene has wanted now. Read on: 
BY LAEL HINES | Attracting a wide variety of parkgoers, Washington Square is renowned for its diversity. The park welcomes offbeat street performers, bohemian musicians, young families, seniors, clean-cut yuppies, N.Y.U. students, and dogs and their owners, among others. (Robert at his chessboard in Washington Square. Photos by Lael Hines)

In the park’s southwest corner, yet another well-known user group can be found: the chess players. Over the decades, the corner has been a legendary spot for chess players in New York City.

“Where we are sitting here is where many legendary chess players played,” said George, who has been playing chess in Washington Square since the 1960s. “Mr. Bobby Fisher would play here,” said George, who didn’t give his last name. “No park has the history we have here in Washington Square. There was a time in the ’50s and ’60s when the world community of chess congregated here. You would come here and see world-famous chess players around these tables.”

A longtime Village resident painted a picture of the tightknit chess community in Washington Square during the ’70s.
“It was a lovely little hangout,” she recalled, asking that her name be withheld. “All the guys knew each other. There were a bunch of characters who hung out there. It was all about the game of chess. They took it so seriously: I would see a guy lose and nearly have a nervous breakdown.”

Despite this historic legacy, by all accounts, Washington Square’s chess scene has waned. Around 3 o’clock on a recent sunny Friday afternoon, two-thirds of the chess tables were forlornly empty.

“Everyone has migrated to Union Square,” explained Julian Turner, a Washington Square chess player since the ’90s. “There’s more business in Union Square, there’s more money. The Union Square area has a lot of traffic. You have the Whole Foods, the two trains and just a lot of people around there. In a sense, chess has become a business; a lot of people just do it for the money.”

The Union Square chess area, located just outside the subway entrance near the northeast corner of 14th St. and Union Square West, mirrors the fast pace of its environment. Dozens of chess players sit on crates and use makeshift tables. They lure passersby with offers to try to beat them for $5 to $10 per game. Matches can be played “on the clock,” or without it. They disdain the term “chess hustler.”

Two young girls teamed up to try to beat 
a chess sharp in Union Square.

Omar, a Union Sq. chess player, described his attraction to the location.

“Don’t get me wrong. Back in the day Washington Square had the great players,” he said. “But the energy is more positive over here. Look over there at Hare Krishna — they generate positive energy. All the real chess players come here now.”

As for why the chess scene has shifted from Washington Square to Union Square, Robert, who plays frequently in the former, also cited economics.

“A good day is like 100 bucks for some guys,” he said of the Union Square chess tables.

Omar claimed that drug dealing in Washington Square is also a reason for the shift.

“Over there, there’s a whole bunch of drugs and stuff,” he said. “I don’t want to be around that negative energy.”

Mack, a Washington Square player, also blames drug use for ruining the Washington Square chess environment.

“There are too many hooligans here,” he said. “Everyone does drugs. It ruins the enjoyment and morality of the park.”

However, Union Square is also known for its drug issues nowadays, in fact, perhaps even more so — particularly with young heroin users.

The Union Square chess scene is centered in the square’s southwestern corner.

Some, though, think Washington Square Park’s recent renovation was the real reason behind the move of the epicenter of the Downtown chess scene: Some of the players migrated to Union Square during the construction, then never returned back to Washington Square, or so the theory goes.

Yet, Washington Square’s renovation also spruced up the park’s chess tables area. New chess tables and a small central grass mound were added, and a low, concrete, encircling wall was removed. The ground was also leveled out, allowing for better drainage after rain.

“The construction was definitely a positive move,” Mack remarked. “It was good that they removed that sketchy wall. There used to be a guy who lived behind that wall — like, he had a little tent and everything set up there.”

Another chess regular, Julian Turner expressed confidence that, with its newly refurbished playing area, Washington Square will once again fulfill its historical chess legacy.

“It changed for the better when they changed the layout of the park,” he said. “They finally removed that wall, which allows things to grow. It’s just more open now. The energy is still here, the Bobby Fischer energy is still in the air.” (The Villager)

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Austrian Chess Champions 2013: Peter Schreiner and Veronika Exler

July 31, 2013, 9:46 am
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Hi everyone, 

The 2013 Austrian National Chess Championships were held on 20-28th July at the hotel Büchel in Feldkirch. The tournament counted with 49 participants in the open section and 19 in the women’s category. International master Peter Schreiner arrived as the third seed and obtained clear first place after getting 7.5/9 points. He left first seed GM David Shengelia half a point behind. His 2613 rating performance will add 18 points to his Elo rating in the next FIDE official list. The women’s section saw a similar scenario. Clear winner was WFM Veronika Exler, who also obtained 7.5 points. Two players finished on 6.5/9; Anna-Lena Schnegg obtained second place and Katharina Newrkla got the third spot in the podium. The main section’s prize fund amounted to € 8.350 with € 2.000 reserved for the winner; the women’s section had a prize fund of € 1.950 with € 700 reserved for the winner.

Tournament website

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Fide Chess Year Celebrations List 2011-2016

July 31, 2013, 9:53 am
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Hi everyone,

Here is a list of chess year celebrations' nomination list from 2011-2016 as announced by Fide.

Celebration Years – nominations 
 The Presidential Board asked us to prepare a list of nominations for the next 5 years for "The year of …..". After considering various anniversaries it was decided to propose the following:
2011 Mikhail Botvinnik (World Champion 1948-1957, 1958-1960, 1961-1963) - 100 years anniversary of birth
2012 Bobby Fischer (World Champion 1972-1975) - 40 years anniversary of becoming World Champion
2013 Elisabeth Bykova (Women's World Champion 1953-1956, 1958-1962) - 100 years anniversary of birth
2014 Emanuel Lasker (World Champion 1894-1921) - 120 years anniversary of becoming World Champion
2015 Aron Nimzowitsch - 80 years since death
2016 Paul Keres - 100 years anniversary of birth

We decided to recommend 6 years ahead as 2016 seemed clear to us. -- Ignatius Leong and David Jarrett
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