THE WEEK IN CHESS 632 18th December 2006 by Mark Crowther

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Contents

1) Introduction
2) Russian Championship SuperFinal
3) Topalov, Kramnik and the World Championship
4) Russian Women's Championship
5) XIX Torre Memorial
6) XVI Magistral Elgoibar
7) 1st Granada International Open
8) Marshall Club Championship
9) First Saturday December
10) 12th Navalmoral de la Mata International
11) Kateryna Lahno vs Parimarjan Negi Match
12) Dallas UTD GM Invitational
13) 1st President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup
14) Ukrainian Women's Championships
15) Italian Championship
16) 2nd Annual Igor Ivanov Memorial
17) 15th Asian Games
18) Forthcoming Events and Links

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Games section

Russian Championship SuperFinal              20 games
Russian Women's Championship                  6 games
XIX Torre Memorial                           89 games
XVI Magistral Elgoibar                       40 games
1st Granada International Open               78 games
Marshall Club Championship                  123 games
First Saturday December                     114 games
12th Navalmoral de la Mata International     37 games
Kateryna Lahno vs Parimarjan Negi Match       2 games
Dallas UTD GM Invitational                   66 games
1st President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup   333 games
Ukrainian Women's Championships               8 games
Italian Championship                          1 game
917 games

1) Introduction

My thanks to Vishal Sareen, Hassan Jundi, Mikhail Golubev, Luiz Roberto Da Costa Jr, Miklos Orso, Anatoly Lisenko, Bobby Ang, Larry S Tamarkin, Claudio Pantaleoni, John Donaldson, Eugenio Davolio, Adolivo Capece and everyone else who helped with the issue.

When I first discovered the internet and then started writing TWIC I used to write pages and pages of stuff on all sorts of subjects, Kasparov (Bob Rice, don't do it), Deep Blue (you can stop now, you've proved your point) and so on. Often these days after processing 12 swiss system tournaments where the games are all in a mess I don't have the time. Which is kind of lucky sometimes as I certainly did used to upset people, my, Shirov was cross when I called his opening choices trashy in one event, indeed when it comes to straight over the board play it probably was a little presumptuous. But I do think my instincts are rather better when we come to chess politics and issues on the edge of the board.

So this week after a long time I make another enemy. Evidently due to my lack of objective reporting I'm not supposed to mention the name Silvio Danailov or Veselin Topalov again and Silvio's not talking to me. I think its my job to be objective sure, and that includes not credulously publishing everything that crosses my path, but to take a view on it. Its up to others to decide if they think I'm a good or bad source of information and go elsewhere for it if they think its bad. The catalyst was an interview with Veselin Topalov with a Spanish Newspaper ABC where according to a translation Topalov came straight out and accused Kramnik with the help of the KGB (actually the FSB these days) of computer cheating in their world championship match in Elista.

Some extracts: Q So he got outside help? Topalov: Yes. They were Russians, but not from the chess world. Q So his team is innocent. Topalov: I think so. They aren't involved; that's why they doubt and deny everything. Q Did he get help from the KGB? Topalov: The trick is that no professional [player] was implicated and those who told him the moves were fans or from the KGB. If you gave Illescas that job they'd crush me. Q What do you think of President Ilyumzhinov? He's a businessman and he simply needed to have a Russian champion. It's nothing personal. He got the order. If that's all true, what is going to happen in the future when computers are even stronger? If things continue this way, with the technology the Russians have, Kramnik will be invincible in a match.

To which I commented "I find it sad that Topalov appears to be so paranoid but this could also very easily go to court because I really don't think you can go round making such allegations with zero proof." I was then sent some photos of some wiring hanging down from the ceiling of Kramnik's toilet along with documents from FIDE around October 1st. None of which looked like proof of anything to me.

But this wasn't the first time such accusations of computer cheating have been made. Alexander Morozevich and Rustam Kasimdzhanov came home from the FIDE San Luis tournament in 2005 with tales of signalling from the audience by Silvio Danailov to Veselin Topalov (with the story continuing that Ivan Cheparinov was back in the hotel doing the analysis). Then I was told that most of Topalov's opponents at least believed it was possible (really rather too much discussion after the event I think, one rather more sensible opponent is said to have described the allegations as bullshit). All of this I gather has been heavily detailed in Russia on Russian websites and Sergey Dolmatov has written an article (which I've never seen) outlining his "proof" which I gather is some rather spurious computer analysis and adding that other Topalov events were involved (but not Wijk where cheating was impossible and funnily enough Topalov came joint first). My reaction at the time was I want to be precisely a million miles away from this story when it goes off. I could not then and I still cannot see how in full view of the other competitors and under the scrutiny of the arbiters (which certainly started early) how cheating could have been pulled off without it being absolutely plain and obvious. Furthermore to make such accusations without a shred of evidence was both libelous and just plain wrong. And there it was left until the start of the Kramnik - Topalov Match.

The Kramnik - Topalov match conditions built in anti-computer regulations, I'm not sure if Topalov felt these were a slight on his integrity but my view was thank goodness, the loser won't be able to complain. How wrong I was. I'm not going to rehash the whole story of the toilet and the cheating allegations as I think they're too well known but one thing was interesting in the Topalov interview which speaks to state of mind. "Q Before the match did you suspect anything like this? We had it in mind and we thought, well, in the worst case we'll get the money. The problem was that we found out. If you don't discover it you just play chess. But if you find out it wrecks you. You can't sleep and you spin yourself in circles."

Just as in the case of Topalov earlier, I also dismissed the accusations against Kramnik out of hand, they simply didn't match the games (Topalov came close in game one and had a straight win in game two before later reverses left him 2-0 down) nor did they match the demeanor of Topalov and Danailov in game five where broad grins were seen as they made off with the default. And again just as with Topalov, I simply don't see how this works, this time there was a computer cable in Kramnik's toilet, which he was supposed to plug into where? I guess explanation is easy if the Russian security services are involved, its a ready explanation of everything, except you really wouldn't really need to use wires if you were the security services (Topalov "The definitive proof for me is the cable"). Flatly I don't believe either are computer cheats I don't believe its in either's nature even if it were possible to do without being caught and again making these accusations is libelous. I'm talking about this at length because well known chess professionals seem to think it OK to casually say that in around half a dozen of the most important chess events in the last year or two computer cheating is involved. I presume they're the same ones who expect to collect cheques from future events organised by sponsors who read this stuff. Its a poison at the heart of the game and it will have consequences.

Lets make things clear. If a top level player was ever caught cheating it would be the end of their career. Most of the best events are by private invitation, can you imagine a player caught being invited anywhere again? There is no more serious accusation, the closest analogy I can think of is that it is chess what steroid abuse is to the 100m, except I think its worse.

No-one is denying that computer cheating has been tried and that the technology is there to make it work. But there is no evidence it is going on in top level chess (in big swiss opens it has been tried a few times with the case of a player claiming to be called John von Neumann cheating in the US Open) unless this is the new professional secret (I was shocked in my early twenties to learn the extent to which games were bought and sold in the final rounds of swisses where big prizes and title norms were at stake) that everyone knows for certain is going on all the time. Instead we're asked to believe that the only examples of cheating (accused by their opponents not the arbiters) are by the winners of the last two world championship events.

These stories are an attack on the integrity of the game and this situation of accusations and distrust simply cannot be allowed to continue. The best excuse for them is that they are the rationalisations of the losers which help them keep up their nerve for the next event but I think its more like the whinings of the sore loser. In Topalov's interview its more like paranoia brought about through being in Russia where he thought in advance dirty tricks were bound to happen, its really my best excuse for him and this interview. Whatever the reasons its clear that its going to become the standard excuse when you don't win. Throw a little mud at the winner. My, how we all laughed, when the first major loser of a game by default when their mobile phone went off (incidently I found an interesting article with a side light on this by the always great Hans Ree when looking this up http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hans88.pdf) was FIDE Champion Ruslan Ponomariov. I'd pretty much naively thought the rule was brought in because of the disturbance the ring tone caused. Its now clear to me that players should not be permitted to carry phones or any electronic devices, on or off, with them to the playing area. It has to go further and regulations need to be drawn up to prevent cheating or more like to protect the integrity of the game. All of which could be quite onerous and unpleasant but the professionals will only be reaping what they sowed. Without such measures its clear to me we will witness the slow death of professional chess as the integrity of the game is completely undermined.

Hope you enjoy this issue.

Mark

2) Russian Championship SuperFinal

The Russian Championship SuperFinal took place in Moscow 3rd-15th December 2006 (rest days 7th and 12th). Evgeny Alekseev beat Dmitry Jakovenko 1.5-0.5 in a rapid playoff after both tied for first on 7.5/11.

Official site: http://russiachess.org/content/view/94/: live coverage: http://russiachess.org/online

------------------------------------------------------------------------
ch-RUS Superfinal Moscow RUS (RUS), 3-15 xii 2006         cat. XV (2622)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Jakovenko, Dmitry     g RUS 2671  * = 1 = = 0 1 = 1 = 1 1  7.5  2750 
 2. Alekseev, Evgeny      g RUS 2639  = * = = 0 = 1 1 = 1 1 1  7.5  2753 
 3. Inarkiev, Ernesto     g RUS 2628  0 = * = = 1 0 = 1 1 1 1  7.0  2723 
 4. Svidler, Peter        g RUS 2750  = = = * = = = = 1 1 = =  6.5  2675 
 5. Rublevsky, Sergei     g RUS 2688  = 1 = = * = = = 0 = = =  5.5  2616 
 6. Khairullin, Ildar     m RUS 2543  1 = 0 = = * = = 1 0 = =  5.5  2629 
 7. Tomashevsky, Evgeny   g RUS 2595  0 0 1 = = = * 1 = = = =  5.5  2624 
 8. Grigoriants, Sergey   g RUS 2582  = 0 = = = = 0 * = = = 1  5.0  2590 
 9. Nepomniachtchi, Ian   m RUS 2545  0 = 0 0 1 0 = = * 1 = 1  5.0  2593 
10. Khismatullin, Denis   g RUS 2583  = 0 0 0 = 1 = = 0 * 1 1  5.0  2589 
11. Vitiugov, Nikita      m RUS 2596  0 0 0 = = = = = = 0 * =  3.5  2491 
12. Najer, Evgeniy        g RUS 2648  0 0 0 = = = = 0 0 0 = *  2.5  2409 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 9 (December 13, 2006)

Jakovenko, Dmitry    -  Rublevsky, Sergei    1/2   25  D19  Slav Defence
Inarkiev, Ernesto    -  Nepomniachtchi, Ian  1-0   35  C11  French Defence
Svidler, Peter       -  Najer, Evgeniy       1/2   35  B90  Sicilian Najdorf Variation
Tomashevsky, Evgeny  -  Alekseev, Evgeny     0-1   39  A30  English Symmetrical
Khismatullin, Denis  -  Khairullin, Ildar    1-0   56  A23  English Opening
Vitiugov, Nikita     -  Grigoriants, Sergey  1/2   47  E48  Nimzo Indian

Round 10 (December 14, 2006)

Rublevsky, Sergei    -  Svidler, Peter       1/2   47  B86  Sicilian Sozin Attack
Khairullin, Ildar    -  Inarkiev, Ernesto    0-1   64  C78  Ruy Lopez Moeller Defence
Grigoriants, Sergey  -  Alekseev, Evgeny     0-1   39  E32  Nimzo Indian 4.Qc2
Nepomniachtchi, Ian  -  Tomashevsky, Evgeny  1/2   68  C22  Centre Gambit
Vitiugov, Nikita     -  Jakovenko, Dmitry    0-1   49  E56  Nimzo Indian
Najer, Evgeniy       -  Khismatullin, Denis  0-1   40  B90  Sicilian Najdorf Variation

Round 11 (December 15, 2006)

Jakovenko, Dmitry    -  Grigoriants, Sergey  1/2   18  B82  Sicilian Scheveningen
Alekseev, Evgeny     -  Nepomniachtchi, Ian  1/2  109  B91  Sicilian Najdorf with 6.g3
Inarkiev, Ernesto    -  Najer, Evgeniy       1-0   41  B90  Sicilian Najdorf Variation
Svidler, Peter       -  Vitiugov, Nikita     1/2   36  B48  Sicilian Paulsen
Tomashevsky, Evgeny  -  Khairullin, Ildar    1/2   13  A26  English Sicilian Attack
Khismatullin, Denis  -  Rublevsky, Sergei    1/2   55  A22  English Opening

3) Topalov, Kramnik and the World Championship

Yury Vasiliev interviewed Kirsan Ilyumzhinov on 13th December 2006. The main news is that World Champion Vladimir Kramnik has agreed to take part in the World Championship tournament in Mexico City (http://www.chessmexico.com/) in September, 2007 in the same format as San Luis (8 player double round robin). Half the participants are already known:Vladimir Kramnik, Vishwanathan Anand, Peter Svidler and Alexander Morozevich. The remaining four players will be established in matches in May 2007 in Elista. In answer to the question as to whether Topalov had challenged Kramnik to a match under FIDE rules he said no such challenge had been received and the next window would only occur only after a period of 6 months after the Mexico city tournament.

Original Vasiliev interview in Russian http://www.chesspro.ru/.

According to a report by Mig on Chess Ninja "There were extensive negotiations about this going on behind the scenes, not all of them friendly. There will now likely be a new contract signed, perhaps at a public press conference."

All that remains to be seen is a confirmation from Kramnik himself.

I received today a message from Silvio Danailov proposing April 12-30th 2007 for a world title match between Topalov and Kramnik. The relevant FIDE regulations suggest say the match would have to finish before March 12th 2007 because it should finish 6 months before Mexico City. The say they're willing to start earlier if they have to follow the regulations to the letter. The regulations say a) that Kramnik is obliged to accept a valid financed challenge, b) it doesn't set an minimum period between issuing the challenge and it taking place (so theoretically a 2700 player who had money and venue set up could organise one next week unless I missed something). But it does say that FIDE have five months to set the match up (which is way outside that date) which will probably be the get out clause. There is of course no chance Kramnik will accept the challenge]

If the chances of a match were zero, they're now less than zero. Topalov has at least stopped messing about with innuendo and has directly accused Kramnik and the Russian Government of fixing the match in Elista. Translation of the interview in Spanish daily ABC 14/12/2006 - Original article in Spanish. I find it sad that Topalov appears to be so paranoid but this could also very easily go to court because I really don't think you can go round making such allegations with zero proof.

4) Russian Women's Championship

The Russian Women's Championship took place in Gorodets 1st-12th December 2006. Ekaterina Korbut took clear first place with 8/11.

Official site: http://russiachess.org/content/view/125/38/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ch-RUS w Gorodets RUS (RUS), 1-12 xii 2006                    cat. VII (2407)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Korbut, Ekaterina        wg RUS 2435  * 0 1 1 = 1 = 0 1 1 1 1  8.0  2579 
 2. Tairova, Elena           wg RUS 2415  1 * = = = = 0 1 1 1 1 =  7.5  2539 
 3. Kosintseva, Tatiana       m RUS 2458  0 = * = = 1 1 1 1 1 0 1  7.5  2535 
 4. Kosintseva, Nadezhda      m RUS 2493  0 = = * 0 1 1 1 = 1 1 1  7.5  2532 
 5. Kovalevskaya, Ekaterina   m RUS 2434  = = = 1 * 0 = 1 = = 1 1  7.0  2506 
 6. Galliamova, Alisa         m RUS 2470  0 = 0 0 1 * = 1 = 1 1 1  6.5  2466 
 7. Shadrina, Tatiana        wg RUS 2396  = 1 0 0 = = * 0 = 1 = 1  5.5  2408 
 8. Zaiatz, Elena             m RUS 2395  1 0 0 0 0 0 1 * 1 0 1 =  4.5  2343 
 9. Matveeva, Svetlana        m RUS 2415  0 0 0 = = = = 0 * 1 0 =  3.5  2273 
10. Bodnaruk, Anastasia      wf RUS 2255  0 0 0 0 = 0 0 1 0 * 1 1  3.5  2287 
11. Gunina, Valentina        wf RUS 2392  0 0 1 0 0 0 = 0 1 0 * 0  2.5  2197 
12. Komiagina, Maria         wm RUS 2326  0 = 0 0 0 0 0 = = 0 1 *  2.5  2203 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

5) XIX Torre Memorial

The XIX Torre Memorial takes place in Merida 14th-21st December 2006. Vassily Ivanchuk, Sergey Tiviakov and Lázaro Bruzón (it seems that Harikhisna Pentala didn't manage to make it to the event although initially announced) join the competition at its knockout stage. 13 players qualified from a 6 round swiss which will continue on for the players who miss the knockout stage (and those eliminated in the first round of the KO will also rejoin).

Qualifiers: GM Milov 5 points, GM Georgiev, GM Ehlvest, MI Roberto Martin del Campo, GM Graf, GM Nogueiras, GM Gonzalez, GM Quezada, MI León Hoyos, MI Rodney Pérez, GM Reynaldo Vera, GM Zapata y GM Frank De la Paz con 4.5 points.

Official site: http://www.carlostorre.org.mx

Ranking after round 6
Rank Name                          Fed.Rat  Score  BH   SB      TPR  W-We  BH-H
1    GM Milov, Vadim               SUI 2657 5.0    24.5 20.0    2709 +0.37 17.0
2    IM Leon Hoyos, Manuel         MEX 2437 4.5    25.0 16.25   2575 +0.94 17.0
3    GM Nogueiras, Jesus           CUB 2554 4.5    24.5 18.0    2615 +0.55 16.5
4    GM Graf, Alexander            GER 2601 4.5    23.5 16.75   2636 +0.32 16.0
5    GM Georgiev, Vladimir         MKD 2532 4.5    23.5 16.75   2592 +0.53 16.0
6    GM Gonzalez Zamora, Juan Carl MEX 2517 4.5    22.5 15.75   2604 +0.77 15.5
7    GM Quezada, Pérez Yuniesky    CUB 2515 4.5    22.5 16.0    2566 +0.45 15.0
8    GM De La Paz, Frank           CUB 2442 4.5    22.0 15.25   2483 +0.43 15.0
9    IM Martin Del Campo C, Robert MEX 2455 4.5    21.5 15.25   2549 +0.61 14.5
10   GM Ehlvest, Jaan              USA 2597 4.5    21.0 15.0    2596 +0.07 14.0
11   GM Vera, Reynaldo             CUB 2510 4.5    20.5 13.75   2553 +0.44 13.0
12   IM Perez, Rodney              CUB 2385 4.5    19.5 12.75   2577 +1.29 13.5
13   GM Zapata, Alonso             COL 2470 4.5    19.5 14.5    2432 -0.16 13.0
14   IM Ibarra Chami, Luis Fernand MEX 2339 4.5    19.0 12.75   2448 +0.90 13.5
15   GM Arencibia, Walter          CUB 2530 4.5    19.0 13.0    2493 -0.18 12.5
16   IM Corrales, Fidel            CUB 2496 4.0    23.0 14.5    2414 -0.39 15.5
17   GM Hernandez Guerrero, Gilber MEX 2551 4.0    20.5 12.75   2387 -1.02 14.0
18   IM Escobedo Tinajero, Alberto MEX 2383 4.0    20.0 11.25   2419 +0.48 14.5
19      Morales Garcia, Sergio Jos MEX 2230 4.0    19.5 11.5    2382 +0.96 14.0
20   IM Fernandez, Daniel          USA 2451 4.0    19.0 11.0    2362 -0.50 12.5
21   FM Dominguez Aguilar, Guiller MEX 2378 4.0    16.0 10.75   2269 -0.40 10.0
22   IM Estrada Nieto, Julian      MEX 2379 3.5    24.0 12.75   2446 +0.66 17.0
23   GM Mitkov, Nikola             MKD 2565 3.5    23.0 12.75   2382 -1.25 16.0
24   IM Hungaski, Robert Andrew    USA 2366 3.5    21.5 8.25    2415 +0.30 14.5
25   FM Alford Phillipe, Jason     MEX 2294 3.5    21.0 9.75    2309 +0.24 14.5
26   GM Garcia Martinez, Silvino   CUB 2316 3.5    21.0 8.75    2263 -0.30 14.0
27      Beltran Medina, Jorge      MEX 2154 3.5    20.5 10.0    2347 +1.11 14.0
28   FM Capo Vidal, Uriel          MEX 2385 3.5    20.0 10.5    2259 -0.81 13.0
29      Arreguin Hernandez, Alan G MEX 2148 3.5    19.5 8.75    2319 +1.01 13.5
30   IM Gongora Montes, Benjamin   MEX 2256 3.5    19.5 9.75    2258 +0.18 13.0
31      Ancheyta Tejas, Jose Aleja MEX 2175 3.5    18.5 7.5     2190 +0.02 13.0
32   IM Russek Libni, Guil         MEX 2390 3.5    18.5 10.25   2153 -1.43 12.5
33      Sanchez Enr., Oscar G.     MEX 2196 3.5    18.5 8.75    2254 +0.55 12.0
34   FM Huerta, Carballo Dayron    CUB 2338 3.5    18.0 8.0     2345 +0.12 12.0
35      Altamirano Gonzalez, Yehud MEX 2101 3.5    18.0 8.0     2269 +0.73 12.0
36      Gonzalez, Arroyo Lenin     MEX 2174 3.5    17.5 7.5     2181 -0.03 11.0
37   FM Szmetan, Ricardo           BAR 2302 3.5    17.0 7.0     2237 -0.32 12.0
38      Duarte Barahona, Raul Alej MEX 2067 3.5    17.0 8.25    2161 +0.46 11.5
87 players

6) XVI Magistral Elgoibar

The XVI Magistral Elgoibar took place 12th-17th December 2006. Azer Mirzoev won the event with 7/9 undefeated half a point clear of Oleg Korneev. Final round games not yet available.

Official site: http://www.xake.net with this long link giving the details

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XVI Magistral Elgoibar ESP (ESP), 12-17 xii 2006                 cat. IX (2470)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Mirzoev, Azer                    g AZE 2543  * = = = = 1 1 1 1 1  7.0  2681 
 2. Korneev, Oleg                    g RUS 2657  = * 1 = = = 1 1 = 1  6.5  2614 
 3. Salgado Lopez, Ivan              f ESP 2425  = 0 * = 1 1 = = 1 =  5.5  2554 
 4. Perez Candelario, Manuel         m ESP 2496  = = = * 0 1 = = = =  4.5  2466 
 5. Argandona Rivero, Inigo          f ESP 2396  = = 0 1 * 0 0 = = 1  4.0  2434 
 6. Gonzalez de la Torre, Santiago   f ESP 2357  0 = 0 0 1 * 1 = 0 1  4.0  2439 
 7. Gomez Esteban, Juan Mario        g ESP 2486  0 0 = = 1 0 * 1 1 0  4.0  2424 
 8. Landenbergue, Claude             m SUI 2446  0 0 = = = = 0 * 1 =  3.5  2392 
 9. Kononenko, Tatiana               m UKR 2375  0 = 0 = = 1 0 0 * =  3.0  2355 
10. Prie, Eric                       g FRA 2516  0 0 = = 0 0 1 = = *  3.0  2339 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7) 1st Granada International Open

1st Granada International Open took place 6th-10th December 2006. Jose Carlos Ibarra Jerez won the event on tie-break, he was in a group of 7 players on 7/9.

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

Rank ELO   Name                         Tit             Pts T P B GR PER IT
1     2479 IBARRA JEREZ, Jose Carlos    im  Murcia      7   7   57   2536
2     2657 KORNEEV, Oleg                gm  Rusia       7   7   54,5 2504
3     2565 MOVSZISZIAN, Karen           gm  Armenia     7   7   54,5 2494
4     2547 CAMPORA SIVORI, Daniel Hugo  gm  Argentina   7   7   54   2451
5     2445 RODRIGUEZ GUERRERO, Enrique  im  Ogíjares    7   7   54   2450
6     2386 POMES MARCET, Joan           im  Terrassa    7   7   52,5 2338
7     2453 KOZIAK, VITALI               im  Ucrania     7   7   51   2325
8     2476 STAROSTITS, Ilmars           im  Letonia     6,5 6,5 53   2410
9     2549 CONQUEST, Stuart             gm  Navarra     6,5 6,5 51,5 2405
10    2509 GOFSHTEIN, Zvulon            gm  Israel      6,5 6,5 51,5 2370
11    2535 SUBA, Mihai                  gm  Rumanía     6   6   56   2398
12    2441 MATEO, Ramon                 im  Lleida      6   6   55,5 2424
13    2456 KOZAKOV, Mikhail             gm  Ucrania     6   6   51,5 2326
14    2508 ORAL, Tomas                  gm  R. Checa    6   6   51   2320
15    2542 MATAMOROS FRANCO, Carlos S.  gm  Ecuador     6   6   51   2292
16    2516 CIFUENTES PARADA, Roberto    gm  Gipuzkoa    6   6   50,5 2271
17    2350 FERNANDEZ SILES, Luis        fm  Motril      6   6   49   2197
18    2331 RADOVANOVIC, Jovica          fm  Serbia      6   6   49   2188
19    2455 TERAN ALVAREZ, Ismael        im  Sevilla     6   6   48,5 2307
20    2354 FIERRO BAQUERO, Martha L.    im  Ecuador     6   6   48,5 2173
21    2393 KOVACEVIC, Slobodan          im  Serbia      6   6   47,5 2226
22    2479 SIMACEK, Pavel               im  R. Checa    6   5,5 52   2291
23    2542 ANDERSSON, Ulf               gm  Suecia      6   5,5 50   2371
24    2472 DJURIC, Stefan               gm  Serbia      6   5,5 49,5 2276
25    2375 KONONENKO, Tatiana           wgm Ucrania     6   5,5 48,5 2230
26    2401 MOGRANZINI, Roberto          fm  Italia      6   5,5 48,5 2225
147 player

8) Marshall Club Championship

The 90th Marshall Club Championship (Edward Lasker Memorial) took place 1st-10th (1st-3rd, 9th-10th) December 2006. Jaan Ehlvest lead throughout and finished on 7/9 half a point clear of the field. Larry S Tamarkin has produce an almost full bulletin and I've also corrected an error to one of the names in the PGN file I gave previously.

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

---------------------------------------------------------
90th ch-Marshall CC New York USA (USA), 1-10 xii 2006
---------------------------------------------------------
 1. Ehlvest, Jaan           g  USA 2597  7.0 $2,000
 2. Ivanov, Alexander       g  USA 2587  6.5 $750
 3. Sarkar, Justin          m  USA 2380  6.5 $750 GM Norm
 4. Izoria, Zviad           g  GEO 2657  6.0 $225
 5. Stripunsky, Alexander   g  USA 2597  6.0 $225
 6. Yudasin, Leonid         g  ISR 2578  5.5
 7. Almeida Saenz, Alfonso  m  MEX 2409  5.5
 8. Krush, Irina            m  USA 2443  5.0
 9. Privman, Boris          f  USA 2266  5.0 $150
10. Treger, Effim              USA 2232  5.0 $150
11. Hoffmann, Asa           f  USA 2282  5.0 $150
12. Bonin, Jay R            m  USA 2310  4.5
13. Jacobs, John N          f  USA 2300  4.5
14. Chernin, Oliver            USA 2162  4.5
15. Zenyuk, Iryna           wf USA 2192  4.5 $25
16. Gaillard, Edward           USA 2155  4.5 $25
17. Waxman, Marian             USA 2033  4.5 $25
18. Paciulli, Frank            USA 2026  4.5 $25
19. Pressman, Leif             USA 2020  4.0
20. Vayserberg, Tatia          USA 2023  4.0
21. Kopiecki, Edward           USA 2189  4.0
22. Kelleher, Jeff             USA 2089  4.0
23. Hess, Robert L          f  USA 2394  3.5
24. Pearson, Michael           USA 2187  3.5
25. Hammer,Dale M              USA ----  3.5
26. Santanna,Paulo             USA ----  3.5
27. Sena, Juan                 DOM 2187  3.0
28. Rabin, Evan Z              USA 2028  3.0
29. Lamb,Terence P             USA ----  3.0
30. Mehmedovic,Sabrij          USA ----  2.5
31. Sloan Aravena, Peter       USA 2250  2.0
32. Frumkin, Edward            USA 2036  2.0
33. Szuper, Paul               USA 2085  0.0
34. Maffeo,Nicole              USA ----  0.0
--------------------------------------------

9) First Saturday December

The First Saturday December tournaments in Budapest including GM-IM-FM round robins, took place 3rd-14th December 2006. Peter Prohaszka and Zlatko Ilincic finished on 7.5/12 in the GM event.

Website: http://www.firstsaturday.hu

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FSGM December Budapest HUN (HUN), 2-12 xii 2006           cat. VIII (2427)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Prohaszka, Peter      f HUN 2392  * 1 = = = 0 1 0 1 1 1 = =  7.5  2525 
 2. Ilincic, Zlatko       g SCG 2451  0 * = = = = = 1 = 1 1 1 =  7.5  2520 
 3. Hoang Thanh Trang     m HUN 2470  = = * 1 0 = 0 = = = 1 1 1  7.0  2480 
 4. Kosic, Dragan         g SCG 2518  = = 0 * = = = = = = 1 1 1  7.0  2476 
 5. Boros, Denes          m HUN 2465  = = 1 = * 1 = = = = 0 0 1  6.5  2453 
 6. Rombaldoni, Denis     f ITA 2377  1 = = = 0 * = 0 1 0 1 1 =  6.5  2460 
 7. Fogarasi, Tibor       g HUN 2425  0 = 1 = = = * = 0 1 = = =  6.0  2427 
 8. Szabo, Krisztian1     m HUN 2476  1 0 = = = 1 = * = 0 0 = 1  6.0  2423 
 9. Pataki, Gyozo           HUN 2370  0 = = = = 0 1 = * = 1 = =  6.0  2431 
10. Bergez, Luc           m FRA 2395  0 0 = = = 1 0 1 = * 0 = 1  5.5  2400 
11. Banusz, Tamas         m HUN 2450  0 0 0 0 1 0 = 1 0 1 * = 1  5.0  2368 
12. Smith, Bryan G        f USA 2390  = 0 0 0 1 0 = = = = = * =  4.5  2343 
13. Paschall, William M   m USA 2374  = = 0 0 0 = = 0 = 0 0 = *  3.0  2238 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FSIM December Budapest HUN (HUN), 2-14 xii 2006               cat. II (2277)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Kahn, Evarth          m HUN 2303  * = 1 = = = 1 1 1 1 1 1 1  10.0  2547 
 2. Balog, Imre1            HUN 2330  = * 1 = 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1  9.0  2465 
 3. Horvath, Andras       f HUN 2305  0 0 * = 0 1 1 1 1 = 1 1 1  8.0  2399 
 4. Humphrey, Jonathan    f AUS 2256  = = = * 1 = = 1 1 0 = 1 =  7.5  2373 
 5. Gerard, Nicolas       f FRA 2333  = 0 1 0 * 1 = = 0 = 1 1 1  7.0  2329 
 6. Lengyel, Bela         m HUN 2326  = 0 0 = 0 * = = 1 1 1 1 1  7.0  2329 
 7. Brustkern, Juergen    f GER 2224  0 0 0 = = = * 0 1 1 1 1 1  6.5  2310 
 8. Leroy, Didier         m FRA 2316  0 0 0 0 = = 1 * = 1 1 1 1  6.5  2302 
 9. Rombaldoni, Axel        ITA 2260  0 1 0 0 1 0 0 = * 1 0 1 1  5.5  2249 
10. Schneider, Veronika  wm HUN 2221  0 1 = 1 = 0 0 0 0 * 0 1 1  5.0  2224 
11. Stenersen, Gudmund      NOR 2202  0 0 0 = 0 0 0 0 1 1 * 1 1  4.5  2196 
12. Dombai, Istvan          HUN 2207  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 * 1  1.0  1881 
13. Fette, Martin         f GER 2315  0 0 0 = 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *  0.5  1772 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

10) 12th Navalmoral de la Mata International

The 12th Navalmoral de la Mata International tournament took place 6th-10th December 2006. Ibraghim Khamrakulov, Alon Greenfeld, Atanas Kolev and Elizbar Ubilava all finished on 7/9 with the tie-break being in that order. Games from the first four rounds only are available.

Official site: http://www.ajedrezenmadrid.com/torneos/torneo.asp?torneo=06120601

Final Round 9 Standings: 
  1. Khamrakulov, Ibragim S          ESP 2527 g  2511   7.0   43.0  Ext
  2. Greenfeld, Alon                 ISR 2567 g  ----   7.0   42.0
  3. Kolev, Atanas                   BUL 2538 g  2579   7.0   41.5  Cat
  4. Ubilava, Elizbar                ESP 2533 g  2533   7.0   41.5  Cat
  5. Spasov, Vasil                   BUL 2582 g  ----   6.5   42.5
  6. Komljenovic, Davor              CRO 2487 g  2484   6.5   41.5  Val
  7. Mirzoev, Azer                   AZE 2543 g  2527   6.5   40.0  Cat
  8. Pogorelov, Ruslan               UKR 2462 g  2443   6.5   39.5  Ara
  9. Epishin, Vladimir               RUS 2527 g  ----   6.5   39.0  Ext
 10. Maze, Sebastien                 FRA 2510 m  ----   6.5   39.0
 11. Lopez Martinez, Josep Manuel    ESP 2508 m  2517   6.5   39.0  Cat
 12. Libiszewski, Fabien             FRA 2469 m  ----   6.5   39.0
 13. Narciso Dublan, Marc            ESP 2511 g  2502   6.0   41.5  Cat
 14. Baron Rodríguez, Jesus          ESP 2424 m  2424   6.0   40.0  Ara
 15. Vila Gazquez, Xavier            ESP 2404 f  2346   6.0   39.5  Cat
 16. Heberla, Bartlomiej             POL 2569 g  ----   6.0   39.0
 17. Garcia Romero, Benjamin Abel    ESP 2223    2222   6.0   37.5  Ext
 18. Rivera, Daniel                  URU 2309 m  2294   6.0   37.0  Gal
 19. Prunescu, Claudiu               ROM 2183    ----   6.0   31.5
 20. Strikovic, Aleksa               SCG 2535 g  2509   5.5   43.0  Gal
 21. Damljanovic, Branko             SCG 2595 g  2575   5.5   41.0  Ara
 22. Delgado Palomeque, Marco A      ESP 2202    2177   5.5   37.0  Ext
 23. Carbonell Bofill, Carlos        ESP 2205 f  2183   5.5   36.5  Val
 24. Molina, Jorge                   BOL 2181 f  ----   5.5   36.5
 25. Cabezas Ayala, Ivan             ESP 2328 f  2339   5.5   36.0  Ext
 26. Barria Zuñiga, Daniel           CHI 2426 m  2400   5.5   36.0  Val
 27. Almagro Mazariegos, Sebastian   ESP 2306    2277   5.5   36.0  And
 28. Carrasco Martinez, Juan M       ESP 2426 m  2420   5.5   36.0  Ext
 29. Guerra Tulcán, Lenin            ECU 2298    ----   5.5   35.5
 30. Garcia Loro, Marcos             ESP 2054    2069   5.5   35.0  Ext
 31. Chueca Forcen, Alberto          ESP 2129    2102   5.5   35.0  Ara
 32. Gallardo Retortillo, Enrique    ESP 2151    2184   5.5   34.5  Ext
 33. Sanchez Jiménez, Juan Carlos    ESP 2285 f  2258   5.5   34.0  And
 34. Cruz Condoni, Alfredo           BOL 2133 f  2190   5.5   32.5  Gal
 35. De Francisco De Diego, Felipe   ESP 1989    1947   5.5   30.5  Mad
 36. Garcia Moral Garcia, Jose Danie ESP 2222    2232   5.0   37.0  Ctm
 37. Gomez Gomez, Francisco Jose     ESP 2052    2050   5.0   34.5  Ext
 38. Tscharotschkin, Michael         GER 2215    ----   5.0   34.0
 39. Macias Rodríguez, Francisco     ESP 1992    2022   5.0   34.0  Ext
 40. Larino Nieto, David             ESP 2406 m  2393   5.0   33.5  Gal
 41. Escobar Felix, Eduardo          ESP 2162    2086   5.0   33.0  Ext
 42. Gonzalez Manchon, Juan Miguel   ESP 2107    2110   5.0   33.0  Ext
 43. De La Torre Suarez, Angel       ESP 2139    2118   5.0   33.0  Ext
 44. Ribas Gomez, Diego              ESP 2047    1784   5.0   33.0  Ctl
 45. Ramirez Diaz, Jose Ramon        ESP 2097    2058   5.0   32.5  Ctm
 46. Garcia Galeote, Lorenzo         ESP 2104    2108   5.0   32.0  Mad
 47. Fernandez Barrera, Victor       ESP 2207    2188   5.0   32.0  Ctm
 48. Antolin Concha, Diego           ESP 1903    1943   5.0   31.5  Ara
 49. Prats Rodriquez, Juan           ESP 2158    2091   5.0   31.0  Cat
 50. Aloma Vidal, Robert             ESP 2337 f  2317   5.0   31.0  Cat
 51. De Nacimiento Montano, Angel    ESP 2014    1995   5.0   30.0  Ext
 52. Miranda Gonzalez, Jose Luis     ESP 2032    2015   5.0   30.0  Ast
 53. Garcia Domingo, Jose Antonio    ESP 2066    1995   4.5   35.0  Val
 54. Forcen Esteban, Daniel          ESP 2087    2088   4.5   33.5  Ara
 55. Quintin Navarro, Alberto        ESP 1736    1788   4.5   33.5  Ara
 56. Mateos Gomez, Juan Francisco    ESP 2116    2002   4.5   32.5  Ext
 57. Garcia Moreno, Carlos           ESP 2096    2011   4.5   31.5  Ctm
 58. Lorenzo Grande, Jorge           ESP 1956    1934   4.5   31.0  Ext
 59. Espinosa Aranda, Angel          ESP 2156    2084   4.5   30.5  Ctm
 60. Encinas Encinas, Alvaro         ESP 2131    2101   4.5   30.5  Ext
 61. Martin Rodríguez, Adolfo        ESP ----    ----   4.5   30.0  Ext
 62. Cilleruelo Garcia, Jaime        ESP 2121    2041   4.5   29.0  Ext
 63. Guerrero Vacas, Jose Carlos     ESP ----    1701   4.5   28.0  Ext
 64. Pulido Vega, Emiliano           ESP ----    1999   4.5   24.5  Ext
 65. Aguado Solana, Juan             ESP 1979    1889   4.0   33.5  Ext
 66. Sanchez Lopez, Diego            ESP 1962    1929   4.0   32.0  Ctm
 67. Munoz Fernández, Jose Luis      ESP 1943    1894   4.0   31.0  Ctl
 68. Jimenez Garcia, Alberto         ESP ----    1778   4.0   31.0  Ctl
 69. Crespo Santiago, Angel          ESP ----    1841   4.0   31.0  Ext
 70. Romero Lopez, Marta             ESP 1985    1960   4.0   30.5  And
 71. Serrano Fuentes, Martin         ESP ----    2004   4.0   30.5  Ext
 72. Macias Rodríguez, Joaquin       ESP ----    1895   4.0   30.0  Ext
 73. Sanchez Marcos, Andres          ESP ----    1902   4.0   29.0  Ext
 74. Garcia Gomez, Roberto           ESP ----    1654   4.0   28.5  Ctm
 75. Montero Gomez-Serranilla, Jesus ESP ----    1782   4.0   28.0  Ctm
 76. Zamora Beamud, Andres           ESP 1713    1735   4.0   27.5  Ctm
 77. Garcia Gomez, Oscar             ESP ----    ----   4.0   27.0  Ctm
 78. Fernandez Soria, Jose           ESP ----    1875   4.0   26.5  Ext
 79. Crespo Ramos, Maria             ESP ----    1595   4.0   26.0  Ext
 80. Gutierrez Leon, Cristobal       ESP 1949    1937   3.5   35.0  Cat
 81. De Nacimiento Montano, Antonio  ESP 1968    1979   3.5   34.0  Ext
 82. Sanchez Garcia, Jesus           ESP ----    2104   3.5   32.5  Ext
 83. Solis Fernández, Fernando       ESP ----    1908   3.5   29.0  Ext
 84. Charro Calvo, Jesus             ESP ----    1737   3.5   28.0  Ctl
 85. Ugalde Ortiz, Antonio           ESP 1957    1917   3.5   27.0  Ext
 86. Subirats Barbera, Eladio        ESP ----    1689   3.5   27.0  Cat
 87. Garrido Sánchez, Agustin        ESP ----    ----   3.5   26.0
 88. Garcia Sánchez, Jesus           ESP ----    ----   3.5   25.0  Ext
 89. Portela Garcia, Alvaro          ESP 1618    1539   3.5   23.0  Ext
 90. Castellano Pruñonosa, Josefina  ESP ----    ----   3.5   22.0  Ext
 91. Velasco Gomez, Esperanza        ESP 1900    1969   3.0   30.5  Mad
 92. Garcia Heras, Ignacio           ESP 1848    1776   3.0   27.5  Ext
 93. Gutierrez Soria, Javier         ESP ----    ----   3.0   27.5  Ext
 94. Buch Prades, Joan               ESP ----    ----   3.0   27.5  Cat
 95. Holgado Maestre, Andres         ESP 1930    1812   3.0   27.0  Ext
 96. Corrochano Utrilla, David       ESP ----    ----   3.0   26.5  Ctm
 97. Subirats Ferrando, Jordi        ESP 1445    1722   3.0   26.0  Cat
 98. Rodriguez Lucena, Angel         ESP ----    1793   3.0   24.0  Mad
 99. Elviro Vivas, Fernando          ESP ----    ----   3.0   23.5
100. Martin Perez, Maximo            ESP ----    1759   3.0   22.0  Ext
101. Vega Sánchez, Tania             ESP ----    1573   2.5   29.5  Val
102. Aguado Guadalupe, Juan          ESP ----    ----   2.5   27.5  Ext
103. Casares Fernández, Sergio       ESP ----    ----   2.5   22.5  Ext
104. Gonzalez Gonzalez, Ruben        ESP ----    1820   2.0   25.0  Ext
105. Campos Rodríguez, Alvaro        ESP ----    ----   2.0   24.5  Ext
106. Fernandez Moreno, Jose Antonio  ESP ----    ----   2.0   23.5  Ext
107. Serrano Duque, Javier           ESP ----    ----   2.0   23.5  Ext
108. Portela Garcia, Adrian          ESP ----    ----   2.0   23.0  Ext
109. Viguera Moreno, Fernando        ESP ----    ----   1.5   28.0  Ext
110. Garcia-Ortega Mendez, Jose M    ESP 2095    2026   0.5   31.5  Ext
111. Hidalgo Bermejo, Dionisio       ESP 2074    2148   0.5   31.5  Ext
112. Fernandez Lago, David           ESP 1997    1935   0.5   31.5  Gal
113. Ceron Carrion, Cesar            ESP 1913    1802   0.5   31.5  Mur
114. Siguenza Martinez, Francisco    ESP ----    2047   0.5   31.5  Mur
115. Poveda Jiménez, Vicente         ESP ----    1935   0.5   31.5  Mur
116. Castellanos Gomez, Pascual      ESP ----    1879   0.5   31.5  Mur
117. Boluda Fernández, Antonio       ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
118. Boluda Garcia, Eusebio          ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
119. Camara Boluda, Sergio           ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
120. Camara Catalan, Manuel          ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
121. Crespo Amigo, Angel             ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
122. Fuentes Alamar, Juan            ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
123. Hornero Vaca, Jose C            ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5
124. Jimenez Gomez, Carlos           ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Ext
125. Martinez Alegria, Pedro         ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
126. Sanchez Fernández, Jose Joaquin ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Mur
127. Torres Perez, Joaquin           ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Mur
128. Avila Catalan, David            ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
129. Garcia Martinez, Jorge          ESP ----    1783   0.5   31.5  Mad
130. Cerezo Pelegri, Enrique         ESP ----    ----   0.5   31.5  Val
131. Merlo Morales, Jonathan         ESP 1972    1813   0.0   31.5  Ctm
132. Portela Garcia, Patricia        ESP ----    1431   0.0   25.0  Ext

11) Kateryna Lahno vs Parimarjan Negi Match

There is a lengthy match between Kateryna Lahno and Parimarjan Negi called the Amity Grandmasters Challenge. 18 games in all take place 17th-25th December 2006. The prize pool is Rs. 500000/- (USD 11000). There will be six FIDE time control games, six rapid and on the final day six blitz. The winner will be decided on cumulative score.

The official websites for the event are http://www.amitychessacademy.com, http://www.parimarjannegi.com and http://www.delhichess.com

Lahno, Kateryna   -  Negi, Parimarjan  1/2   37  B92  Sicilian Najdorf with 6.Be2
Negi, Parimarjan  -  Lahno, Kateryna   0-1   45  C78  Ruy Lopez Moeller Defence

Amity GM Challenge New Delhi IND (IND), 17-25 xii 2006
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lahno, Kateryna  m  UKR 2459   = 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1.5  2731
Negi, Parimarjan g  IND 2538   = 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  0.5  2266
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

12) Dallas UTD GM Invitational

The UTD GM Invitational in Dallas took place 5th-13th December 2006. Yuri Shulman and Drasko Boskovic finished on 7.5/11.

Official site: http://chessweb.utdallas.edu/grandmasterinv2006.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTD GM Invitational Dallas USA (USA), 5-13 xii 2006                 cat. IX (2455)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Shulman, Yuri                   g USA 2614  * = 1 = = 1 0 = 1 = 1 1  7.5  2573 
 2. Boskovic, Drasko                m SCG 2444  = * = 0 = 1 1 = 1 = 1 1  7.5  2588 
 3. Ramirez, Alejandro              g CRC 2485  0 = * = = = = 1 = 1 1 1  7.0  2553 
 4. Novikov, Igor A                 g USA 2568  = 1 = * = = 0 1 = 1 = =  6.5  2509 
 5. Bartholomew, John               f USA 2411  = = = = * = = = 1 = = 1  6.5  2523 
 6. Panchanathan, Magesh Chandran   g IND 2485  0 0 = = = * 1 1 = = 1 1  6.5  2516 
 7. Kuljasevic, Davorin             m CRO 2448  1 0 = 1 = 0 * = = = 0 1  5.5  2455 
 8. Bradford, Joseph M              f USA 2451  = = 0 0 = 0 = * = 1 1 1  5.5  2454 
 9. Kiewra, Keaton F                  USA 2264  0 0 = = 0 = = = * 1 1 0  4.5  2406 
10. Zivanic, Marko                  m SCG 2451  = = 0 0 = = = 0 0 * 1 1  4.5  2389 
11. Stopa, Jacek                    m POL 2465  0 0 0 = = 0 1 0 0 0 * =  2.5  2242 
12. Schneider, Igor                 f USA 2369  0 0 0 = 0 0 0 0 1 0 = *  2.0  2200 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13) 1st President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup

The 1st President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup Duty Free, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) took place in Manila November 17th-23rd, 2006. Zhang Pengxiang won the event with 7.5/9. Bobby Ang reports.

---------------------------------------------
1st GMA Cup Manila PHI (PHI), 17-23 xi 2006
---------------------------------------------
 1. Zhang Pengxiang           g  CHN 2636 7.5
 2. Onischuk, Alexander       g  USA 2668 7.0
 3. Mikhalevski, Victor       g  ISR 2580 7.0
 4. Akobian, Varuzhan         g  USA 2598 6.5
 5. Ni Hua                    g  CHN 2621 6.5
 6. Wang Rui                  m  CHN 2463 6.5
 7. Zhang Zhong               g  CHN 2609 6.0
 8. Nouri,Hamed                  PHI ---- 6.0
 9. Belov, Vladimir           g  RUS 2589 6.0
10. Laylo, Darwin             m  PHI 2448 6.0
11. Ranola, Yves              m  PHI 2414 6.0
12. Dableo, Ronald            m  PHI 2425 6.0
13. Gonzales, Jayson          m  PHI 2418 6.0
14. Senador, Emmanuel            PHI 2383 6.0
15. Sadorra, Julio Catalino   f  PHI 2374 6.0
16. Bancod, Ronald            m  PHI 2375 6.0
73 players

Recently, during the Subroto Mukherjee Memorial Chess Tournament in India, IM Rahul Shetty suspected some foul play in his 7th round game vs Umakanth Sharma, who was doing very well in the tournament. Shetty complained to the arbiter that his opponent might be getting some computer assistance and requested that the hat which his opponent was wearing be inspected. The arbiter then went over and ordered the removal of the hat, which revealed a concealed Bluetooth device. Sharma was thrown out of the tournament and the incident reported to the All India Chess Federation.

With the advances in information technology the possibilities of cheating have increased and suspicions of such abuse led to an embarrassing incident during the GMA Cup held in the Fiesta Mall of the Duty Free Philippines.

National Hamed Nouri from Bacolod was enjoying the tournament of his life - In the 6th round he defeated GM Joey Antonio and he followed this up with another upset of a GM in the 7th round, the victim being Bong Villamayor. Come the 8th round it was the turn of the Russian GM Vladimir Belov to fall. Belov cried foul and accused Nouri of cheating - he confiscated the score sheets of the three GM upsets and promised to go over the games with a fine toothcomb to prove his allegation.

Come the 9th round Hamed Nouri was approached by the arbiter and was forced to remove the hat he was wearing. Not only was no cheating device found, but it was also discovered that the 28-year old Bacolod player was suffering from premature balding which was why he was covering it up. Anyway, they prevailed upon him not to wear the hat for his final round game against Mikhalevski. Hamed Nouri lost badly in the last round game, but it was probably more due to embarrassment than anything else. Belov did not bring up his complaint anymore although he never returned the score sheets, which is why the official tournament bulletins have those three games missing.

Was the gap in playing level between the Russians and the Filipino players so great that any upset should be viewed with suspicion? I am not so sure. In the last round Belov defeated 14-year old Wesley So to crush his GM-norm aspirations. Let us look at that game:

So,Wesley (2411) - Belov,Vladimir (2589) [B82]
1st GMA Cup International Open CC Duty Free Fiesta Mall
(9.7), 23.11.2006

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.f4 e6 7.Qf3 Qb6 8.Nb3 Qc7 9.Bd3 b5 10.g4 Bb7 11.g5 Nfd7 12.Qh3 g6 13.Rf1!? The latest attempt to squash Black, and it is a dangerous one. White usually castles kingside and storms Black's position, but the open king position allows Black to counter. This new idea is to attack Black's king in the same way as if he castled kingside, but with the king on the other side of the board. As you will see Wesley quickly gets a winning attack. 13...Bg7 14.f5 exf5 15.exf5 0-0 16.Be3 Re8? With perfect hindsight it appears that Black's only viable option here would be 16...Bxc3+ 17.bxc3 Qxc3+ 18.Kf2 Ne5 with counterplay. 17.0-0-0 Ne5 Too slow. Black has to provoke a crisis with 17...b4! so as to put the question on White's c3-knight before it is ready. The continuation could be 18.Bd4! Ne5 with an unclear position. Oh yes, Black cannot accept the sacrifice because of 18...bxc3? 19.fxg6 fxg6 20.Bxg6 hxg6 21.Bxg7 Black cannot survive long. 18.Be4! Gets his knight into a powerful attacking position. 18...Bxe4 [18...Nc4 19.Bd4! Bxe4 20.Bxg7 Kxg7 21.Nxe4 Ne3 (The knight is immune to capture because of mate: 21...Rxe4 22.Qh6+ Kg8 23.f6) 22.Nd4 you don't have to be a calculating wizard to conclude that Black is dead lost] 19.Nxe4 Nbd7? Best is 19...Nc4 although after 20.Bd4 Rxe4 21.Bxg7 Ne3 22.Bc3 b4! 23.fxg6 fxg6 24.Qf3! Black's position is still difficult. 20.Nxd6 Nc4 21.Nxc4 Wesley misses 21.fxg6! hxg6 (21...fxg6 22.Nxe8 Rxe8 23.Rxd7 Rxe3 24.Rxg7+ Qxg7 25.Qc8+ leads to mate) 22.Rxf7! Rxe3 23.Rxg7+ Kxg7 24.Qh6+ Kg8 25.Qxg6+ Kf8 26.Qf7# but anyway the game does not throw away the win. 21...bxc4 22.fxg6! hxg6 This is the critical position. Wesley calculated both Rxd7 and Rxf7 and concluded that both won. Unfortunately, only one did and he did not choose that one. 23.Rxd7? The crusher is 23.Rxf7! Kxf7 (23...Rxe3 does not work. White mops up with 24.Rxg7+ Kxg7 25.Rxd7+ and the game is over) 24.Rxd7+ Qxd7 25.Qxd7+ Kg8 26.Bd4 Bxd4 27.Nxd4 Rad8 28.Qc6 forces resignation. The knight cannot be taken: 28...Rxd4 29.Qxg6+ Kf8 30.Qf6+ snares the rook. 23...Rxe3! Ouch! This move was not possible if he had taken the other pawn. 24.Rfxf7? Wesley is in a state of shock and blunders again. He could still hope to hold out with 24.Rxc7 Rxh3 25.Rxc4. 24...Bxb2+! 25.Kb1 [25.Kxb2 Qe5+ 26.Kb1 Rxh3] 25...Rxh3 26.Rxc7 Be5 White plays on but actually he can resign here with a clear conscience. 27.Rce7 cxb3 28.axb3 Rxh2 29.Rf1 Bg7 30.Re6 Kh7 31.Rc6 a5 32.Ka2 Re8 33.Rf7 Re1 34.b4 a4 35.Rxg7+ Kxg7 36.b5 Ree2 37.Kb1 Re5 0-1

A bitter disappointment for Wesley. He had started the tournament with 2/2 but needed one more win to get his second GM norm (three norms get you the full title). Anyway, after seeing the tactical display he put up against you will agree that he was not inferior by much to his tough Russian opponent and that it would only be a matter of time before he gets the title.

The GMA Cup was organized under the stewardship of Congressman Prospero Pichay as President of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines. It appears that finally we have a Federation President who genuinely wants to uplift the lot of the local players and increase our competitiveness. This is not only me talking, even GM Alexander Onischuk, the former Ukrainian who is now the US Chess Champion, had a few good words about this, which he published in US Chess online:

"I'm very glad that I went to Manila. I was happy to see that chessplayers get so much respect there. After the tournament I spoke with the congressman Prospero Pichay. I was really impressed by the depth of his knowledge of chess and his concern for local players. He has huge plans for the future. In December and March the Philippine Chess Federation will arrange another two big international events, in October 2007 they are planning to organize the second president's cup. Next year they want to start the chess league. The congressman also told me about his idea to play matches against other countries and they want to invite the US team. One of his goals is to help young talented children develop their skills to become new Grandmasters. He believes that in 5 years there will be 10 new GMs in the Philippines. Can the USA also promise 10 new GMs in 5 years? Don't get me started.."

Congressman Pichay could not hide his disappointment though on the poor showing of the local players. During his closing remarks he thanked the foreign GMs for the lessons they have taught our players, and then commented that our local grandmasters did not play like grandmasters.

At the risk of putting too much into those words, I sense a changing of the wind. Perhaps the issues I voiced in my earlier column on the GMA Cup will finally be addressed. International Grandmasters should not be automatically seeded into our national teams because they have the title. Rather the privilege of being automatically included in our teams should be based on ratings. Ever since I retired from the Executive Directorship of the NCFP in 2001 we have seen the titled players getting all the perks and stunting the growth of our young up-and-comers. The projects lined up in 2001 to host the ASEAN Youth Championship in Manila, to form a training team of 16 year olds and below to represent our country in the future, the establishment of a nationwide series of youth championships to comb the countryside for promising players, all of these programs were shelved to have enough funds to send our titled players abroad and compete.

Some of our titled players have the correct connections, and some of them have loud mouths, but I have not seen anyone take up the cudgels for the youngsters. Well, now we are feeling the effects of those mistakes. It is only now that I am once more getting excited about our chess future.

May I congratulate Congressman Pichay on a great job so far.

Reader comments/suggestions are urgently solicited. Email address is bangcpa@gmail.com

14) Ukrainian Women's Championships

The Ukrainian Women's Chess Championship took place in Odessa 26th November - 6th December 2006. Oksana Vozovic won the event on tie-break from Anna Ushenina after both finished on 8/11. IA Oleg Tovchyga examined the texts of the games received from The Ukrainian Women Chess Championship (Odessa, 26.11-05.12.06) and found number of errors these corrections are in the PGN section.

15) Italian Championship

The 66th Italian Championship took place in Cremona 21st November - 4th December 2006. Michele Godena beat 14 year old Fabino Caruana 2.5-1.5 in a rapid (25 mins + 10 sec a move) and then blitz (5 mins) playoff. This is Godena's 5th Italian title. The decisive 5 minute game is now available.

Official site: http://www.federscacchi.it/cia2006/

16) 2nd Annual Igor Ivanov Memorial

IMs Enrico Sevillano and John Donaldson tied for first with 4.5 from 5 in the 2nd Annual Igor Ivanov Memorial held December 9 in St. George, Utah. IM-elect Emory Tate was third at 4-1 in the 35 player field. Alan Crooks organized and Kim Patraw directed the annual event held to commemorate Ivanov's death on November 17, 2005.

17) 15th Asian Games

The 15th Asian Games took place in Doha 1st-15th December 2006. Murtas Kazhgaleyev won the men's rapid, Humpy Koneru the women's rapid and India the swiss team event. I'm not at all hopeful that games will turn up.

Details: http://www.fide.com/news.asp?id=1167, official site: http://www.doha-2006.com/

Men's Rapid
Final Classification
As of 04 DEC 2006
Rank Title NOC Name                      I.Rating Points F.Rating Medal
1    GM    KAZ KAZHGALEYEV Murtas        2609     7.5    -        GOLD
2    GM    VIE DAO Thien Hai             2557     7      -        SILVER
3    GM    CHN BU Xiangzhi               2671     7      -        BRONZE
4    GM    UZB KASIMDZHANOV Rustam       2672     6      -
5    GM    KAZ SADVAKASSOV Darmen        2596     6      -
6    GM    CHN WANG Yue                  2644     5.5    -
7    GM    IRI MORADIABADI Elshan        2539     5.5    -
8          PHI LAYLO Darwin              2448     5.5    -
9    GM    VIE NGUYEN Anh Dung           2541     5.5    -
10   GM    UZB BARSOV Alekxei            2537     5.5    -
11   GM    IND PENTALA Harikrishna       2674     5.5    -
12   GM    QAT AL MEDAIHKI Mohammed      2550     5.5    -
13   GM    IND KRISHNAN Sasikiran        2675     5.5    -
14         TKM ANNABERDIYEV Meylis       2457     5.5    -
15   IM    PHI DABLEO Ronald             2425     5      -
16   GM    IRI GHAEM MAGHAMI Ehsan       2581     5      -
17   GM    INA MEGARANTO Susanto         2492     5      -
18   IM    BAN HOSSAIN Enamul            2503     4.5    -
19   IM    QAT AL SAYED Mohammed         2486     4.5    -
20   GM    BAN SATTAR Reefat Bin         2489     4.5    -
21   FM    MGL TSEGMED Batchuluun        2404     4.5    -
22   IM    SYR HAKKI Imad                2422     4.5    -
23   FM    BRN AYYAD Husain              2003     4.5    -
24   GM    UAE IBRAHIM Talib Moosa       2365     4.5    -
25         NEP SHRESTHA Bilam Lal        2104     4.5    -
26         JPN NANJO Ryosuke             2186     4.5    -
27   GM    INA WAHJUWIDAJAT Utut Adianto 2589     4      -
28         MGL BAYARSAIKHAN Gundavaa     2237     4      -
29         SRI RUSSELL Athula            2234     4      -
30         SYR BAKR Jwan                 2335     4      -
31         SRI GALAPPATHTHI Chinthaka    2204     3.5    -
32         TKM AMANOV Mesgen             2339     3.5    -
33   IM    UAE AL-HAMMADI Abdulla Hasan  2311     3.5    -
34   FM    JOR EL RIMAWI Bahjat Thaer    2308     3.5    -
35         NEP LAMA Surbir               2095     3.5    -
36         JOR SAMHOURI Ahmad            2322     3.5    -
37   FM    BRN AYYAD Maher               2137     3.5    -
38         JPN KOJIMA Shinya             2187     3      -
39         PLE TAAMRA Atta               2102     3      -
40         MAC MAK Tong Kuan             -        2.5    -
41         MAC ABELGAS Rodolfo           -        1.5    -
RET        PLE SHOUBAITA Talal           -        0      -


Women's Rapid
Final Classification
As of 04 DEC 2006
Rank Title NOC Name                    I.Rating Points F.Rating Medal
1    GM    IND KONERU Humpy            2545     8      -        GOLD
2    WGM   CHN ZHAO Xue                2467     7.5    -        SILVER
3    GM    QAT CHEN Zhu                2501     6      -        BRONZE
4    WIM   IRI POURKASHIYAN Atousa     2329     5.5    -
5    WGM   TKM GELDYYEVA Mahri         2273     5.5    -
6    WGM   MGL BATKHUYAG Munguntuul    2383     5.5    -
7    WIM   UZB SABIROVA Olga           2230     5.5    -
8    WFM   INA SUKANDAR Irine Kharisma 2239     5.5    -
9    WGM   VIE NGUYEN Thi Thanh An     2312     5      -
10         SRI METHMALI Yasoda         1895     5      -
11   WIM   KAZ AKETAYEVA Dana          2312     4.5    -
12         PHI DOCENA Jedara           -        4.5    -
13         BAN AKTER Samima            2096     4.5    -
14         SYR MIR MAHMOD Afamya       1983     4.5    -
15   WIM   JOR JAMALIAH Natalie        1988     4      -
16   WFM   UAE SALEH Noura Mohamed     1879     4      -
17         PLE JARADAT Shadia          -        3.5    -
18         JPN NAKAGAWA Emiko          1933     3.5    -
19         NEP KHAMBOO Mona Lisha      -        3      -
20         BRN MUTAYWEA Aysha          -        3      -
21         MAC CHAN I Sin              -        1      -


Mixed Team's Classical
Final Classification
As of 14 DEC 2006
Rank Title NOC               Name             Points Medal
1          IND - India                        22.5   GOLD
     GM    KRISHNAN Sasikiran
     GM    PENTALA Harikrishna
     GM    KONERU Humpy
2          CHN - PR China                     17.5   SILVER
     GM    BU Xiangzhi
     GM    WANG Yue
     WGM   ZHAO Xue
3          IRI - Islamic Republic of Iran     16.5   BRONZE
     GM    GHAEM MAGHAMI Ehsan
     GM    MORADIABADI Elshan
     WIM   POURKASHIYAN Atousa
4          KAZ - Kazakhstan                   16
     GM    SADVAKASSOV Darmen
     GM    KAZHGALEYEV Murtas
     WIM   AKETAYEVA Dana
5          INA - Indonesia                    16
     GM    WAHJUWIDAJAT Utut Adianto
     GM    MEGARANTO Susanto
     WFM   SUKANDAR Irine Kharisma
6          QAT - State of Qatar               15
     GM    AL MEDAIHKI Mohammed
     IM    AL SAYED Mohammed
     GM    CHEN Zhu
7          BAN - Bangladesh                   14.5
     IM    HOSSAIN Enamul
     GM    SATTAR Reefat Bin
           AKTER Samima
8          PHI - Philippines                  14.5
           LAYLO Darwin
     IM    DABLEO Ronald
           DOCENA Jedara
9          UZB - Uzbekistan                   14
     GM    KASIMDZHANOV Rustam
     GM    BARSOV Alekxei
     WIM   SABIROVA Olga
10         MGL - Mongolia                     14
     FM    TSEGMED Batchuluun
           BAYARSAIKHAN Gundavaa
     WGM   BATKHUYAG Munguntuul
11         TKM - Turkmenistan                 13.5
           ANNABERDIYEV Meylis
           AMANOV Mesgen
     WGM   GELDYYEVA Mahri
12         SYR - Syrian Arab Republic         13.5
     IM    HAKKI Imad
           BAKR Jwan
           MIR MAHMOD Afamya
13         SRI - Sri Lanka                    13
           RUSSELL Athula
           GALAPPATHTHI Chinthaka
           METHMALI Yasoda
14         UAE - Emirates                     12.5
     GM    IBRAHIM Talib Moosa
     IM    AL-HAMMADI Abdulla Hasan
     WFM   SALEH Noura Mohamed
15         JOR - Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan  12.5
           SAMHOURI Ahmad
     FM    EL RIMAWI Bahjat Thaer
     WIM   JAMALIAH Natalie
16         VIE - Vietnam                      12
     GM    DAO Thien Hai
     GM    NGUYEN Anh Dung
     WGM   NGUYEN Thi Thanh An
17         BRN - Kingdom of Bahrain           11.5
     FM    AYYAD Maher
     FM    AYYAD Husain
           MUTAYWEA Aysha
18         PLE - Palestine                    11
           TAAMRA Atta
           SHOUBAITA Talal
           JARADAT Shadia
19         JPN - Japan                        10.5
           NANJO Ryosuke
           KOJIMA Shinya
           NAKAGAWA Emiko
20         NEP - Nepal                        10
           SHRESTHA Bilam Lal
           LAMA Surbir
           KHAMBOO Mona Lisha
21         MAC - Macau, China                 3
           ABELGAS Rodolfo
           MAK Tong Kuan
           CHAN I Sin

18) Forthcoming Events and Links

ACP Rapid Cup in Odessa

The Association of Chess Professionals http://www.chess-players.org/eng/index.html have announced their first major event. The 1st ACP World Rapid Cup is set to take place in Odessa in the Ukraine 4th-8th January 2007. The event will be sponsored by the Bank Pivdennyi based in Odessa. The venue will be the Hotel Londonskaya. The tournament organisers are the Bank Pivdennyi and the Association of Chess Professionals. The total prize fund will amount to 136,000 US Dollars. 16 grandmasters will participate in this Knock-Out tournament. The time control will be 20 minutes for the whole game with an increment of 5 seconds per move.

The 14 players who will therefore take part in the first ACP WRC are: Alexander Morozevich (Russia), Peter Leko (Hungary), Boris Gelfand (Israel), Teimour Radjabov (Azerbaijan), Alexei Shirov (Spain), Etienne Bacrot (France), Sergey Rublevsky (Russia), Evgeny Bareev (Russia), Arkadij Naiditsch (Germany), Pentala Harikrishna (India), Ivan Sokolov (Netherlands), Victor Bologan (Moldova), Hikaru Nakamura (USA), Farrukh Amonatov (Tajikistan). In addition, on the proposal of Bank Pivdennyi, two Wild Cards are given to Vassily Ivanchuk (highest rated Ukrainian Grandmaster) and Ilia Smirin (Israel).

Detailed press release: http://www.chess-players.org/eng/news/viewarticle.html?id=585

Chess FM Chess and Books with Fred Wilson

Chess & Books with Fred Wilson - This Week's guest: Noah Sheola (Paul Morphy playwright)

Fred Wilson's guest on Tuesday evening (8pm EST), Dec. 19th, 2006, will be Noah Sheola, author of the well-received new play, "Paul Morphy", currently running at The Players Ring in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Noah, a USCF rated player and avid reader of chess history, is the author of four plays, including one about Marie Antoinette, produced on the East Coast and in Chicago. He is a winner of the F. Gary Newton Playwriting Competition, and also an accomplished actor, performing with the New Hampshire improvisational theater troupe Stranger Than Fiction. He is a graduate of Bard College and now lives in Portsmouth, NH.

Noah says "Writing from history is all about making compromises between the historical record and the need to be concise, coherent and entertaining...I think I have a sense of who Morphy was and what it was like to spend time with him. When you read his letters the force of his personality is there". Please send questions for Noah Sheola about Paul Morphy to fred@fredwilsonchess.com. The show runs from 8:00 to 10:00 PM (EST) every Tuesday evening. As always, there will be replays of the show almost immediately afterwards for our chess enthusiasts on the West Coast & elsewhere, and often there will be several replays the following day.

You can access "Chess and Books with Fred Wilson" at the following website: http://www.chess.fm, ONLY IF YOU ARE AN ICC MEMBER. However, if you visit chessclub.com you can sign up for a one week FREE trial membership, listen to the show that week, and access all the other good stuff on Chess.fm while you're at it!

6th Amplico AIG Life

The 6th Amplico AIG Life International Chess Tournament - European Rapid Chess Championship Under the auspices of the President of the city of Warsaw. All players play the 8-round Swiss Qualification Tournament with the rate of play G-15'+10" (15 minutes for a game for a player, with an increment of 10 seconds per move). After the 8th round 16 players qualify to the Final Tournament, which contains 4 Group Tournaments, Tournaments for places 5-8, 9-12, 13-16, the Semi-finals, the Match for the 3rd place and the Final. Players who didn't qualify to the Final Tournament play further 5 rounds for a win in the Swiss Tournament. 16th-17th December 2006.

Official site: http://www.poloniachess.pl/amplico2006/index.php?lang=en

ACP Christmas Blitz Tournament 2006

The ACP Board is glad to invite you to take part in the ACP Christmas Blitz Tournament. The prize fund will amount to 4,550 euros. The event will be organized on the ACPO, the official playing zone of our association. The preliminary stages of the tournament will take place from December 19th to 22nd 2006, and the final stages on December 26th and 27th 2006.

The prize distribution as well as the registration form can be found on our special page http://www.acpochess.com/acpo/acpxb_index.php

49th Reggio Emilia Tournament

The 49th edition of the Reggio Emilia Torneo di Capodanno takes place December 30 2006 - January 7 2007. 9 rounds at the hotel Astoria Mercure starting 2,30 pm. Time rate: 1h and 40 min x 40 moves then 50 min to end, plus 30 sec starting from the first move.

Players
    GM    KHENKIN            IGOR            GER     ELO 2620
    GM    GELASHVILI         TAMAD           GEO     ELO 2606
    GM    LANDA              KONSTANTIN      RUS     ELO 2570
    GM    IORDACHESCU        VIOREL          MOL     ELO 2564
    GM    ROMANISHIN         OLEG            UKR     ELO 2542
    IM    BRUNELLO           SABINO          ITA     ELO 2460
    IM    SHYTAJ             LUCA            ALB/ITA ELO 2441
    IM    MANCA              FEDERICO        ITA     ELO 2425
    IM    BORGO              GIULIO          ITA     ELO 2420
          MOGRANZINI         ROBERTO         ITA     ELO 2401
GM norm = 6 points - IM norm = 4 points

Sydney International Open

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL OPEN (10/04/2007-14/04/2007) - Australia's strongest Open tournament ever held.

More information at http://www.chessaustralia.com.au/open or contact info@chessaustralia.com.au

Novi Sad Chess

Novi Sad will host the 2009 Europian National Team Championship. In the run up to that the Championship of Novi Sad takes place 18th-25th March 2007.

Further detail: http://www.drazic.co.yu

Politiken Cup

The 29th Copenhagen Open Politiken Cup takes place 21st-29th July 2006.

Official site: http://www.politikencup.dk/

Coulsdon Christmas International

The Coulsdon Christmas International takes place 11th-15th December 2006. The organisers need 2 titled and 1 non-titled players for the 10 player all-play-all event for IM norms. In addition, we there are 3 spaces in their Challengers' event. If interested contact Scott Freeman chess@ccfworld.com

Details: http://www.ccfworld.com/Chess/Results/2006-12-15_International.htm

Hungarian tournaments January - May 2007

The list of the chess tournaments from January - May 2007 in Hungary:

1. 27th of December until 4th of January, Kecskemet, IM Berger tmt, org: Dr.Erdelyi, Tamas, e-mail: postmaster@caissa.t-online.hu Website: www.caissachessbooks.hu Usually also in the second half of the month IM tmt-s in Kecskemet. 100 km South from Budapest.

2. 5th-13th of January 2007 - EVADNYITO (SEASON STARTING) Open, First prize: brutto 100 000 Ft (1 EURO = 258 Ft now) Prize found: 300 000 Ft. Budapest, org: Marti György, more info: Nagy Laszlo, firstsat@hu.inter.net http://www.firstsaturday.hu

3. 3rd-16th of February 2007 FIRST SATURDAY Budapest GM-IM-FM, GM-IM-FM round robins (BERGER- ROUND ROBIN), 9-13 games, GM-IM norm possibilities in Budapest, venue: Hungarian Chess Federation, Falk Miksa Str.10. 2nd floor. Organisation: Nagy Laszlo, FIDE International Chess Organizer /NL/, E-mail: firstsat@hu.inter.net Website: http://www.firstsaturday.hu Other website: http://home.hu.inter.net/~firstsat Phone-fax: +(361)-2632859, cellphone: +(36)-30-230-1914 /From 12:00 a.m. until midnight - Central European Time - GMT+1 hour/..

4. 3rd-16th of March FS Budapest, GM-IM-FM, org: NL.

5. 16th-24th of March Budapest Spring Festival 9 round Swiss Open, org: Nagy L. www.firstsaturday.hu

6. 25th of March - 7th of April, GM closed tournament in SIKONDA, South-West 250 km from Budapest, org: Mr.Gruenwald, mobile phone: +36-30-9971005

7. 7th-20th of April, FS GM-IM-FM, Budapest, org: NL

8. 21st of April - 1st of May GM tmt minimal cat.9. Planned /2451-2475 Elo range/, Org: NL,

9. 5th-18th of May, GM-IM-FM Budapest, org NL,

10. 19th-29th of May, ELEKES MEMORIAL, GM-IM closed, Org: IM Zsinka, e-mail: zsinkala@t-online.hu

Corus and Linares 2007

The Corus tournament in Wijk aan Zee takes place 12th-28th January 2007. The fields for the top two groups have been announced.

A Group : Veselin Topalov, Viswanathan Anand, Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Svidler, David Navara, Levon Aronian, Teymour Radjabov, Alexei Shirov, Ruslan Ponomariov, Magnus Carlsen, Sergey Tiviakov, Loek van Wely, Sergey Karjakin and Alexander Motylev

David Navara replaces Alexander Morozevich who withdrew for personal reasons.

B Group: Dmitry Jakovenko, Bu Xiangzhi, Gabriel Sargissian, Pavel Eljanov, Friso Nijboer, Erwin L’Ami, Suat Atalik, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Daniel Stellwagen, Jan Werle, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Vladimir Georgiev, Jan Smeets and Tatiana Kosintseva

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

In addition the line up for the Morelia / Linares tournament (again in Mexico and Spain) has been announced. The Morelia half takes place 16th-25th February 2007 and Linares 2nd-11th March 2007.

The field is: Veselin Topalov, Viswanathan Anand, Peter Leko, Peter Svidler, Levon Aronian, Teimour Radjabov, Magnus Carlsen and one of either Alexander Morozevich (it may be that marca has is right as they are the official site and its Moro), Alexei Shirov or Francisco Vallejo Pons depending on who you read. (Mexican Story - or Marca story)

Karpov Simul in Moscow

On Thursday at capital restaurant " Stork" (www.novikovgroup.ru/restaurants/aist) took place a simul of of Anatoly Karpov. Opponents of the Ex-World Champion became well-known businessmen, politicians, representatives of show business. Considering, that the place of action was fashionable restaurant, it has turned to a cheerful secular party with chess subjects.

See details: http://en.chess-events.org/News

5th Crikvenica Rapid

The 5th Crikvenica Rapid takes place 29th December 2006 - 1st January 2007.

Details: http://www.crochess.com/turniri/crikvenica/crikvenica_06.htm

First Saturday December 2006

First Saturday Budapest GM-IM-FM closed tournaments, Budapest, HUNGARY, 2nd-15th of December... Vacancies in the GM - IM and FM sections. Website: http://www.firstsaturday.hu . Contact: Lazlo Nagy firstsat@hu.inter.net - Phone-fax: (+36)-1-263-28-59 Mobile: (+36)-30-230-1914 ICC, SKYPE, YAHOO and MSN messenger nickname: mrfirstsaturday

Prague Open 2007

PRAGUE OPEN 2007 (11.-18.1. 2007 - 2 FIDE opens, one of them with a possibility to fulfill IM norm, active chess and blitz tournament, more information at the address http://www.czechtour.net/praha/index.php

Marienbad Open 2007

MARIENBAD OPEN 2007 Marienbad is the second largest spa town in the Czech Republic, 19.-27.1. 2007 - closed GM tournament, closed IM tournament, FIDE open, active chess and blitz tournament, http://www.czechtour.net/marlazne/index.php

ACP Tour Report August - October

Read the ACP Tour Report August - October 2006.

Read the report: http://www.chess-players.org/eng/news/viewarticle.html?id=579

Dutch Team Championship

The Dutch Team Championship Meesterklasse takes place 23rd October 2006 - 12th May 2006. The first three rounds have already taken place. Ivanchuk, Tiviakov and Ivan Sokolov are amongst the players who have already played.

Dutch Chess Federation: http://www.schaakbond.nl/ - Meesterklasse Games side bar at: http://www.schakers.info/ - Photo report at: http://www.chessvista.com

Swiss Chess Tour 2007

The Swiss Chess Tour 2007 starts in Basle in the New Year (1.-7.1.2007.). Venue of Chess Festival for 9th time is Hotel Hilton in Basle.

Hilton Open (1-7.1.2007.) 7 Rounds, 6 hours (2 hours for 40 moves + 60 minutes for complete the game.) Prizes: 2000/1500/1200/800/600/500/2x400/2x300/5x200 CHF. Special prizes 200 CHF for best Lady, Senior (1947), junior (1987-90), schoolboy (1991). Enter fee: 140 CHF (FM and juniors 70 CHF) GM & IM free. At the door 20 CHF.

Players so far for Basle: GM Ulf Andersson (SWE), GM Borislav Ivkov (SCG), GM Andrei Sokolov (FRA), GM Miso Cebalo (CRO), GM Igor Rausis (BAN), GM Nenad Sulava (CRO), GM Stefan Djuric (SCG), IM Martin Senff (GER), IM Simon Kuemin (SUI) etc.

Basle amateur (1-7.1.2007.) 7 Rounds, 4 hours (90 minutes 30 moves + 30 minutes to complete the game). Players under 1900 rating (FIDE or national). Enter fee: 120 CHF (juniors 60 CHF). At the door 20 CHF. Prizes: 500/400/2x300/2x200/4x150 CHF.

Basle juniors (2.1.2007.) 7 Rounds, 15 minutes for the game. Juniors 1987 and younger. Enter fee 5 CHF. Natural prizes for all players.

Basel Lighting Chess (6.1.2007. from 14.00 to 16.00) 9 Rounds, 5 minutes. Enter fee: 20 CHF (juniors 5 CHF). Prizes 300/200/150/2x100/2x50 CHF natural prizes for everybody 50% and more points.

More information and registration: Robert Spoerri tel. +41+62+9654-650, fax +41+62+9654-651 E-mail info@beochess.ch Further information: http://www.beochess.ch or http://yubc.net/~yuchess

Italian Championship

Players: GM Michele Godena, GM Carlo Garcia-Palermo, IM Daniel Contin, IM Fabio Bruno, IM Sabino Brunello (17 years old), IM Daniele Vocaturo (16 years old), IM Federico Manca, IM Fabiano Caruana (14 years old), IM Pierluigi Piscopo, IM Giulio Borgo, IM Spartaco Sarno, FM Michelangelo Scalcione.

XVI Pamplona Open

The XVI Pamplona Open takes place 21st-29th December 2006.

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

Austrian Team Championship

The first three rounds of the Austrian Team Championship took place in Graz 3rd-5th November 2006.

Schedule: R 01-03: 03.11.-05.11.2006, Graz (Hotel Novapark) R 04-07: 18.01.-21.01.2007, Leoben (Gösserbräu) R 08-11: 08.03.-11.03.2007, Mattersburg

Official site: http://www.chess.at/staatsligen/stl_a.htm

Slovenian Chess Centre

The Slovenian Chess Federation opened a centre on the 21st October 2006.

Official site: http://www.sah-zveza.si/news/0610/sahdom/

Pierre Barthélémy Chess Blog

Pierre Barthélémy Chess Blog in French: http://echecs-info.blogspot.com

II Magistral 5 Soles

The II Magistral 5 Soles took place 3rd-11th November 2006. Details may become available.

Official site: http://www.comunic.com.br/xadrez/

Insel-Seniorenturnier

The Insel-Seniorenturnier takes place in Wyk auf Föhr im Hotel "Schloss am Meer" 8th-16th November 2006.

Official site: http://www.schach-info.de/wyk/teil.html

10th A.V.Momot Memorial

The 10th A.V.Momot Memorial takes place November 11th-12th 2006 in Kramatorsk (Ukraine).

Participants: GMs Eljanov (2658), Areshchenko (2640), Efimenko (2612), Brodsky (2566), Kuzubov (2559), Lahno (2459), Andreev (2459) etc.

Official site: http://www.chess.krm.dn.ua/memor.htm

66th Italian Championship

The 66th Italian Championship takes place 21st November - 4th December 2006. The tournament will consist of 11 players in a round robin at Hotel Impero in Cremona. Games will be played on DGT boards, and viewable live at the Italian Chess Federation web site.

Official tournament information: http://federscacchi.it/doc/notcom/d20060902032222_bando_66.pdf

Official federation site: http://www.federscacchi.it/

Rilton Cup

The Rilton Cup takes place 27th December 2006 - 5th January 2007. Details and entry.

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

Czech Chess Christmas 2006

Czech Chess Christmas 2006 Litomysl (CZE) 26.12.2006-1.1.2007 8th christmas chess FIDE tournament, swiss system of 9 round, rate of game 2 x 1,5h + 30s/move, prize fund 61.000 CZK (1st prize 20.000 CZK = 680 EUR), special conditions for IM, WGM and GM, New Year’s Eve programme. Contact: Proclient s.r.o., Jaroslav Fuksik, Svedska 3, 772 00 Olomouc, mobil: 608 364 664, e-mail: a64@proclient.cz, web: http://www.a64.cz

Fischer on the Radio

Bobby Fischer appeared on the Icelandic private radio station Utvarp Saga on October 16th 2006, He discussed his public despute with UBS, Chess in the past and present, and Interntional affairs, even the North Korea crises.

50 minute interview. It may become available at: http://www.utvarpsaga.is/ is the radio station, (MP3 at: http://www.deep-chess.de/)

3rd Singapore International Chess Convention

The 3rd Singapore International Chess Convention 2006 incorporates the 1. 2nd Asian Schools 17 to 24 December 2nd Asian Schools Entry Form for Singapore Only 2. Seminar for Coaches 18 to 24 December 3. Arbiters Training Seminar 19 to 24 December 4. Masters & Challengers Open 26 to 31 December Masters & Challengers Open.

Details of all events at: http://www.singaporechess.org.sg/

Obrenovac 2006

International Open Championship of Belgrade "Obrenovac 2006" Obrenovac, 22-30.11.2006. Prizes : EUR 5,250.00

Contact information: BELGRADE CHESS INFORMATION 11000 Belgrade, Deligradska 27/III, Serbia and Montenegro Tel/Fax; +381-11 -656 846 E-mail: beochess@eunet.yu

Details: http://www.beochess.org.yu

XLI Capablanca Memorial

The XLI Capablanca Memorial had to move from its normal dates in May due to the Turin Olympiad. This years event takes place 19th-30th November 2006 in the hotel Habana Riviera.

As usual there will be a number of events, the elite for players rated over 2600 and an 11 round swiss with 22 players etc

For details and entry by 3rd November 2006 contact: anayar@inder.co.cu or baby@inder.co.cu or baby@23yb.uci.cu

27th Bethune International Open

The Bethune chess club is preparing his 27th International Open, Hall Olof Palme, Commercial centre La Rotonde, Bethune, France (Pas-de-Calais) from December 26 to 30. 9 rounds The tournament is divided in 2 tournaments: - Tournament A for players whose Elo rating is above or equal to 1600, 1st price : 1500 euros - Tournament B for players strictly below 1800 and not FIDE, 1st price : 300 euros, Fischer pace 1h30+30s KO for each game in both tournaments. At least 5500 euros of prices, prices for Elo categories in both tournaments. Inscription fee : 40 euros (adults), 20 euros (youngsters under 20), free for IM, GM and FIDE Masters. Conditions for IM and GM and special conditions for GM>2600, contact us at open@bethunechess.com For more information visit: http://www.bethunechess.com

Corus Invitations

in a press release on September 19th 2006 on their website the Corus, Wijk aan Zee organisers announced the first players for the event in January 2007. The top three in the world Veselin Topalov, Viswanathan Anand and Levon Aronian will all play. It was already known that Alexander Motylev qualified from the B group last year and that Magnus Carlsen who officially lost out on tie-break to him would also be invited.

Official site: http://www.coruschess.com/article.php?s=n115

Hastings Congress

The Hastings Congress takes place 28th December 2006 - 7 January 2007. 9 round master Swiss +many other events including a FIDE Rated open 6-7 January. Details Con Power conpowr@aol.com.

Further details: http://www.hastingschess.org.uk/

Hull Congress

The 43rd Hull Chess Congress (Yorkshire, England) will take place in the Student Union Building, University of Hull, over the weekend of November 17-19, 2006. This year's Hull Congress has three sections, Open, Under 150 and Under 100 and the total prize fund for the tournament is 1200 pounds (1st 250, 2nd 100, 3rd 50 each section), with the option of adding additional prizes based on the number of entries. The entry fee is just 15 pounds if you commit your entry on or before October 31, 2006 and just 20 pounds after that date. For more information about the Hull Congress and to download an entry form, please visit the new Hull & District Chess Association website at http://www.h-d-c-a.org.uk/ or contact Mark Ieronimo, Tournament Organizer, at congress@h-d-c-a.org.uk to obtain an entry form via email.

Kramnik - Deep Fritz

Vladimir Kramnik will play the ChessBase computer program Deep Fritz in a 6 game match 25th November - 5th December 2006 in the German’s Art and Exhibition Hall in Bonne. Kramnik stands to win a prize of $1 Million US for a win in the match doubling his starting fee.

Asked how he estimates his chances, Kramnik reacted cautiously: "Fritz examines millions of moves per second. It is extraordinarily difficult to play against such a calculating monster. Right from the start you are walking on a very narrow ridge, and you know that any inattentiveness will be your downfall. It is a scientific experiment and I will have to fight very hard for my chance."

The WCC is being organized by Universal Event Promotion (UEP), in cooperation with the Art and Exhibition Hall.

Schedule: Game 1: Saturday 25.11.2006 16h Game 2: Monday 27.11.2006 16h Game 3: Wednesday 29.11.2006 16h Game 4: Friday 01.12.2006 16h Game 5: Sunday 03.12.2006 16h Game 6: Tuesday 05.12.2006 16h

During the entire period of the match the Art and Exhibition Hall will offer a varied program.

Official site: http://www.rag.de/microsite_chess_com/

Sydney International Open 2007

The 2007 Sydney International Open will be held as a 9-round FIDE-rated Swiss event from 10th-14th April 2007. The venue is Parramatta Town Hall, an historic centre and business hub just 30 minutes by train from Central Sydney and International Airport. Some conditions are offered to titled players. It is also possible to play in Australia's largest weekender, the Doeberl Cup, a 7-round FIDE-rated event held in Canberra 6-9 April 2007. An information sheet, registration form and other details are available at http://www.chessaustralia.com.au/open. The organisers are Australian Chess Enterprises. Contact is Brian Jones at info@chessaustralia.com.au

GibTelecom Chess Festival

The GibTelecom Chess Festival takes place 23rd January - 1st February 2007. including a 9 round Masters with a rest day. Also two 5 round Swisses for players under 2200 and two separately for players under 1800. Total prize fund £71,000, including £9000 awards specifically for females with a first of £4000; £12000 for players under 2200, where such a player could win £6000; seniors £2000; junior £1000. So far Arishchenko, Efimenko, Kuzubov, Milov, Krush, Ganguly, Kunte, Sand ipan, Bellon, Cramling have accepted invitations. further details Judy Whurr conf.banq@caletahotel.gi

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

European Rapid Chess Championship

The European Rapid Chess Championship 2006 takes place in Warsaw, Poland (at the same time the 6th AMPLICO AIG LIFE Tournament played during the 25th Memorial of Stanislaw Gawlikowski) takes place 16th-17th of December 2006. The prize fund is 20.000 Euros. The tournament is a part of the ACP Tour. Visit the Official site for more information, updates are coming soon. Contact details of Organizers and Chief arbiter.

Tournament Director - Mrs Maria Macieja mobile: + 48 603 391 318 e-mail: mariamacieja@o2.pl

Official site: http://www.warsawchess.pl/

olimpbase

The olimpbase website: http://www.olimpbase.org from April covers all team events. The latest addition is the European U18 Team Ch. has just finish in Balatonelle. Also, there is a lot on the history of this interesting event at my page, including details, games and results of all previous editions, overall statistics and medal table. See http://www.olimpbase.org/youth/euro18.html

Swiss Chess Tour Christmas 2006

The "Swiss Chess Tour 2006" will restore "Christmas Tournament" back after a one year break and four years in Interlaken this time in Bern. The change is only in the venue in the Hotel "Bern", in the very center of the city. The 1st International Open Hotel "Bern" December 26th-30th 2006. 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: 2.000 SF, 1.500, 1.000, 700, 500, 400, 300, 250, 200 and 150 SF. The natural prizes till 20th place. Special prizes for best Lady, senior (1945), junior (1986-89), schoolboy (1990) and best local player. Entry fee 130 SF, FMs and juniors 60 SF, at the door 20 SF more, GMs and IMs free. Venue: Hotel "Bern" Blitz tournament, Swiss system, 9 double rounds.Prize are: 300, 200, 150, 2x100, 2x50 CHF. Entry fee 20 CHF (juniors 5 CHF) Time table for "Bern Open": December 26. The last registration 12.00-13.00. Open ceremony and apero reception from 13.30-14.00. Round 1st 14.00-19.00. December 27. Round 2nd 9.30-14.30 Round 3rd 15.30-20.30 December 28.: Round 4th 14.00-19.00. Blitz Tournament 19.30-22.30. December 29. Round 5th 9.30-14.30. Round 6th 15.30-20.30 December 30. Round 7th 9.30-14.30 Closing ceremonies 15.00. Special chess rates in Hotel "Bern". More information and registration: Robert Spoerri tel. +41+62+965-465-40, fax +41+62+965-46-51 E-mail beochess@bluewin.ch

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

Computer chess tournament calendar

The Computer chess tournament calendar by Frank Quisinsky has been updated. Frank's Chess Page: http://www.amateurschach.de Frank's Chess Page, CC-Calendar: http://www.amateurschach.de/atl4/_calendar.htm

AnMon 5.6 by Christian BARRETEAU won the computer chess tournament in Massy (France) with 6/6 . This tournament has been organised for many years by a very strong group of French computer chess engine programmers. Unfortunately, this year only seven French programs participated. Second place for Pharaon 3.4 by Franck ZIBI with 5/6 and the third place for ChessTiger 2006 Alpha by Christophe THERON with 4/6. In other words ... AnMon defended its title. The next computer chess tournament is the Australasian-NCC-ch in Canberra at August 20th, 2006. TOP favorits are Bodo, Trace and Warp.

Lugano tournaments

International Week-end Chess Open Lugano 2006 "ONE WEEKEND IN THE SOUTH PART OF SWITZERLAND" When: Friday, 17 November ' Sunday November Where: Hotel Flora, Via Geretta 16, 6900 Lugano- Paradiso Phone +41 91 994 16 71 Fax: +41 91 994 27 38 E-mail: hotelflora@bluewin.ch Modality: International Tournament. 5 Rounds Swiss System Rate of Play: 36 Moves in 90 Minutes + 30 Minutes K.O. Rating: CH- & FIDE

International Amateurs Chess Open Ascona 2006 Only for Amateurs, Max. 2299 ELO. , 26th December ' Saturday, 30th December 2006 Where: Hotel Ascona, via Collina, 6612 Ascona (Switzerland) Modality: International Chess Tournament. 7 Rounds Swiss System Rate of Play: 40 Moves in 120 Minutes + 60 Minutes K.O. ELO: Not valid for ELO Points (holiday mood!)

Lugano Rapid Chess Marathon Ticino Cureglia 2006 Sunday, 18.06.2006 Where? Parco Rusca (Park & town hall), CH-6944 Cureglia Modality? International Rapid Chess Tournament 24 rounds Swiss System Rate of play? 5 minutes to finish the game Prizes? CHF 600 (€ 400) / 400 (€ 268) / 300 (€ 200) / 200 (€ 133) / 100 (€ 67) CHF 100 (€ 67) Best Ticino player + 9 Special prizes (Full prize amount with 50 players, otherwise % to the number of participants ) Inscriptions? CHF 40 (€ 27) under 20 CHF 20 (€ 14), Sunday: 08.00 - 09.00 Timetable? Sunday 09.15 - 13.00 (15 rounds) 14.30 - 16.30 (9 rounds)

Further details: http://www.luganoscacchi.ch/

Frits Agterdenbos Photos

Chess Photographer Frits Agterdenbos has launched a website of his photos at: http://www.chessvista.com/. He is at the Turin Olympiad and his photo reports is available there.

French Team Championship

The final four rounds of the French Team Top 16 Championship took place 4th-7th May 2006 in Asnières-sur-Seine. NAO Chess Club again won the title three points clear of Monaco who they defeated in the final round. Games from the final two rounds are not yet available (apart from the Monaco - NAO match) if anyone has them I'd be grateful.

Further details: http://www.echecs.asso.fr, http://www.europe-echecs.com/ and http://www.nao-cc.com

IbeatGarry.com: The Six Degrees of Kasparov

If you've won a game that's appeared in Chessbase Megabase 2005 then find out a series of results which by separation means you beat Garry Kasparov! Fun stuff from Karlheinz Zoechling. I'm not in Megabase but have beaten someone who has a separation of two, giving me a separation of three!

Site: http://ibeatgarry.com/

Czech Tour 2006/2007

There is new information about the Czech Tour 2006/2007 including:

9th OLOMOUC CHESS SUMMER (the Sigma hotel) 2nd-10th August 2006.

3rd HIGHLANDS OPEN (Havlickuv Brod, the Slunce hotel) 23rd September - 1st October 2006.

7th LIBEREC OPEN (the Liberec hotel) 11th-18th November 2006.

6th PRAGUE OPEN (TOP HOTEL Praha) 11th-18th January 2007.

6th MARIENBAD OPEN (the Evropa hotel) 19th-27th January 2007.

Further details: http://www.czechtour.net or Dr. Jan Mazuch, Director of CZECH OPEN & CZECH TOUR - j.mazuch@avekont.cz

In addition there is the 27th Tournament of Chess Hopes and 17th Pobeskydi Tournament organised by the town of Frydek-Mistek 13th-17th April 2006.

Further details: http://www.chessfm.cz

10th Anniversary of correspondencechess.com

correspondencechess.com is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. It has a 10th Anniversary Commemorative Coin: http://www.correspondencechess.com/coin.htm

Home of: Grandmaster V.V. Palciauskas' The World of Correspondence Chess Senior International Master Knudsen's The Correspondence Chess Place The Campbell Report Ralph Marconi's Chess Pages The Canadian Correspondence Chess Association (CCCA) American Postal Chess Tournaments (APCT) The Correspondence Chess Message Board (TCCMB)   and much, much more!

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

Christophe Bouton Chess Blog

Christophe Bouton has started a chess blog in French at: http://echecs64.blog.20minutes.fr/

Spanish Championship

The Spanish closed and open Championships will be held in León November 22nd-30th 2006. The Hotel Conde Luna from León will be the venue and the official hotel of the organization.

Alushta Tournaments

01.02.06 Tournaments in Alushta:

GM Norm: 29.04-9.05, 11.05-21.05, 23.05-1.06, 2.06-12.06, 16.06-26.06, 2.09-12.09, 14.09-24.09, 26.09–6.10,

IM Norm: 29.04-9.05, 11.05-21.05, 23.05-1.06, 2.06-12.06, 16.06-26.06, 2.09-12.09, 14.09-24.09, 26.09–6.10,

Rating tournament: 5.06-13.06, 23.06–27.06

Open tournament (under 16 years) First prize - 200$ 14.06-22.06, Swiss 9 rounds.

Open tournament First prize - 1000$ First prize (woman)- 500$: 28.06-6.07, Swiss 9 rounds. Open tournament (rapid chess) 7.07–8.07, Swiss 9 rounds. Blitz tournament 9.07. Session of school of Gennadi Kuzmin 23.06–27.06. Individual and group studying.

Further information: http://www.kaissa.com.ua phone +38 (06560)5-05-32, +380505828911 (for Russian speaking) + 38 050 669-26-04 (for English speaking) e-mail: info@kaissa.com.ua

Seagaard ChessReviews

Soren Sogaard has announced that his site Seagaard ChessReviews will be updated after receiving a lot of positive e-mails, "I decided to try to keep running the site. I also got two new reviewers, and the well known danish IM Steffen Pedersen reviews his first book." He'll see if he can keep it going another 6 months.

Website: http://seagaard.dk/review

1st ICCF Webchess Open Tournament

The ICCF have announced the 1st WebChess Open Tournament and invites every player worldwide to participate in the event. The event is to be played on the ICCF dedicated Webserver http://www.iccf-webchess.com. This tournament is open to all correspondence chess players worldwide, also for those without any previous ICCF experience. Multiple entries are allowed. The tournament will be played in three stages - preliminaries, semifinal and final.

Details: http://www.iccf-webchess.com/Message.aspx?message=19

Russia vs ROW Correspondence

The Russian Chess Federation is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is using this occasion to challenge the rest of the world to a match over 64 boards with 2 games for each and the start is 15.02 2004. Players include Joop van Oosterom

http://www.mychessweb.com/Tables/Internationale/Play/russia-world.htm