USCF Home arrow Chess Life Online arrow 2009 arrow September arrow Finegold Earns Final GM Norm; Ray Races for His!
Finegold Earns Final GM Norm; Ray Races for His! Print E-mail
September 26, 2009
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Ben Finegold, Photo Betsy Dynako, Chicago 09
Ben Finegold, for a long time known as the "strongest IM in America" has finally lost that title, as he just earned his final GM norm! In the "B" group of the SPICE Cup in Texas Tech, Ben needed six points for the norm, and he got there with a round to spare. The win that virtually clinched it was in round six against Gergely Antal. Ben told CLO that this was his favorite game of the tournament, "It seemed quite smooth, and I like smooth victories." A close second was his exciting win over IM Papp, which was mentioned in our previous report on Finegold's success. 

 

The first thing Ben did to celebrate his victory was to change his email address from imfinegold@yahoo.com to gmfinegold@gmail.com! Look for many more details in a future in-depth interview with Ben.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old IM Ray Robson has gone on a hot streak in rounds six to eight, scoring 2.5/3. 





In his final round Ray needs a win for his final GM norm--against FM Daniel Rensch, who needs a draw or a win for HIS final IM norm. So look forward to a hard-fought game, and watch it on Monroi.com.

 
 
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