Greg Chamitoff, the chess-playing astronaut, will appear at the 2009 SuperNationals. Photo courtesy NASA
Greg Chamitoff, the astronaut who is currently contesting USCF members in an Earth vs. Space match will appear at the 2009 SuperNationals in Nashville, Tennessee (April 3-5)!
Chamitoff, who recently returned to Earth after over 180 days in Space, is a chess aficionado. When bringing chess sets to space, he adds Velcro to the pieces to keep them from floating away. For more information on Chamitoff, and his latest mission, expedition 18, see his NASA bio.
The current position in the Earth vs. Space Match is being examined by Stevenson Elementary School Students in Bellevue, WA. They will have choices for voting this weekend, so check back to participate. For more details, read the latest article on the match by Chess Life for Kids editor Glenn Peterson.
Position after 19.Rxe3, Black to Move
The SuperNationals visit is in conjunction with the USCF and NASA. Chamitoff will attend the Opening ceremony. More details on Greg's visit will be announced soon.
You can also register to stay and play at the official website.
YOU can make this the biggest chess tournament in history!
Stars Confirmed to Appear at the SuperNationals
Living Chess Legend Garry Kasparov
Grandmaster Maurice Ashley
Astronaut Greg Chamitoff
Women's World Champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk
Four-time U.S. Champion Alexander Shabalov
U.S. Champion GM Yury Shulman
Grandmaster Alexander Stripunsky
U.S. Women's Champion Anna Zatonskih