|
||||||
|
Chess In the Media: Chess Stories Across the USA and Around the World
|
National NewsUS Men Capture Bronze Medal in TurinA late surge in the final rounds of the Chess Olympiad in Turin lifted the US Men's team into 3rd place, earning them the bronze medal behind only Armenia and China. The team won nine matches, drew three and lost just one on their way to the podium. Heading into the final round, the US Men knew they would need a strong effort to have a chance for a medal. After 12 rounds, Russia stood in 3rd place, with 31 points. France, Hungary and Isreal also stood ahead of the US team, which had gained 29.5 points - 1,5 points behind the Russian team. However, circumstances soon made a medal charge possible, if unlikely. The Hungarians faced leader Armenia, and the Armenians were happy to clinch first place with 4 quick draws. Israel, just a half-point ahead of the USA, defeated Russia 3-1. The French team struggled to a 2.5-1.5 defeat against the Bulgarian team, leaving the door wide open for the Americans. Still, the US would need at least 3.5 points in their final match against Norway to get into the medal picture. Magnus Carlsen held American GM Gata Kamsky to a draw on board one, meaning the US would have to win each of their remaining games to stay in contention. Impressively, all three players came through. Alexander Onischuk defeated Simen Agdestein on board two, Hikaru Nakamura beat Leif Erlend Johannessen on the third board, and Varuzhan Akobian finished the job by winning on board four over Kjetil Lie. The result left the USA in a tie with Israel at 33.0 points. However, the American team had the superior tiebreaks, earning them the bronze medals. Six players contributed to the US team, with each player taking part in at least seven matches. The team members and their scores were: Gata Kamsky, 5.5/10 The US women's team also put together a strong performance at the Olympiad, finishing 4th. The team won seven matches, drew five and lost just one. Four players participated for the USA, including: Anna Zatonskih, 5.0/11 For full details on the Turin 2006 Chess Olympiad, see our World News section. 1962 Elementary Chess Competitors Battled in Denver For National TitlesThe U. S. Chess Federation (USCF), held its 31st National Elementary (K-6) School Chess Championship May 12-14, 2006 in Denver, Colorado at the Hyatt Denver Convention Center located at 15th Street and California Street. This year’s event (as well as for 2007 and 2008) has been re-named in honor of longtime supporter of scholastic chess since 1972, Burt Lerner, on behalf of his family. This seven round event began Friday, May 12 at 1:00 pm. The event concluded Sunday evening, May 14 with an award ceremony at 7:00 pm. The time control for players above the K-1 section was G/120 for each of their seven games. This allows players two hours each to make their moves. Those competing in the K-1 level each get 90 minutes on their chess clock to complete their games. Boris Xu of Duluth Middle School in Duluth, Georgia took first place in the K-6 Championship section with an impressive 6.5/7 score. The team championship was won by Hunter College Campus School in New York. Complete results, including winners in every section, can be found by clicking here. Former Chess Life Editor Burton Hochberg DiesBurt Hochberg, 73, passed away Saturday, May 13, after a long illness. Burt was a distinguished and well-liked chess editor and journalist who seemed to know virtually everyone in the chess world. As editor of Chess Life, the official publication for Chess in America, from 1966-1979, he built the magazine into the information highway of its day for American chess players. In the 70’s, he also served as acquisitions editor and managing editor of R.H.M. Press, an important publisher of theoretical works on chess openings by foreign and U.S. grandmasters when such material was sparse in the United States. More recently, he was a chess consultant and editor for the McKay Chess Library, a division of Random House. For the better part of two decades, Burt was the editor of Games magazine, adding to his reputation as a dedicated and attentive professional. As an established editor and friend to all in the chess world, he was always generous in offering a hand to junior editors trying to secure work. In addition to his journalistic and editorial activities, Burt authored several chess books. Those who knew him will remember him also for his kindness and his enthusiasm for life, and for his passion for music. Although he was trained in classical piano, he loved to play Scott Joplin rags for his wife, Carol, and his friends. He will be deeply missed by friends, family, and an entire generation of chess enthusiasts. Scott Knoke, a colleague of Burt, contributed this article. The U.S. Chess Federation provides an opportunity for tributes on our website in our “In Passing” area. Email your tribute to jdubois@uschess.org. US Chess Seeks Senior Art Director, Editorial AssistantThe U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) announces that Kathleen Merz, who has worked for the organization for the last six years, has resigned her position as Senior Art Director to take a position as Creative Director with Inside Out Hudson Valley. Kathleen has been a valued employee, so we are sorry to see her go but wish her success in her new endeavor. The USCF is now accepting applications for the position of Senior Art Director. This position is responsibile for all art in Chess Life and Chess Life For Kids as well as all of the other publications the USCF produces. A detailed job description will be posted soon. Send resumes to Director of Publications Daniel Lucas at dlucas@uschess.org. Online portfolios preferred, but mailed portfolios will be accepted at US Chess, Attn: Daniel Lucas, P.O. Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38555. In addition, the U.S. Chess Federation seeks an editorial assistant to help with all USCF publications in Crossville. Knowledge of chess, copy editing a plus. Must know Quark or have similar software experience. Send resume and cover letter to USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557 Attn: Daniel Lucas. 2006 Burt Lerner National Elementary (K-6) Program Book now available!USCF Seeks Endorsements, Sponsorships and Strategic PartnershipsIf you have chess related products or services, please contact us with your proposal. The USCF is seeking endorsements, sponsorships and strategic partnerships from the chess community. Over the next few weeks please email, Joan DuBois, at the USCF office in Crossville, TN. American Chess Players Go For Olympiad GoldThe United States Chess Federation recently announced its teams for the 37th World Chess Olympiad, which will be held May 20 to June 4, 2006 in Turin, Italy. GM Varuzhan Akobian of Los Angeles, California, GM Ildar Ibragimov of Stratford, Connecticut, GM Gata Kamsky of Brooklyn, New York, GM Gregory Kaidanov of Lexington, Kentucky, GM Hikaru Nakamura of White Plains, New York, and GM Alex Onischuk of Baltimore, Maryland are the members of the US Olympiad Team, with IM John Donaldson, of Berkeley, California, serving as Captain. "The Olympiad in Turin promises to be the largest and strongest in the history of the competition, with almost all of the world's top players in attendance", says Donaldson. This will be the strongest American team ever assembled. Our newly crowned American champion Alex Onischuk, "the invincible" is in excellent form and World Champion contender Gata Kamsky will be rejoining the team for the first time in over a decade. But probably the most exciting addition to the team is 18 year old Hikaru Nakamura. He's the highest rated player in America and this will be his first appearance in an Olympiad. Hikaru's fighting spirit is already legendary and he'll add a lot of energy to the squad. He even told a reporter: "There is no point in taking draws." The US Women's Team is comprised of WGM Camilla Baginskaite of Richmond, California, WGM Rusudan Goletiani, WGM Irina Krush, and WGM Anna Zatonskih (newest U.S. Women’s Champion), all from New York State. "I'm excited about Turino. If we play at top form, then we can defeat any team there", says WGM Krush. GM Yuri Shulman of Chicago, Illinois, is the Captain of the US Women’s Team. The United States is coming off its best overall results in almost 80 years of competing in the Chess Olympiads, finishing fourth in the overall competition and second in the Women's Olympiad in 2004. The team hopes to improve on these results in Turin. More than 1,000 competitors from over 140 countries are expected for the 14 round competition which will be held in the main venue used for the Winter Olympic games earlier this year. Official Sponsor, Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) is the primary backer of the team with the USCF and the Internet Chess Club (ICC) also serving as supporting sponsors. Donations received so far: KCF $30,000; ICC $5,000; Joel Channing $2,000; National Open (Fred Gruenberg/Al Losoff) $500; Steven Doyle $500. Donations are tax deductible if made payable to the US Chess Trust; write "Olympiad" on your check and send to Olympiad Appeal, c/o USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville TN 38557. Thanks for your support! For additional information and bios see http://www.uschess.org/americansgoforthegold.php. |
|
[What's New] [Join/Renew] [Shop] [News] [Contact Us] [Members Only] [Ratings] [MSA] [Tournaments] [Top Players] [Clubs] [Scholastic] [Correspondence Chess] [Links] [Governance] |