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World News: Chess In the Media: Chess Stories Across the USA and Around the World
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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. 2006 Las Vegas International Chess Festival: The Chess Vacation of the YearIf you're looking for a summer vacation idea that features excitement on and off the chess board, look no further than the 2006 Las Vegas International Chess Festival. Taking place in Las Vegas from June 16-18, the National Open is the centerpiece of a unique week of chess action featuring the fun and excitement only Vegas can offer. Along with the National Open, there are several other chess events to take part in. On June 19, the 2006 US Game 10 Championship will be held. The National Open Scholastic Trophy Tournament will take place on the 16th. Finally, some of the world's top young female chessplayers will battle from June 16-18 in the Susan Polgar World Open Chess Championships for Girls (under 21). This event also features its own blitz championship, a special puzzle solving championship and more, all with great prizes. For more information on the Los Vegas 2006 International Chess Festival, including information on how to register for any of the tournaments offered, visit the USCF website. 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. |
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