Kosteniuk Simuls: From New York to Nashville
By Jennifer Shahade   
March 30, 2009
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GM Alexandra Kosteniuk at her recent New York City simul. Photo chesspics.com
On March 21, Grandmaster and Women's World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk gave a U.S. Chess Trust fundraising simul in New York City, hosted at the British International School of New York. She scored 18 wins and 2 draws. Check out the full press release on the U.S. Chess Trust website.

Alexandra told CLO that she and her daughter Francesca had a great time in New York, : "Francesca loved it, especially the enormous stores FAO Schwartz on 5th Avenue and Toys R Us on Broadway. The simul venue was in a most beautiful place-- the view was breathtaking."

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Alexandra in Times Square with her daughter. Photo chesspics.com



Alexandra played some of the most promising female youth in America, and won two nice games in the Open Sicilian against Alena Kats and Anna Maitlin:

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Alex's two draws were tough games against Leroy Dubeck and I.S. 318 student Alexis Paredes, who was the last man standing in the simul and had a great game in the final position. Alexandra said, "Some games were hard fought, especially on the first board against the U.S. Chess Trust Trustee who won a pawn in the opening. Congratulations also to Alexeis Paredes who was the last to finish his game."

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Alexis Paredes battles Kosteniuk in the final game of the simul. Coach Elizabeth Vicary (in green) looks on.  Photo chesspics.com


In a Q+A prior to the simul, Alexandra answered a question from Elizabeth Vicary, I.S. 318 coach, on the most common mistake that 1800s make against her in simuls. According to Elizabeth, Alexandra pondered the question before answering that they often leave their pieces unprotected and neglect castling. Alexandra will also play two simuls at the SuperNationals in Nashville on Friday morning and Sunday afternoon.

On Friday night before the simul, Alexandra visited the Marshall Chess Club, where Dr. Frank Brady hosted a ceremony to honor Alexandra's World Championship victory.

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GM Alexandra Kosteniuk with Dr. Frank Brady, the president of the Marshall Chess Club, Photo chesspics.com
 

Check out more photos on the U.S. Chess Trust website and on chesspics.com. Find  the simul games on the Internet Chess Club or  Monroi.com.