30 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The AIFC-AAI Chess Cup is being held in New Delhi, India from Dec 20-30, according to a press release. The six-player double round-robin format category-18 tournament will be played at the Airport Authority of India Club (AAI) here. his is the second edition of the AICF-AAI Cup, which was a category-17 event last year. The tournament was won by Fabiano Caruana of Italy in its inaugural edition and the player has subsequently moved into the top-10 of the FIDE world rankings.
All India Chess Federation (AICF) secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan said, “The list of players for this tournament is the best line up India have ever seen and we are expecting very tough competition in the ten days of the tournament.”
This year’s star attraction would be GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek of Poland. Wojtaszek is a top-50 player and would be looking to add valuable rating points to his tally. Leading the charge of challengers against him would be GM Anton Korobov of Ukraine, who boasts of a 2700+ rating and Russia’s in-form player GM Evgeny Alekseev.
Former Indian national champion GM K. Sasikiran would lead the Indian challenge with 2008 World Junior champion GM Abhijeet Gupa and Asian champion Parimarjan Negi completing the line up.
“It is a great achievement for Indian chess that an event of such a stature is happening in India. Personally I am thrilled to be part of the tournament and would do my best to keep the title in the country after the 10 rounds of competition,” said Negi.
“I haven’t had great performances in the last few months starting with the Oympiad. For the amount of preparations that have gone into it, I haven’t played well. So this tournament would be the right opportunity for me to stage a comeback of sorts and get back to winning ways,” he added.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
Former Indian national chess champion GM Parimarjan Negi with journalists.
The AIFC-AAI Chess Cup is being held in New Delhi, India from Dec 20-30, according to a press release. The six-player double round-robin format category-18 tournament will be played at the Airport Authority of India Club (AAI) here. his is the second edition of the AICF-AAI Cup, which was a category-17 event last year. The tournament was won by Fabiano Caruana of Italy in its inaugural edition and the player has subsequently moved into the top-10 of the FIDE world rankings.
All India Chess Federation (AICF) secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan said, “The list of players for this tournament is the best line up India have ever seen and we are expecting very tough competition in the ten days of the tournament.”
This year’s star attraction would be GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek of Poland. Wojtaszek is a top-50 player and would be looking to add valuable rating points to his tally. Leading the charge of challengers against him would be GM Anton Korobov of Ukraine, who boasts of a 2700+ rating and Russia’s in-form player GM Evgeny Alekseev.
Former Indian national champion GM K. Sasikiran would lead the Indian challenge with 2008 World Junior champion GM Abhijeet Gupa and Asian champion Parimarjan Negi completing the line up.
“It is a great achievement for Indian chess that an event of such a stature is happening in India. Personally I am thrilled to be part of the tournament and would do my best to keep the title in the country after the 10 rounds of competition,” said Negi.
“I haven’t had great performances in the last few months starting with the Oympiad. For the amount of preparations that have gone into it, I haven’t played well. So this tournament would be the right opportunity for me to stage a comeback of sorts and get back to winning ways,” he added.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
30 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone, 
Open section final standings:
1. GM Melikset Khachiyan 2546 – 6.5
2-3. IM Andranik Matikozyan 2510 and FM John Daniel Bryant 2518 – 6.0
4. FM Julian Landaw 2349 – 5.5
5-7. GM Enrico Sevillano 2596, GM Josh Friedel 2576 and Varun Krishnan 2374 – 5.0
8-11. FM Eduardo Ortiz 2292, IM Jack Peters 2434, IM Roman Yankovsky 2560 and FM William Duckworth 2309 – 4.5 etc
The U2200 section had 34 participants. Simone Liao 2122, John Ward 2015 and Jonathan Homidan 2123 shared the honours with 6/8 points each.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
Grandmaster Melikset Khachiyan has won the 48th Annual American Open was held on 22-25th November at the Doubletree Hotel Anaheim, Orange County, California. The playing format was 8 Round Swiss System USCF Rated Tournament with a 4-day and a 3-day options. There were six playing sections: Open, Under 2200, Under 2000, Under 1800, Under 1600 and Under 1400. Grandmaster Melikset Khachiyan emerged winner of the Open section by collecting 6,5 points from eight games. There were 26 players in this group.
Open section final standings:
1. GM Melikset Khachiyan 2546 – 6.5
2-3. IM Andranik Matikozyan 2510 and FM John Daniel Bryant 2518 – 6.0
4. FM Julian Landaw 2349 – 5.5
5-7. GM Enrico Sevillano 2596, GM Josh Friedel 2576 and Varun Krishnan 2374 – 5.0
8-11. FM Eduardo Ortiz 2292, IM Jack Peters 2434, IM Roman Yankovsky 2560 and FM William Duckworth 2309 – 4.5 etc
The U2200 section had 34 participants. Simone Liao 2122, John Ward 2015 and Jonathan Homidan 2123 shared the honours with 6/8 points each.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
30 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
Don’t miss out on secret discount deals on super chess software in Chess Queen™ Alexandra Kosteniuk’s newsletter only. To subscribe, click on snapshot below that takes you to the 12th Women’s World Chess Champion’s Facebook page. Follow the arrow sign to the envelope icon and sign up. You don’t want to miss out on great chess goodies this season.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
29 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Bob Bibasa finished runners-up with six points after losing his fifth round to Jacob Onditi in a bizarre. Bibasa lost on technicality after his phone rang hence contravening chess rule which demands that all phones be switched off.
Olympiads included Kenya team captain Brian Kidula and Hinga Githinji, who garnered five points each with a tie break of 31.0 each. Joseph Atwoli, an Olympiad, chickened out on Day One and simply ran away due to the Uganda Cranes claws.
Other Kenyans who performed well include John Mukabi (women’s team coach), who came third with 5.5 points and Jacob Onditi ,who came fourth with 5 points and a tie break of 33.5.
Kenya’s Gyena Jumba posted 4 points to win the women’s category and was followed by the Ugandan women’s chess master Ivy Amoko with 4 points with a tie break of 24.0. The third position went to Maureen Njeri (MMUST) and Ann Kung’u (Kenya Polytechnic).
The top three for junior category was taken by Trevor Rombora, Rushit Hasmukh and Faith Rachel–all members Bungoma Chess Club and pupils’s at Marrel Academy.
Kenya Polytechnic won the University and college category and were followed by Masinde Muliro. The tournament director Humphrey Nyongesa said the tournament had proved that the game was fast growing in the country.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
29 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Hi everyone,
Anna Ushenina of Ukraine has taken the lead in the final of the Women’s World Chess Championship 2012 being played in Khanty Mansiysk. In the third game, she beat Antoaneta Stefanova’s not-oft used Slav Defense. The Bulgarian went for the Chebanenko Variation (with 4…a6; also called the Chameleon Variation sometimes) which Stefanova has not played for a long time.
Nevertheless, Ushenina was not caught by surprise. White played very well and got a small advantage. In an attempt to activate her pieces, Black carried out a pawn break in the center, which turned out very risky. White replied with an interesting tactical operation, trading two minor pieces for a rook and two pawns. Formally the material was still equal, however, White got a clear advantage: Black’s pieces were badly coordinated, and her king became weak.
Soon White advanced the passed pawn, and her position became overwhelming.
Stefanova got into time trouble and was unable to defend perfectly. Instead of seeking the vital counterplay on the kingside, she decided to play passively, which turned out to be a decisive mistake. Ushenina converted her advantage flawlessly, not giving her opponent any hope. Black resigned on the 37th move.
By winning this game Anna Ushenina took the match lead – 2-1. The fourth game (and the last one with a classical time control) is scheduled on Friday, November 30th. Antoaneta Stefanova plays White and needs a win to stay in the match. You can replay the game with Chess King – your super-strong chess tutor!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Nevertheless, Ushenina was not caught by surprise. White played very well and got a small advantage. In an attempt to activate her pieces, Black carried out a pawn break in the center, which turned out very risky. White replied with an interesting tactical operation, trading two minor pieces for a rook and two pawns. Formally the material was still equal, however, White got a clear advantage: Black’s pieces were badly coordinated, and her king became weak.
Soon White advanced the passed pawn, and her position became overwhelming.
Stefanova got into time trouble and was unable to defend perfectly. Instead of seeking the vital counterplay on the kingside, she decided to play passively, which turned out to be a decisive mistake. Ushenina converted her advantage flawlessly, not giving her opponent any hope. Black resigned on the 37th move.
By winning this game Anna Ushenina took the match lead – 2-1. The fourth game (and the last one with a classical time control) is scheduled on Friday, November 30th. Antoaneta Stefanova plays White and needs a win to stay in the match. You can replay the game with Chess King – your super-strong chess tutor!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
29 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Hi everyone,
Here is an interesting chess video: How a Grandmaster explains a blunder by his opponent. We are going to say nothing more, just watch! It’s of course Teimour Radjabov from Azerbaijan at the Tata Steel Chess in an official post-game interview video. Czech GM David Navara had blundered his piece against Radjabov in the Tata Steel 2012 Chess tournament in the third round.
Okay, take a look at the game – spot the blunder – and return to the video! Tata Steel Chess 2013 is going to be held from January 11-27 in Wijk aan Zee.
Radjabov,T (2773) – Navara,D (2712)
Result: 1-0
Site: Wijk aan Zee NED
Date: 2012.01.16
[…] 1.d4 ¤f6 2.c4 g6 3.¤f3 ¥g7 4.g3 d5 5.¥g2 dxc4 6.¤a3 ¤c6 7.¤xc4 ¥e6 8.b3 a5 9.¥b2 ¥d5 10.¦c1 O-O 11.a3 £c8 12.O-O £e6 13.¤g5 £g4 14.e4 £xd1 15.¦fxd1 ¥xc4 16.¦xc4 e6 17.d5 ¦fd8 18.¦cc1 exd5 19.exd5 ¤e7 20.¥xf6 ¥xf6 21.¤e4 ¥e5 22.f4 ¥d6 23.¤xd6 cxd6 24.¦c7 ¤f5 25.¦xb7 ¦ac8 26.¥f1 ¦c2 27.¥b5 ¤e3 28.¦e1 ¤xd5 29.¥c4 ¤c7 30.¦xc7 d5 31.¦d1 ¦e8 32.¥b5
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
29 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone, 
The sixth round at the Tashkent Chess Grand Prix witness only one decisive game. Alexander Morozevich won against Leinier Dominguez and regained the sole lead in the tournament. Boris Gelfand and Pete Leko got promising positions playing against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Wang Hao respectively, but could not convert. Everyone settled for a draw.
The second stage of the 2012-2013 FIDE Grand Prix Series is taking place from November 21 to December 5 in the Gallery of Fine Art in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Replay the Morozevich-Leinier game with Chess King in the extended post.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
The sixth round at the Tashkent Chess Grand Prix witness only one decisive game. Alexander Morozevich won against Leinier Dominguez and regained the sole lead in the tournament. Boris Gelfand and Pete Leko got promising positions playing against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Wang Hao respectively, but could not convert. Everyone settled for a draw.
The second stage of the 2012-2013 FIDE Grand Prix Series is taking place from November 21 to December 5 in the Gallery of Fine Art in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Replay the Morozevich-Leinier game with Chess King in the extended post.
Alexander Morozevich – Leinier Dominguez Perez
Result: 1-0
Site: Tashkent
Date: 2012.11.28
[…] 1.d4 ¤f6 2.c4 g6 3.¤c3 d5 4.cxd5 ¤xd5 5.e4 ¤xc3 6.bxc3 ¥g7 7.£a4+ ¤d7 8.¤f3 c5 9.¥e2 O-O 10.O-O a6 11.£a3 £c7 12.¥g5 ¦e8 13.¦ad1 ¦b8 14.d5 e6 15.dxe6 ¦xe6 16.¥h4 ¥h6 17.¥c4 ¦xe4 18.¥g3 £b6 19.£a4 ¦e7 20.¥d6 £d8 21.¥xe7 £xe7 22.¦fe1 £f8 23.¦xd7 b5 24.¥xf7+ ¢g7 25.£d1 ¥xd7 26.£xd7 ¦d8 27.£c7 ¦c8 28.£b7 ¦b8 29.£e7
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
29 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The US 2012 National K-12 Chess Championships will be played from November 30 to December 2 in Orlando, Florida. There will be a bughouse and blitz event on November 29. The USCF hosts several National Chess Tournaments each year. The event is being held at the Marriott Orlando World Center Resort. There are a huge number of prizes and trophies to be won in lots of sections for the children. There’s also going to be a chess event for parents and friends! More information is available at the US Chess Federation official website.
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
28 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The second game between Antoaneta Stefanova and Anna Ushenina was a short draw on Wednesday. The match score is 1-1. The second game of the Women’s World Championship match between Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria) and Anna Ushenina (Ukraine) featured an interesting theoretical discussion. The Bulgarian, playing White, decided to test her opponent’s knowledge in a very sharp opening variation known as the Slav Gambit: White sacrifices a central pawn, but forces Black to keep the king in the center and obtains long-lasting initiative. Ushenina, however, deviated from the main lines, and by the 10th move the players reached an original position with complicated strategic and tactical pattern.
The position looked more promising for White, but Stefanova possibly misplayed it on the next few moves. Ushenina could sacrifice a pawn for the initiative and try to utilize her development lead. This would create a very sharp game risky for both sides. However, the Ukrainian preferred a safer path, simplifying the position, and the players agreed to a draw already on the 17th move on a half-empty board.
The match score us 1-1. The third game of the final is to be played on Thursday, November 29th with Anna Ushenina playing White in the game. You can replay the game with Chess King.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
The second game between Antoaneta Stefanova and Anna Ushenina was a short draw on Wednesday. The match score is 1-1. The second game of the Women’s World Championship match between Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgaria) and Anna Ushenina (Ukraine) featured an interesting theoretical discussion. The Bulgarian, playing White, decided to test her opponent’s knowledge in a very sharp opening variation known as the Slav Gambit: White sacrifices a central pawn, but forces Black to keep the king in the center and obtains long-lasting initiative. Ushenina, however, deviated from the main lines, and by the 10th move the players reached an original position with complicated strategic and tactical pattern.
The position looked more promising for White, but Stefanova possibly misplayed it on the next few moves. Ushenina could sacrifice a pawn for the initiative and try to utilize her development lead. This would create a very sharp game risky for both sides. However, the Ukrainian preferred a safer path, simplifying the position, and the players agreed to a draw already on the 17th move on a half-empty board.
The match score us 1-1. The third game of the final is to be played on Thursday, November 29th with Anna Ushenina playing White in the game. You can replay the game with Chess King.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
28 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
Can you identify these chess players? For the answers check the award-winning chess photo database of the world’s top players at Chesspics.com.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
28 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
This home chess video is going to make your day. Dare let a cat run over your chess board after you have played 1.c4? Okay guys, here’s the ‘cat’ for every chess lover out there 😉
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
This home chess video is going to make your day. Dare let a cat run over your chess board after you have played 1.c4? Okay guys, here’s the ‘cat’ for every chess lover out there 😉
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
28 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Here is the Ponomariov-Morozevich game in the super Chess King applet that you could use on your blog or website as well: Simply get your own copy of Chess King.
Hi everyone,
The fifth round at the Chess Grand Prix in Tashkent witnessed Ruslan Ponomariov, Rustam Kasimdzhanov and Gata Kamsky winning their first games at the event. Ruslan Ponomariov beat sole leader Alexander Morozevich allowing Karjakin, Kasimdzhanov, Mamedyarov, Caruana to join Morozevich in the lead. Peter Svidler had good chances to join the group of leaders but didn’t succeed to win the position with advantage against Leinier Dominguez. Two other games Karjakin – Leko and Mamedyarov-Caruana were drawn. You can replay the nice Ponomariov-Morozevich game in the extended post with Chess King.
Here is the Ponomariov-Morozevich game in the super Chess King applet that you could use on your blog or website as well: Simply get your own copy of Chess King.
Ruslan Ponomariov – Alaxender Morozevich
Result: 1-0
Site: Tashkent
Date: 2012.11.27
[…] 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.¤d2 c5 4.¤gf3 cxd4 5.¤xd4 ¤c6 6.¥b5 ¥d7 7.¤xc6 bxc6 8.¥d3 ¥d6 9.£e2 £c7 10.¤f3 dxe4 11.£xe4 ¤f6 12.£h4 h6 13.O-O c5 14.¤d2 ¤d5 15.¤c4 ¥f4 16.¦e1 ¦b8 17.¥e4 ¥xc1 18.¦axc1 ¤b6 19.¤e3 O-O 20.b3 f5 21.¥d3 e5 22.f3 ¦be8 23.¦cd1 ¢h8 24.c3 ¦f6 25.¥c2 ¥e6 26.¦d2 a5 27.c4 ¤c8 28.¥xf5 ¦xf5 29.¤xf5 ¥xf5 30.£h5 ¦f8 31.¦d5 ¢h7 32.¦dxe5 ¥g6 33.£h4 ¦d8 34.£g3 ¥f7 35.£f4 ¥g6 36.h4 ¦d4 37.£f8 £d7 38.h5 ¥f7 39.£xc5 a4 40.¦e7 ¤xe7 41.¦xe7 ¦d1+ 42.¢h2
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
28 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone, 
Hi everyone,
The 4th London Chess Classic runs from 1-10 December 2012 at the Olympia Conference. This year’s line-up is stronger than ever, with an average rating higher than any previous chess tournament held in the UK. Heading the list are world champion Vishy Anand, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, and the top two players on the world rating list, Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian. Playing for the first time is the world’s best ever woman player Judit Polgar. Completing the line-up are US champion Hikaru Nakamura and three leading players from Britain, Luke McShane, Michael Adams and Gawain Jones.
On November 30 at 1400 GMT 0900 EST there will be a press conference at the venue, followed by a London Classic Stars versus the Twittersphere exhibition match played via Twitter, allowing the world’s chess players to test their mettle against Carlsen, Anand and others. The press conference will be streamed live via the net: questions are welcome and may be
sent in advance to director@londonchessclassic or in real-time via the official Twitter feed,
which is @LondonClassic. (Please use the hashtag #londonchess in your tweets.) The opening ceremony for the Classic will take place at 1345 GMT on 1 December, with play beginning at 1400 GMT 0900 EST. Play will be streamed live via the official website. Live play, timetable, course details and tickets are available here: www.londonchessclassic.com.
CHESS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES
The London Chess Classic is a festival of the world’s most enduring game, which is staged by Chess in Schools and Communities, a UK registered charity whose mission is to deliver
chess to primary schools in UK inner cities.
On November 30 at 1400 GMT 0900 EST there will be a press conference at the venue, followed by a London Classic Stars versus the Twittersphere exhibition match played via Twitter, allowing the world’s chess players to test their mettle against Carlsen, Anand and others. The press conference will be streamed live via the net: questions are welcome and may be
sent in advance to director@londonchessclassic or in real-time via the official Twitter feed,
which is @LondonClassic. (Please use the hashtag #londonchess in your tweets.) The opening ceremony for the Classic will take place at 1345 GMT on 1 December, with play beginning at 1400 GMT 0900 EST. Play will be streamed live via the official website. Live play, timetable, course details and tickets are available here: www.londonchessclassic.com.
CHESS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES
The London Chess Classic is a festival of the world’s most enduring game, which is staged by Chess in Schools and Communities, a UK registered charity whose mission is to deliver
chess to primary schools in UK inner cities.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
28 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The first game of the final match for the Women’s World Chess Championship 2012 in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia, was played on Tuesday between Anna Ushenina of Ukraine and Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria.
The Ukrainian had White. In a well-known opening variation White had certain initiative, but Black’s position was very solid. After the game Anna Ushenina said that she expected this opening, although her opponent does not use it often. After the opening Stefanova offered a draw, but Ushenina declined and, as she confessed at the press-conference, over-reacted, weakening her king too much. Soon Black won a pawn and got excellent winning chances. However, Stefanova, being under time pressure, made a mistake on the 31st move, moving the f-pawn and weakening her king as well. White activated her queen and rook, and within the next few moves Black’s advantage evaporated. In five more moves the players agreed to a draw. You can watch the game with Chess King.
The second game is being played on Wednesday with Stefanova having White. This is a best-of-four match. If the score after four games is 2-2, the players continue on tie-break. The tie-breaks begin with two rapid games: 25 minutes plus 10 second per move for each player. If the score is 1-1, they will continue with two quicker games: 10 minutes plus 10 seconds per move.
If the winner is still not determined, the players will proceed to blitz games: 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move. Finally, is the score remains equal, the Armageddon game steps up: White has 5 minutes, Black has 4 minutes, 3 seconds per move are added starting with the move 61, and a draw counts as a victory for Black.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
27 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The Jamaica Chess Open took place recently at the Negril Escape Resort and Spa. The event, which is the flagship open tournament of the Jamaica Chess Federation, was staged outside of Kingston for the first time in over a decade. The ultimate goal is to spread chess, the fastest growing sport in Jamaica, to all fourteen parishes.
The tournament boasted the highest prize fund for any open event this year and consisted of three sections open to amateurs and players of various ratings. International players included Americans National Master Devlin Sinclair and Tyrell Harriott battling among top local players, notably FIDE Master Warren Elliott and current national co-champions Damion Davy andAndrew Mellace.
Six-time national champion Warren Elliott successfully claimed first place after defeating Harriott, Shreyas Smith and National Master Ryan Blackwood. He finished on 3.5 points from four games as a result of a hard fought draw with ten-time women’s champion Deborah Porter in the penultimate round. FIDE Candidate Master Damion Davy, and National Masters Russell Porter, Andrew Mellace, Peter Meyers, Devlin Sinclair and Ryan Blackwood all shared second prize with three points. Porter was awarded the silver medal based on tiebreak. 
In the section for intermediate level players, Kevin Merritt won with a perfect score of five points from five games while Donavon Merritt, Nathan Belifante and Rochelle Porter shared second place with 4 points each.
Queston Warren was crowned the top amateur after securing an immaculate score of six points from six games in the ‘Amateur Section’. Oneil White,Nathalene Gardner and Davini Tulsie trailed closely behind and tied for second place.
The tournament was sponsored by the Negril Escape Resort and Spa, the Rockhouse Hotel, the Magnificent Chess Foundation, FIDE Master Grantel Gibbs and the Westmoreland Chess Association which was officially launched at the event.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
The Jamaica Chess Open took place recently at the Negril Escape Resort and Spa. The event, which is the flagship open tournament of the Jamaica Chess Federation, was staged outside of Kingston for the first time in over a decade. The ultimate goal is to spread chess, the fastest growing sport in Jamaica, to all fourteen parishes.
The tournament boasted the highest prize fund for any open event this year and consisted of three sections open to amateurs and players of various ratings. International players included Americans National Master Devlin Sinclair and Tyrell Harriott battling among top local players, notably FIDE Master Warren Elliott and current national co-champions Damion Davy andAndrew Mellace.
Six-time national champion Warren Elliott successfully claimed first place after defeating Harriott, Shreyas Smith and National Master Ryan Blackwood. He finished on 3.5 points from four games as a result of a hard fought draw with ten-time women’s champion Deborah Porter in the penultimate round. FIDE Candidate Master Damion Davy, and National Masters Russell Porter, Andrew Mellace, Peter Meyers, Devlin Sinclair and Ryan Blackwood all shared second prize with three points. Porter was awarded the silver medal based on tiebreak.
Warren Elliott (front, left) was held to a draw by Deborah Porter (front, right) at the 2012 Jamaica Chess Open, however Elliott defeated the rest of his opponents to claim first place.
In the section for intermediate level players, Kevin Merritt won with a perfect score of five points from five games while Donavon Merritt, Nathan Belifante and Rochelle Porter shared second place with 4 points each.
Queston Warren was crowned the top amateur after securing an immaculate score of six points from six games in the ‘Amateur Section’. Oneil White,Nathalene Gardner and Davini Tulsie trailed closely behind and tied for second place.
The tournament was sponsored by the Negril Escape Resort and Spa, the Rockhouse Hotel, the Magnificent Chess Foundation, FIDE Master Grantel Gibbs and the Westmoreland Chess Association which was officially launched at the event.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
27 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The US Chess Fed has just reported the results of all the major chess tournaments held over the Thanksgiving weekend. At the National Chess Congress in Philadelphia, GMs Sergey Erenburg and Aleksander Lenderman tied for first with 5/6, good for $2250 each (plus a $100 bonus for Lenderman, the winner on tiebreak). Full results on the tournament website at http://nationalchesscongress.com/ and MSA rated results here. (Photo: GM Sergey Erenburg)
At the American Open in Los Angeles, Melikset Khachiyan took clear first with 6.5/8.
GMs Georg Meier, Fidel Corrales Jiminez & Denes Boros tied for first at the Thanksgiving Open in Saint Louis with 5/6 each. Find full USCF rated crosstables on MSA. Right on the heels of the star-studded open, the CCSCSL Invitational is now underway.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
Also see her personal blog at
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
27 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
João Riquito and the Konstantin Bessmertny-designed special chess set
Former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov is going to play a chess exhibition match in Macau against Xiong Junyang, a woman Chinese chess master and two-time winner of the Chinese National Chess Championship in the junior category. Junyang resides in Macau. The match is being organised by the ‘Riquito Advogados” solicitors’ office and is scheduled for December 2, at the University Library of the University of Macau. The event is part of a series of activities as João Riquito, who himself is a passionate chess player, believes “there are more interesting things to do than to deal with the law.”
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
Also see her personal blog at
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
26 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
“De Factor” magazine has named Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian “Man of the Year.”
“I’m very grateful, this is a great honor for my,” Aronian said, speaking at the award ceremony. “As sportsmen, we are more used to receiving awards after victories,” he added.
Aronain says he always tries not to think about the nationality of his opponent. “I think there are no hostile nations. Simply, there are bad people in every nation.”
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
Also see her personal blog at
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
26 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
A nice chess puzzle from Chess King. Here is a position from the game Yasser Seirawan-Eric Lobron, Amsterdam, 1983. White has just played 22.Rxa7 threatening Ra8. What is Black’s strongest move to win the game? You can find the answer at Chess King.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
Hi everyone,
A nice chess puzzle from Chess King. Here is a position from the game Yasser Seirawan-Eric Lobron, Amsterdam, 1983. White has just played 22.Rxa7 threatening Ra8. What is Black’s strongest move to win the game? You can find the answer at Chess King.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
26 November 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The Women’s World Chess Championship 2012 is down to the finalists. Can you name them? Can you also name the two players they knocked out to reach the final? The final match to crown the new champion begins on Tuesday in Khanty-Mansiysk. Stay tuned at Chess Blog for all the regular chess news and updates from the tournament.
For the answer and an album of super photos, surf to 1.Chesspics.com and 2.Chesspics.com.
Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
Hi everyone,
The Women’s World Chess Championship 2012 is down to the finalists. Can you name them? Can you also name the two players they knocked out to reach the final? The final match to crown the new champion begins on Tuesday in Khanty-Mansiysk. Stay tuned at Chess Blog for all the regular chess news and updates from the tournament.
Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don’t miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel
