February 28, 2014, 3:30 am
Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov has been granted Croatian citizenship.
According to reports of the Macedonian Information Agency (MIA), as cited by mediapool.bg, Kasparov became Croatian citizen on Tuesday.
Kasparov, a Russian citizen, was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 1963.
He has been a vocal critic of the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kasparov often spends summers in the Dalmatian town of Makarska, located 60km southeast of Split and 140 km northwest of Dubrovnik, and has a good understanding of the Serbo-Croatian language.
In November 2013, Kasparov applied for Latvian citizenship in order to be able to pursue his political activities in Russia freely.Source: http://www.novinite.com
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February 28, 2014, 4:00 am
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February 28, 2014, 5:00 am
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February 28, 2014, 9:00 am
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February 28, 2014, 10:00 am
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February 28, 2014, 12:00 pm
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Where are the Queens in Chess?
Recently the Imperial College chess team arrived back from BUCA. After multiple rounds, Imperial managed to dominate the entire tournament. It was a great weekend of fun and exciting chess games.
Maximilian Eggl
Friday February 28, 2014
Recently the Imperial College chess team arrived back from BUCA. After multiple rounds, Imperial managed to dominate the entire tournament. It was a great weekend of fun and exciting chess games. However, throughout the event, one thing particularly struck me. Of a group of more than a 70 people, I could have counted the number of women at this entire event on two hands, maybe even one. Yet on average, men and women are distributed fairly evenly throughout the globe. The ratio of the two genders is close to 1:1. Why was it something like 15 to one at this tournament? After I got home I did my own research into this and found some really astounding facts: no woman has ever been world champion; there are only 30 women who are full Grandmasters (when there are actually 1,192 GMs); and and and. The list goes on and on. Women are woefully underrepresented in this famous game. Why is chess considered such a mans sport?
Let us first get all the rubbish out of the way: it does not require any dexterity, strength or speed – only your own brain power. Men and women are not different in any way if we just measure them by their intelligence. Therefore, there should be no reason why as many women as men shouldn’t compete at all levels.
Throughout the early stages of chess, e.g. the middle ages, chess was played by women and men alike. However, somewhat inexplicably, as time progressed this ancient game was more and more dominated by men. Furthermore in the 19th and 20th centuries, roughly 5% of tournament players have been of the fairer sex. In addition, and this is what I find the strangest, FIDE (the world chess organisation) introduced specific woman’s titles. So, for example, you have a normal GM, which is highest attainable title in chess, and then you have a Woman Grandmaster. Not only do we have a distinct title, but to add insult to injury, the requirements for attaining one are much easier. It is as if FIDE is saying that, yes women can be GMs, but they need to be separate and mean less than a normal GM.
This attitude that men and women need to be judged differently in this sport is the crux of the problem. Yes, I agree that in some sports it makes sense to have different competitions, ranking etc. but why in chess?
Another aspect that I believe hinders women into getting chess as much as men is the the general perception of chess players. Since chess is the ultimate logical sport, men are seen as the best gender as they are, oh, so much more logical, just like in the STEM subjects. I mean honestly, if I asked you on the fly right now, to name five women who were a great chess players, you would stumble a bit (hopefully you could name five chess players though!). This ‘public opinion’ has also lead to less encouragement by parents, sponsors and clubs to try and get women to actually try playing chess.
As an avid chess player, I think it is quite sad that such a significant part of the population does not get as much support to try playing chess. The wealth of talent that probably goes wasted is a crime. I believe that there isn’t a more equal game, where two human beings, independent of gender, age or origin can play a fair game, so why not let all have a go at it?
Source: http://felixonline.co.uk
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February 28, 2014, 2:00 pm
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On February 27, making a working tour around the countries of Central America, the FIDE President arrived to El Salvador. At the airport he was met by the FIDE Zonal President Mr. Erick Hernandez, President of El Salvador CF Mr. Efrain Alexis Segura Valenzuela and Vice President Mr. Alvaro Huezo.
The working programme in San Salvador started with visiting the Salvadoran Institute of Sport (INDES). In most countries of American continent, this Institute fulfills the functions of Ministry of Sports. At the meeting, the INDES President Mr. Jaime Alberto Rodrigez Jimenez was accompanied by the officials of Physical Training Department of Ministry of Education. President Ilyumzhinov told about FIDE, its main programmes, in particular, CiS programme, cooperation between FIDE and El Salvador Chess Federation. The Ministry of Education is actively working with the national chess federation. Last year the Ministry spent $29 000 for 5285 chess sets which were allocated in 430 schools of the country. The Ministry has taken an active part in this project for 5 years already. The main problem is lack of professional specialists that is why at the present stage the teachers of Mathematics are recruited. The Ministry representatives showed interest to the suggestion of giving the opportunity for students to study chess in the Russian universities. At the meeting also present were FIDE Continental President for Americas Mr. Jorge Vega, FIDE President’s Assistant Mr. Berik Balgabaev and officials of El Salvador CF.
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Then FIDE President participated in the press conference, answered numerous questions. It is worth mentioning that the journalists were well prepared asking the questions related not only to chess but also to the business projects, political activity, and actively discussed the foreign policy activity.
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After the press conference, FIDE President played blitz with Mr. Efrain Segura.
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Later the FIDE delegation met with President of NOC Mr. Eduardo Palomo Pakas. Mr. Pakas is a member of IOC in Summer Olympic Games programme. He is well aware what circumstances the sports federations face when aspiring for their discipline to be included in the Summer Olympic Games programme. President of Salvadoran NOC promised to support FIDE in its endeavor on becoming a part of Olympic family and expressed the readiness to include chess in the programme of Central American games.
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After NOC FIDE President visited the office of El Salvador Chess Federation where the tournament was taking place.
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Playing blitz with 16 year old champion of El Salvador
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February 28, 2014, 3:00 pm
The 14th International Chess Festival Mediterranean Flower will take place from 2nd to 8th March at the Chess Club Rijeka in Rijeka, Croatia. The 10-players round robin event is organized by the Chess Club Draga.
The last year winner IM Eva Repkova had to cancel the participation for personal reasons, but the organizers have securred the presence of Romanian reigning champion IM Cristina-Adela Foisor.
Participants:
IM Foisor Cristina-Adela ROU 2367, WGM Nikolova Adriana BUL 2293, WGM Videnova Iva BUL 2264, WGM Medic Mirjana CRO 2227, WFM Purgar Ivona CRO 2111, WIM Berke Ana CRO 2097, WFM Novak Ksenija SLO 2082, Jacimovic Sara BIH 2017, Ljikar Tamara CRO 1887, Kukic Lora CRO 1882
Official website / Live games
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February 28, 2014, 7:58 pm
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SAS' latest investment? Chess
Feb 28, 2014, 2:37pm EST
Lauren K. Ohnesorge
Staff Writer-Triangle Business Journal
SAS Inc. is taking a break from big data and investing in the brains of tomorrow.
Sort of.
The Cary-based software firm is sponsoring what will be the largest scholastic chess tournament in North Carolina history.
The North Carolina K-12 Chess Championship will bring the state’s brainiest young chess masters to downtown Raleigh tomorrow.
The event, which begins tomorrow, is part of SAS’s ongoing efforts to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
And it happens at the Raleigh Convention Center.
So why chess?
“Scholastic chess helps improve concentration, develops logical and critical thinking, promotes creative problem solving and rewards hard work,” says SAS spokesperson Shannon Heath. And those skills? “Invaluable to STEM curriculum and the economy of the future.”
The tournament, which features kindergarten chess masters through those in the 12th grade, will be hosted by Chess Achieves.
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com
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February 28, 2014, 8:03 pm
Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov abandons Russia over opposition to Putin
By JC Reporter, February 28, 2014
THE JEWISH CHRONICLE ONLINE
Jewish former world chess champion Garry Kasparov has been granted Croatian citizenship following mounting difficulties in pursuing pro-democracy work in his native Russia.
According to a report in the Guardian, Kasparov no longer felt able to live in his home country after being jailed and beaten by police.
The 50-year-old chess grandmaster is known for his outspoken criticism of the Russian president Vladimir Putin.
He applied for Croatian citizenship earlier this month "because of problems” he experienced in opposing the Russian government’s policies.
The founder and chairman of the pro-democracy United Civil Front, he was arrested and beaten by police in Moscow in 2012, and was jailed for five days after he led a demonstration against Mr Putin in 2007.
Mr Kasparov, a former chess world number one, owns a home in the Croatian town of Makarska and speaks the language. He is also a member of the chess club in the town of Vukovar.
Last year, the Latvian government announced it would not grant him citizenship owing to "procedural issues".
Source: http://www.thejc.com
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February 28, 2014, 9:30 pm
SPNO 2014 in New Orleans
Venue: Hilton Garden Inn, 1001 South Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
6 Round Swiss G/45 d5 USCF Rated
Up to 8 sections: grades K- 2, 3-5, 6-8 & 9-12, separate for Girls & Boys (T.D. may combine any sec.w/ < 10players)
Side events:
3 hour chess camp (max.30)
GM Susan Polgar Simul (limited to first 20 entries)
Blitz Championship,G/5 d0, K-6 and 7-12
Bughouse
Puzzle Solving Championship
"Breakfast with Susan"
Schedule:
Rounds: Saturday:, 3/22: 10-12-2, Sunday 3/23: 10-12-2:15;
Side events: Friday 3/21 - Camp 2-5 p.m.; Puzzles, 6 p.m., Bughouse 7 p.m.;
Saturday. 3/22 - Simul 4 p.m., Blitz 7 p.m.;
Sun 3/23 - Breakfast 8:30 a.m.
Awards ceremonies: side event awards before rounds 4&5; main event awards 4p.m.
Prizes:
Over $100,000 in Webster U. Scholarships, tablet computers & chess prizes;
Trophies to at least top 5 each section (more possible in large sections; top 20% based on pre-registered as of 2/21)
Side event awards: Blitz - top 3 boys & top 3 girls each section; Bughouse - top 3 teams.
Puzzles-top 3 in rating groups: Under 800,Under 1500 & Open.
All players receive commemorative medals.
Team awards: Top 2 school or club teams each section of main event & blitz (Student may rep. only 1 team; commit by round 2).
Entry fees:
All sections of G/45 Main Event: $45 by 1/31/14; then $55 by 3/20/14; $65 on site.
Camp - $40 by 1/31/14; then $50. Puzzles $10 by 1/31/14; then$15.
Bughouse - $20/team by1/31/14; then$30.
Blitz - $15 by 1/31/14; then $20.
Simul - $25;
"Breakfast with Susan" $35 adults; $15 children under 12.
Host Hotel:
Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center, King or 2 Doubles $149/night, (2 night minimum) until sold out or 2/18/14. Limited King suites available w/ $40 upgrade. Free wi-fi, microwave & mini- fridge in every room; business center, fitness center, pool. To reserve call 1-877-782-9444 & request Chess Rate.
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/groups/personalized/M/MSYGIGI-CHESS-20140320/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
Alternative/Overflow hotel (15-20 min. drive from tourney site): Hampton Inn Elmwood, 5150 Mounes St., Harahan, LA 70123, $109/night, tel: 1-504-733-5646.
Email questions to ChessNOLA@yahoo.com.
BE SURE TO MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION BY SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2014
IN ORDER TO ASSURE THE CHESS RATE AT THE
HILTON GARDEN INN CONVENTION CENTER
1001 S. PETERS ST.
NEW ORLEANS, LA 7010
YOU MAY CALL EITHER OF THESE PHONE NUMBERS TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM:
877-782-9444 or 504-525-0044,
or simply click on
HILTON GARDEN INN RESERVATIONS
TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM ONLINE!
TO SEE ALL TOURNAMENT DETAILS OR TO REGISTER FOR THE SUSAN POLGAR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP FOR BOYS & GIRLS IN NEW ORLEANS, ALL SIDE EVENTS AND TEE-SHIRTS, PLEASE CLICK ON
SUSAN POLGAR REGISTRATION
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February 28, 2014, 10:02 pm
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2014 SPICE Cup Open
Sponsored by Webster University
and the Susan Polgar Foundation
St. Louis, Missouri
October 21-26, 2014
GM/IM norm opportunity - Minimum rating (FIDE) 2100
Limited to first 50 entries (Free entry to all players FIDE > 2300)
4 IM/GM norms earned in 2012
1 IM performance/2 GM norms earned in 2013
Time Control: G/90 + 30 second increment from move 1
PRIZES: $13,000 guaranteed (up from $11,000 last year)
$5,000-$2,500-$1,500-$1,000-$500
U/2400 FIDE $500-$250-$125
U/2300 FIDE $500-$250-$125
Top Female $500-$250
October 2014 rating will be used
Limited FREE hotel accommodation (double occupancy) at the Crowne Plaza available to foreign GMs.
ENTRY FEES:
Free to all GMs, IMs, WGMs and all FIDE rated players over 2300 (must complete all 9 rounds), if registered by September 30, 2014. $50 later or on site.
$150 to FIDE 2200-2299, $200 to FIDE U-2200 if received by September 30, 2014. Additional $50 later or on site.
VENUE:
Crowne Plaza Clayton Hotel 7750 Carondelet Ave, St Louis, MO 63105 (FREE shuttle from the Lambert–St. Louis International Airport) $109/night, FREE Breakfast/Internet
For reservations guests can call directly to 314-726-5400 or 1-800-439-5719
Group Name is SPICE Cup or on line at Crown Plaza Hotel.
Group Code is SPZ
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Send entries to:
Webster University - SPICE
470 E. Lockwood Ave
St. Louis, MO 63119
Questions or registration for titled players: Email: spice@webster.edu or call 314-246-8075
Schedule:
Tuesday, October 21
5:00 pm - Round 1
Wednesday, October 22
10:00 am - Round 2
5:00 pm - Round 3
Thursday, October 23
10:00 am - Round 4
5:00 pm - Round 5
Friday, October 24
5:00 pm - Round 6
Saturday, October 25
10:00 am - Round 7
5:00 pm - Round 8
Sunday, October 26
10:00 am - Round 9
All Rounds played at the Crowne Plaza Clayton Hotel
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February 28, 2014, 10:04 pm
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February 28, 2014, 10:06 pm
FIT MINDS FIT BODIES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014
Some of you have meet The Webster Chess team. Lim, Ray, Jake, Fidel and Wesley. If you haven't please introduce yourself next time, these are a great bunch of guys who have started a fitness journey here at 26. All of them World class champions at the game of chess, studying at Webster University.
Now they are backing up their strategic minds not only with opening chess moves such as “Ruy Lopez” and defensive moves like “Giuoco Piano” but now terms such as “Baseline” and “Grace”. Well, lets hope so anyways!
The Fit Minds Fit Bodies project has begun for these fellas. We have seen awesome improvements and an increased dedication to CrossFit classes. Keep up the hard work fellas.
http://www.crossfit26.com
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White to move and checkmate in 3. No computer please :)
r6r/3R2pp/5n2/1pb2p1Q/4k3/5N2/p1P3PP/1nB4K w - - 0 1
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Garry Kasparov blasts Obama admin. response to Russian military in Ukraine
By Kellan Howell
The Washington Times
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Former World Chess champion and political activist, Garry Kasparov, took to social media to express his outrage over Obama administrator’s assessment of Russia’s presence in the Ukraine as a “uncontested arrival.”
He tweeted on Friday: “WHAT?! MT @stephenfhayes: Admin tell CNN’s this is an ‘uncontested arrival’ not necessarily ‘an invasion’ & that this distinction is ‘key.’”
Mr. Kasparov has voiced his opinions on the Ukraine crisis via twitter frequently over the last week, drawing comparisons between Putin’s Russia and Nazi Germany.
“So far, the Kremlin & Kremlin stooges in Ukraine are following that same 1938 script. Talk of ‘protection,’ ‘peace,’ ‘self-determination,’” he tweeted on Thursday.
A few minutes later he added, “Putin has little choice but to act in Ukraine. Dictators, without legitimacy of elections, must regularly show their power.”
Mr. Kasparov has also used social media to urge the U.S. and other western powers to intervene in Ukraine.
On Thursday he tweeted: “West will have to act on Ukraine eventually. Question is how long, as price will keep going up. Post-Syria credibility is very low.”
And on Friday, he continued the commentary with criticism of President Obama’s strategy, tweeting: “Churchill on Obama: ‘decided to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to be impotent,’” he tweeted on Friday, and added, “There are always a million reasons for inaction, countless rationalizations for helplessness. Being resolute doesn’t require excuses.”
Mr. Kasparov was born in the Soviet Union and became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in 1985 at the age of 22.
Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com
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