Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Gens Una Sumus?
Gens Una Sumus. But perhaps only for those who can afford it.
The other night, I was on my way to the Rathaus, where FIDE and the Dresden organisers are feeding the players, to examine the food conditions as well as, maybe, grab a free feed. Not knowing the exact direction, I approached the men's team from Ethiopia, who happened to be on the same tram as I was. Lucky for me, they were en route to the same location.
The Ethiopian captain, Kebadu Belachew, is a friendly fellow who readily struck up a conversation. Now a resident of the United States, and working there as a network engineer, Kebadu is eloquent, speaking with a particularly charming accent that is at once hospitable and passionate. In our conversation he spoke most passionately about the trials that his team had gone through just to reach the Olympiad.
Like a number of African countries, team Ethiopia faced serious problems on two main fronts - money and visa. At one point they were even handed an accommodation bill for €15,0000 as a result, Kebadu admits, of their own late registration.
"Fifteen thousand euros would save thousands of people's lives in Ethiopia. Definitely the country doesn't have that kind of money", he told me over dinner. Fortunately for Kebadu and his team, the Dresden city mayor stepped in and agreed that the huge accommodation bill be waived.
Then there were the visa problems. On the first attempt, the Ethiopians were point blank simply refused entry visas by the German consular office in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. It was days before some compromised was reached and this came in the form of a letter of guarantee from the event organisers which was duly provided. Still, there was one more problem: the letter only covered the men’s team, not the women’s team. Thus, the women’s visas were delayed.
After two rounds of play, the Ethiopian women, with money and visas at the ready, were preparing to fly to Dresden. Sadly, Kebadu had to give them terrible news.
Kebadu: “It was very, very hurting to myself to tell them that they cannot come, even if we have their money, because after two rounds, no team will be accepted”.
“They were heart broken. I still get emails from them. I tried to comfort them. Because this is the first time that we tried to get a women’s team represent Ethiopia [in any international chess event]”.
Despite this serious setback, however, Kebadu is optimistic, hoping that the next time will be an easier one, especially, for the women.
“God didn’t mean it this time [for the women’s team to play], but we have done the ground work”, he added.
For a backgrounder on the Ethiopian “saga", check out this post (“Ethiopians Denied German Visas”) and this one ("African Nations Booted From the Chess Olympiad") by Daaim Shabazz on The Chess Drum blog.
The other night, I was on my way to the Rathaus, where FIDE and the Dresden organisers are feeding the players, to examine the food conditions as well as, maybe, grab a free feed. Not knowing the exact direction, I approached the men's team from Ethiopia, who happened to be on the same tram as I was. Lucky for me, they were en route to the same location.
The Ethiopian captain, Kebadu Belachew, is a friendly fellow who readily struck up a conversation. Now a resident of the United States, and working there as a network engineer, Kebadu is eloquent, speaking with a particularly charming accent that is at once hospitable and passionate. In our conversation he spoke most passionately about the trials that his team had gone through just to reach the Olympiad.
Like a number of African countries, team Ethiopia faced serious problems on two main fronts - money and visa. At one point they were even handed an accommodation bill for €15,0000 as a result, Kebadu admits, of their own late registration.
"Fifteen thousand euros would save thousands of people's lives in Ethiopia. Definitely the country doesn't have that kind of money", he told me over dinner. Fortunately for Kebadu and his team, the Dresden city mayor stepped in and agreed that the huge accommodation bill be waived.
Then there were the visa problems. On the first attempt, the Ethiopians were point blank simply refused entry visas by the German consular office in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. It was days before some compromised was reached and this came in the form of a letter of guarantee from the event organisers which was duly provided. Still, there was one more problem: the letter only covered the men’s team, not the women’s team. Thus, the women’s visas were delayed.
After two rounds of play, the Ethiopian women, with money and visas at the ready, were preparing to fly to Dresden. Sadly, Kebadu had to give them terrible news.
Kebadu: “It was very, very hurting to myself to tell them that they cannot come, even if we have their money, because after two rounds, no team will be accepted”.
“They were heart broken. I still get emails from them. I tried to comfort them. Because this is the first time that we tried to get a women’s team represent Ethiopia [in any international chess event]”.
Despite this serious setback, however, Kebadu is optimistic, hoping that the next time will be an easier one, especially, for the women.
“God didn’t mean it this time [for the women’s team to play], but we have done the ground work”, he added.
For a backgrounder on the Ethiopian “saga", check out this post (“Ethiopians Denied German Visas”) and this one ("African Nations Booted From the Chess Olympiad") by Daaim Shabazz on The Chess Drum blog.
Historic Day for NZ Chess
Trans-Tasman rivalry took on an unexpected turn yesterday when New Zealand grabbed the baton for Olympiad bragging rights away from Australia. In what is perhaps their most significant round victory in Olympiad history, the Murray Chandler led Kiwis defeated the Bosnia Herzegovina team 2.5-1.5. Adding a little extra sweetener to their fine win, New Zealand’s rivals, Australia, were trounced by the powerhouse Bulgarians 0-4.
For New Zealand fans, here is a shot of that historic scoreboard.
The New Zealand scoreboard
The mood among the Aussie men last night was downbeat. It’s never nice to be beaten, even by a red hot opposition, but to be one-upped by the Kiwis is unsettling. After dinner, there wasn’t much to do but to strategise for the next round, which team they’ll play, who they’ll drop and so on. I turned up to the Maritim hoping to commiserate over a couple, but nope, up they went to their hotel rooms.
To make the day even worse for the Australian camp, the girls were also defeated 0-4 by the less fancied Venezuelans. Frankly, this was a surprising result. On paper our team outrated the Latinas on all four boards. Indeed, at least 2 Australian boards were winning!
Failing to have beers with the boys, I thought I’d try the girls. They’re always keen. But once again, I failed there, too. They’re all grounded, Moylan said. For Shannon Oliver, it’s a double whammy; she’s grounded until she wins a game!
For New Zealand fans, here is a shot of that historic scoreboard.
The New Zealand scoreboardThe mood among the Aussie men last night was downbeat. It’s never nice to be beaten, even by a red hot opposition, but to be one-upped by the Kiwis is unsettling. After dinner, there wasn’t much to do but to strategise for the next round, which team they’ll play, who they’ll drop and so on. I turned up to the Maritim hoping to commiserate over a couple, but nope, up they went to their hotel rooms.
To make the day even worse for the Australian camp, the girls were also defeated 0-4 by the less fancied Venezuelans. Frankly, this was a surprising result. On paper our team outrated the Latinas on all four boards. Indeed, at least 2 Australian boards were winning!
Failing to have beers with the boys, I thought I’d try the girls. They’re always keen. But once again, I failed there, too. They’re all grounded, Moylan said. For Shannon Oliver, it’s a double whammy; she’s grounded until she wins a game!
Danailov Surprise in Dresden
The Dresden organisers pulled off a surprise this evening when they invited GM Veselin Topalov's manager Silvio Danailov to a press a conference. As expected (and earlier reported by Macauley Peterson) contracts were signed this morning for the match to proceed from 16 Feb. - 28 Feb. 2009.
Topalov's participation in Linares was cancelled "on friendly terms", Danailov said.
Silvio Danailov at the press conference in Dresden
Topalov's participation in Linares was cancelled "on friendly terms", Danailov said.
Silvio Danailov at the press conference in DresdenThursday, November 20, 2008
Zhao Defeats Kortchnoi
If you've not been following the live transmission from Dresden, the Australian team has just had a sensational result on board 1. GM Zong Yuan Zhao has defeated legend GM Viktor Kortchnoi in their round 6 board one match up.
Chess Olympiad 2008
Zhao, Zong-Yuan
Korchnoi, Viktor
A17
1. Nf3 e6 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3 6. Qxc3 a5 7. b3 d6 8. Bb2 e5 9. g3 c5 10. Bg2 Nc6 11. O-O Bg4 12. Rfe1 Qb6 13. e3 a4 14. bxa4 Rxa4 15. d3 Rd8 16. Rab1 Qa5 17. Qb3 Qa6 18. Nd2 Ra5 19. f4 an ambitious move, according to IM David Smerdon in our live blog.
Position after 19. f4
19...Be6 20. Bc1 Bc8 21. Qb6 Qxb6 22. Rxb6 Nd7 23. Rb3 Nf6 24. Bb2 Ra6 25. Bxc6 Rxc6 26. fxe5 Ng4 27. exd6 Rcxd6 28. d4 Rh6 29. Nf3 Bf5 30. e4 Bc8 31. d5 b6 32. Bc1 Rg6 33. Nh4 Rgd6 34. e5 Re8 35. Nf3 Rg6 36. h3 Nf6 37. exf6 Rxg3+ 38. Kf2 Rxe1 39. Kxe1 gxf6 40. Kf2 Rxh3 41. Rxb6 Bg4 42. Rxf6 Rh1 43. Bb2 Bxf3 44. Kxf3 1-0
UPDATE: Just now, GM Daryl Johansen has followed up with a win over GM Joseph Gallagher on board 3. The result, therefore, gives Australia the match 2.5-1.5!
Chess Olympiad 2008
Zhao, Zong-Yuan
Korchnoi, Viktor
A17
1. Nf3 e6 2. c4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3 6. Qxc3 a5 7. b3 d6 8. Bb2 e5 9. g3 c5 10. Bg2 Nc6 11. O-O Bg4 12. Rfe1 Qb6 13. e3 a4 14. bxa4 Rxa4 15. d3 Rd8 16. Rab1 Qa5 17. Qb3 Qa6 18. Nd2 Ra5 19. f4 an ambitious move, according to IM David Smerdon in our live blog.
Position after 19. f419...Be6 20. Bc1 Bc8 21. Qb6 Qxb6 22. Rxb6 Nd7 23. Rb3 Nf6 24. Bb2 Ra6 25. Bxc6 Rxc6 26. fxe5 Ng4 27. exd6 Rcxd6 28. d4 Rh6 29. Nf3 Bf5 30. e4 Bc8 31. d5 b6 32. Bc1 Rg6 33. Nh4 Rgd6 34. e5 Re8 35. Nf3 Rg6 36. h3 Nf6 37. exf6 Rxg3+ 38. Kf2 Rxe1 39. Kxe1 gxf6 40. Kf2 Rxh3 41. Rxb6 Bg4 42. Rxf6 Rh1 43. Bb2 Bxf3 44. Kxf3 1-0
UPDATE: Just now, GM Daryl Johansen has followed up with a win over GM Joseph Gallagher on board 3. The result, therefore, gives Australia the match 2.5-1.5!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Mysterious Pairing System
In his latest newsletter to Australian chess fans, the men's captain, Manuel Weeks, writes: "The accelerated pairings for the first two rounds left many weak teams on good match scores and the subsequent type of Swiss pairing has left the pairings looking almost random. Many teams are rather unhappy and mystified by the system they are using here."
At least one big-name player, and we can safely guess also his entire squad, is definitely no fan of the pairing system. When asked during a press conference what he thought of the pairing system, the United States' GM Hikaru Nakamura said, "If the system works, then so be it. However, I definitely wouldn't say that I'm a fan of it based on what I've seen here."
The Americans have so far played Iceland (2.5-1.5 win to the US), Greece (2-2), South Africa (3.5-0.5), Azerbaijan (1-3) and finally, Hong Kong (4-0).
Said Nakamura: "We had a very tough match against Azerbaijan, which we lost, and then today [round 5] we've had to play against Hong Kong which is even weaker [than South Africa]. I mean it wasn't a good feeling."
Nakamura's co-panelist in the same press conference, GM Sergey Movsesian, was equally mystified about the pairing system, describing it as "a bit strange".
It was left to Movsesian, Slovakia's board 1 player, to make the connection between the new match point scoring format and the pairing system. Answering a question from GM Rogers, Movsesian ageed with his fellow grandmasters on the panel that match points are a better way to determine the winner, but added that the current pairing system is diluting the advantageous effect of match points.
"Match points are OK, but then it should be connected with a different pairing system", said Movsesian.
At least one big-name player, and we can safely guess also his entire squad, is definitely no fan of the pairing system. When asked during a press conference what he thought of the pairing system, the United States' GM Hikaru Nakamura said, "If the system works, then so be it. However, I definitely wouldn't say that I'm a fan of it based on what I've seen here."
The Americans have so far played Iceland (2.5-1.5 win to the US), Greece (2-2), South Africa (3.5-0.5), Azerbaijan (1-3) and finally, Hong Kong (4-0).
Said Nakamura: "We had a very tough match against Azerbaijan, which we lost, and then today [round 5] we've had to play against Hong Kong which is even weaker [than South Africa]. I mean it wasn't a good feeling."
Nakamura's co-panelist in the same press conference, GM Sergey Movsesian, was equally mystified about the pairing system, describing it as "a bit strange".
It was left to Movsesian, Slovakia's board 1 player, to make the connection between the new match point scoring format and the pairing system. Answering a question from GM Rogers, Movsesian ageed with his fellow grandmasters on the panel that match points are a better way to determine the winner, but added that the current pairing system is diluting the advantageous effect of match points.
"Match points are OK, but then it should be connected with a different pairing system", said Movsesian.
Kamsky vs Topalov Is On
Speaking of the Bermuda party, last night (actually, this morning) on the tram back to our respective home locations, I ran into Macauley Peterson. The poor guy had an early start because he had to cover the negotiation between Kamsky and Topalov over their upcoming match to be held early next year. And now, we can read the fruits of his labour and lack of sleep. The match is on, he tell us!
Bermuda Party
The first that many of us had ever heard of the Bermuda party was 2 years ago when Gormallygate broke out, not just amongst the chess press, but right throughout MSM. Back then, I thought, well, I've got to attend one of these. Last night I fulfilled my wish.
I've been to a fair few parties in my time and, as far as I'm concerned, the Bermuda party is right up there with the best of them. If you'll only cut loose every couple of years, then this is the event to do it in.
Last night the venue was good and the music excellent. Although, if you ask me, I reckon the so-called "oldies" section upstairs was way more cool, with better music, better looking women and a higher rated crowd.
Now, I happen to be under strict request to not be TCG and just be the normal me (hell, I couldn't even take photos), but I will let you in on this little tid bit, something I won't soon forget. There is nothing like seeing a well-known grandmaster, blind drunk, pissing right next to you, swearing in his own lingo and banging (just gently) his head against the wall. Almost nothing, anyway.
Most partygoers were well-behaved, even the Aussies. I think. They retired early, while I finished at 4.30AM. Tomorrow, it's back to business.
I've been to a fair few parties in my time and, as far as I'm concerned, the Bermuda party is right up there with the best of them. If you'll only cut loose every couple of years, then this is the event to do it in.
Last night the venue was good and the music excellent. Although, if you ask me, I reckon the so-called "oldies" section upstairs was way more cool, with better music, better looking women and a higher rated crowd.
Now, I happen to be under strict request to not be TCG and just be the normal me (hell, I couldn't even take photos), but I will let you in on this little tid bit, something I won't soon forget. There is nothing like seeing a well-known grandmaster, blind drunk, pissing right next to you, swearing in his own lingo and banging (just gently) his head against the wall. Almost nothing, anyway.
Most partygoers were well-behaved, even the Aussies. I think. They retired early, while I finished at 4.30AM. Tomorrow, it's back to business.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Never Leave a Man Behind
GM Ian Rogers likens the nightly press conferences, hosted by GM Susan Polgar, as being like a "talk show". Hard to disagree with this assessment, but even talk shows are at least exciting! After 2 or three of these press conferences, I was beginning to wonder if it was actually worth attending them. No disrespect intended, but some of the guests are way too unknown and, therefore, uninteresting. So far we've been treated to only two super grandmasters (China's Wang Hao and Wang Yue), although the language barrier didn't exactly help. Yesterday, RP's GM Wesley So was scheduled for a conference but simply failed to appear.
For the round 3 session, however, GM Rogers himself got into gear. With France's GM Vladislav Tkachiev on stage, Rogers switched to Kerry O'Brien mode. The Australian grilled the French grandmaster on certain aspects concerning the so-called "World Chess Beauty Contest" that was held a couple of years back and won, believe it or not, by Australia's Vaness Reid. Tkachiev was on the back foot. The poor guy signed up for an Olympiad press briefing and here he was having to desperately find answers to questions about an old event!
Then last night, as if to tease the press, the organisers invited chief arbiter Ignatius Leong. Naturally, I expected fireworks from Ian. But nope, the grandmaster was his usual Mr Nice Guy. Perhaps he was just happy about Australia's performance yesterday. Instead, direct questions to Leong were left to the Jamaican Chess Fed boss Ian Wilkinson.
Wilkinson, unhappy about the visa problems faced, especially, by a number of African countries, wanted to know what Leong can do about this situation in the next Olympiad. He also pressed Leong on the absence of tournament bulletins. Apparently, in Torino these were supplied by the organisers in a CD. To both questions, Leong was short and sweet, using the usual line here in Dresden: "I'll look into it" or "I'll talk to the organisers".
And that was that. Yet another mainly uninteresting press conference. I think I'll have to do something about this pretty soon. By the way, note that GM Ian Rogers is currently engaged to blog for the US Chess Life online crew along with FM Mike Klein, who sits just across from me.
Yesterday's action at the board came with some luck for the Aussie women, particularly for Dekic. Rogers' call on her game earlier on was that she was worse. Dekic, however, lived up to Rogers' description as the women's Solo, as well as aided by her opponent's errors, and eventually hauled in the point. Caoili was hardly test, while Moylan and Oliver both essayed the Dragon. Moylan lost the point, but the latter, after momentarily losing her way, eventually found the right plan to end the game peacefully. Shannon's play featured some nice touches, bravely executing exactly what Rogers' had predicted - 28....Bxg4.
As for the men, well, here's a question: can anyone remember the last time when Australia had won 4-0 twice in a row at the Olympiad? Today, these guys take on our neighbours Singapore who are led by ex-Pinoy IM Enrique Paciencia.
Once again, good luck to the teams. I hope, too, that the Kiwis can get their house in order. Remember the old lesson: never leave a man behind . . . at the hotel!
For the round 3 session, however, GM Rogers himself got into gear. With France's GM Vladislav Tkachiev on stage, Rogers switched to Kerry O'Brien mode. The Australian grilled the French grandmaster on certain aspects concerning the so-called "World Chess Beauty Contest" that was held a couple of years back and won, believe it or not, by Australia's Vaness Reid. Tkachiev was on the back foot. The poor guy signed up for an Olympiad press briefing and here he was having to desperately find answers to questions about an old event!
Then last night, as if to tease the press, the organisers invited chief arbiter Ignatius Leong. Naturally, I expected fireworks from Ian. But nope, the grandmaster was his usual Mr Nice Guy. Perhaps he was just happy about Australia's performance yesterday. Instead, direct questions to Leong were left to the Jamaican Chess Fed boss Ian Wilkinson.
Wilkinson, unhappy about the visa problems faced, especially, by a number of African countries, wanted to know what Leong can do about this situation in the next Olympiad. He also pressed Leong on the absence of tournament bulletins. Apparently, in Torino these were supplied by the organisers in a CD. To both questions, Leong was short and sweet, using the usual line here in Dresden: "I'll look into it" or "I'll talk to the organisers".
And that was that. Yet another mainly uninteresting press conference. I think I'll have to do something about this pretty soon. By the way, note that GM Ian Rogers is currently engaged to blog for the US Chess Life online crew along with FM Mike Klein, who sits just across from me.
Yesterday's action at the board came with some luck for the Aussie women, particularly for Dekic. Rogers' call on her game earlier on was that she was worse. Dekic, however, lived up to Rogers' description as the women's Solo, as well as aided by her opponent's errors, and eventually hauled in the point. Caoili was hardly test, while Moylan and Oliver both essayed the Dragon. Moylan lost the point, but the latter, after momentarily losing her way, eventually found the right plan to end the game peacefully. Shannon's play featured some nice touches, bravely executing exactly what Rogers' had predicted - 28....Bxg4.
As for the men, well, here's a question: can anyone remember the last time when Australia had won 4-0 twice in a row at the Olympiad? Today, these guys take on our neighbours Singapore who are led by ex-Pinoy IM Enrique Paciencia.
Once again, good luck to the teams. I hope, too, that the Kiwis can get their house in order. Remember the old lesson: never leave a man behind . . . at the hotel!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Table 1 Live on TV
Just got this message from the Dresden press team. They'll be streaming "TV" images of table 1 from today onwards.
According to the press team's email, "Those who want to watch, need to follow the Chess Olympiad TV button on the official website www.dresden2008.de. Once the additional software is installed, users can see the live signal. Currently it works only on Windows Systems and Windows Media Player 9 or higher need to be installed. "
According to the press team's email, "Those who want to watch, need to follow the Chess Olympiad TV button on the official website www.dresden2008.de. Once the additional software is installed, users can see the live signal. Currently it works only on Windows Systems and Windows Media Player 9 or higher need to be installed. "
Not Putin's Pawn
Garry Kasparov talks to The Independent:
From Garry Kasparov: The master who won't be Putin's pawn.
Why can't this guy just get off his political butt for a while and come to Dresden? He'll be more relaxed, I think.
Does chess – a cerebral, individualistic pursuit if ever there was one – really help solve real problems? Yes, says Kasparov: "I talk about strategy, tactics, achieving your potential, decoding the complexity of life, so it's mainly about the big picture. I feel I have enough experience to pull these things together."
From Garry Kasparov: The master who won't be Putin's pawn.
Why can't this guy just get off his political butt for a while and come to Dresden? He'll be more relaxed, I think.
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