Monday, August 31, 2009

CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA WINS THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES 2009

Williamsport, PA – The United States finalists from California’s Chula Vista Park View Little League defeated Taiwan to be crowned the 2009 Little League World Champions. Chula Vista defeated Taiwan 6-3.

The team was 2-1 in divisional play and they helped extend the United States’ ownership of the title to 5 years as teams from Georgia and Hawaii have won for the previous 4 years.

The tournament was held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and broadcast nationally on ESPN.

In other news, in the consolation game for third place, Mexico defeated Mcallister, Texas with a score of 5-4.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES 2009 FINAL AT 3:00 PM (EST) IN ESPN2

Despite what happens in Sunday's World Championship Game, two teams can call themselves champions. Saturday's games determined the International champions and the US champions. The Little League World Series 2009 results from the Pool Championship games also determined which two teams will face off for the World Championship game on Sunday.

The first game for Saturday was the International Championship game between Mexico and Chinese Taipei. Mexico had beaten Chinese Taipei in the first round of the tournament 3-2. That game was only for which team would be the first seed going into the semifinals. Saturday's game was for the International Championship and the chance to play in the World Championship game on Sunday.

The game got off to a slow start with a rain delay in the first inning. The two teams hung out in their dugouts during the 38 minute rain delay. After the rain delay Chinese Taipei got on to the board with two runs in the second. They also added two more in the third for a 4-0 lead.

Mexico came back in the fourth with two runs closing the game 4-2. Chinese Taipei added five more runs in the sixth inning bringing their lead to 9-2. Then the rain came again. This time the rain delay was almost an hour.

When play resumed, Mexico made a rally to come back. But the rally came up short when they were only able to score two runs in the sixth inning. Chinese Taipei won the game 9-4.

The downfall of Mexico during the game on Saturday was the errors they committed. Mexico had six errors. This was not something they were known for during their play in the 2009 Little League World Series.

The win in the International Championship game means that Chinese Taipei will meet the winner of the US Championship game that was played after yet another rain shower that occurred after the game between Mexico and Chinese Taipei ended.

Even though they had just lost the championship game, the players from Mexico was able to still have fun with the rain after the game. They turned the field tarps into Slip n' Slides and were the kids that they are.

Chinese Taipei will be in the World Championship game for the 21st time. They have won 17 of the 20 they have played in. Their last World Series win was in 1996 when they beat the US team from Cranston, RI.

The US Championship game was a rematch from round one between Chula Vista, California and San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio won that game 6-3 giving them the top seed going into the semifinals.

Due to the rain delays, the US Championship game started four hours later than scheduled. It did not take long for Chula Vista to 9-0 lead in the first inning. Pitcher Luke Ramirez put the first runs on the board for Chula Vista with a three run homer. Bulla Graft added another homer and Andy Rios had a grand slam all in the first inning.

Chula Vista continued to rely on the strength of their bats by adding three more runs in the third inning bringing their lead 12-0. In the fourth inning San Antonio made an attempt to rally back. Their rally fell short when they were only able to score two runs in the fourth and the game ended with a final score 12-2 because of the 10 run rule. This was the first time since 1997 when a Little League World Series US Championship game was ended due to the 10 run rule.

Chula Vista pitcher Luke Ramirez pitched the whole game. He struck out six batters and only allowed one hit the whole game.

Chula Vista will play Chinese Taipei for the World Series Championship on Sunday. This will be the first World Championship game appearance for a California team since Thousand Oaks lost to Curacao in 2004.

Chula Vista is the fourth San Diego little league team to reach the World Championship game in the Little League World Series history. With a win, Chula Vista would bring the first World Series title to the San Diego area since 1961.

ESPN Little League World Series coverage will continue with the World Championship game at 3 pm ET. Chula Vista and Chinese Taipei will have a special guest watching them play from the stands. Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to be in attendance for the game at the Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, PA.

Biden will be at the Little League World Series as part of him being enshrined into the Little League Hall of Excellence. Growing up about 100 miles east of Williamsport in Scranton, Biden played little league ball in the Green Ridge Little League.

Also being enshrined into the Little League Hall of Excellence is NY Ranger's center Chris Dury. Dury was the winning pitcher 20 years ago when Trumbull, Conn won the Little League World Series title.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

TEN CUBAN FEMALE CHESS PLAYERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE WOMEN'S CONTINENTAL TOURNAMENT IN CALI, COLOMBIA

HAVANA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Cuba will send 10 female chess players at the women's Continental Tournament to be held in Cali, Colombia from Sept. 1 to 7, the American Federation of Chess reported on Friday.

Matitza Arribas, nine times national champion and Great Master (GM) leads the Cuban delegation, also formed by Sulennis Pina, Yaniet Marrero, Viviana Ramon and Zirka Frometa.

The other contenders will be Lisandra Ordaz, Oleinis Linares, Roquelina Fandillo, Lisandra Llaudy and Zenia Corrales.

Also Ecuadorian International Master (IM) Marta Fierro, Argentines GM Caludia Amura, Venezuelan GM Sarai Sanchez, PeruvianIM Deysi Cory, and Argentine MI Carlina Luja will also compete.

The Tournament will give two tickets for the World Cup, the tournament will be played with the Swiss system of nine rounds, with two double days, the organizers said.

If there is a tie, the winner will be defined with quick matches, in one match if only two tie, and with a tournament all against all in case of being three or more.

This is the second time these Cuban players get a ticket, since Arribas and Yanira Vigoa did not get a ticket in the 2.3 Zonal tournament.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

LETTER FROM JERRY NASH - SCHOLASTIC CHESS


By Bill Hall
August 26, 2009
Due to unfortunate but necessary cutbacks, the USCF is cutting the position of Scholastic and FIDE Director. Jerry Nash's last day in the office was Tuesday, August 25th. We are fortunate to be able to announce that Mr. Nash will continue his relationship with the Federation as our National Education Consultant. Jerry's focus will be primarily on working with individuals, schools, and communities in the role of a consultant to assist in the development of local scholastic and collegiate chess programs. He will also promote the training of educators to connect chess with the efforts to improve math skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills. Read his letter to the chess community below, and contact him directly at jerrynash@frontiernet.net- Bill Hall, USCF Executive Director

August 26,2009


Dear Chess Community,
Since March of 2005 it has been my privilege to serve as the Scholastic and FIDE Director of the United States Chess Federation. While unfortunate circumstances necessitate my leaving this position, I hope to maintain my connections with the chess community. It has been my pleasure to make the acquaintance of so many players, coaches, tournament directors, parents, and students who love the game of chess and use it to impact their communities.

I will continue my relationship with the Federation as National Education Consultant. Working with individuals, schools, and communities, I hope to assist in the development of local scholastic and collegiate chess programs. I also plan to continue helping educators connect chess with the improvement of math skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills.

I would like to thank all those with whom I have worked for having the opportunity to be a part of their efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. I have been blessed by these relationships. My hope and prayer is that we will discover the resources needed to face the challenges and fulfill the opportunities of the days ahead.

Best regards,

Jerry Nash

______________

Our comments? Not good for U.S Chess.

by Abed - www.claudiachess.blogspot.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE KENNEDY FAMILY


(1932-2009)

It was with great saddness that we received the news of the passing of a great American - Senator Edward Kennedy. We unite with the Kennedy family as they deal with the loss of an important iconic member of their family.

In a time such as this it is important that we all leave partisan politics aside and simply focus on the ideals and struggles that Senator Edward Kennedy fought for during his life.

At the same time, we realize that the end to an important era has finalized, the era of the Kennedy brothers.

Finally, the four Kennedy brothers will be together once again.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

JOSE HERNANDEZ - A MEXICAN-AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

If you want to get the latest developments about the launch of the space shuttle Discovery and the adventures of its crew, specifically Jose Hernandez, the California-born son of Mexican immigrants and now a national hero here in Mexico, you can sign up to follow Hernandez's Twitter feed.

Hernandez is already posting updates on the micro-blogging site about his preparations for take-off and developments concerning the delayed launch of the space shuttle in both English and Spanish.

Yesterday, just before the Discovery's planned launch, Hernandez tweeted: "Folks this is my last tweet before I go into space! Will start to suit up in 30 minutes, listen to weather brief and head to the pad!"

But a few hours later, after the launch was delayed because of bad weather, his update was: "Well back [at] crew quarters! Try again tomorrow at 1:10:22 am!"

On Monday, Hernandez even tweeted about the chat he had with Mexico's president, saying: "Had a nice phone conversation with President Felipe Calderon of Mexico. He wished me good luck on our launch schedule for this Tuesday am."

It's hard to imagine Hernandez sending messages from a mobile phone or laptop when he's wearing his full astronaut gear, but once he and his fellow crew members are in orbit, those messages couldn't really be coming from anyone else.

And we can only assume that he and his colleagues have been set up with an Internet connection from which to tweet.

Discovery is scheduled to blast off at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the NASA website.

-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City

Photo: From Jose Hernandez's Twitter profile.


Monday, August 24, 2009

OUR CHILDREN GO BACK TO SCHOOL

With an unmatched drive unequal to any children in the world, our daughter's Faith (8th grader) and Claudia Munoz (6th grader) woke-up before dawn to prepare themselves for school year 2009. The smile on their faces as they opened their eyes in bed would have made a dentist happy!


As they walked around the house they were singing in unisons "TODAY WE GO BACK TO SCHOOL" over and over. By the time we woke-up they were completely dressed and waiting at the door with their backpacks and a cup of coffee for us - two lumps of sugar instead of one.


When we intended to give them money for lunch, they refused stating that this was one of the reasons they baby-sat the entire summer and washed our cars.


By now, you figured out that this entire setting is somewhat inflated, but they were excited and no, they did not sing around the house the "school song." Yet, they are marvelous and awesome daughters.


We pray that your children will have a safe and blessed school year 2009-2010.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

LET'S CHEER 51-YEAR OLD JEAN HEBERT OF CANADA ON


MONTREAL — High-level chess is a young person’s game. Despite its appearance of immobility, a confrontation between brooding statues punctuated by brief, ponderous movements of arm and wrist, top-flight players finish the three- to four-hour matches physically and mentally spent. Pulse rates rise, and professionals exercise both mind and body to be able to maintain concentration levels.

Plus, at a certain age, the synapses don’t fire like they used to.

Despite this, chess master Jean Hebert, at 51 considered a dinosaur of his species, has embarked on a quest to become a grand master, the game’s highest ranking short of world champion. It is a lifetime designation bestowed on fewer than a dozen Canadians by chess’s international governing body, and less than 1,000 players worldwide.

At the age of 20, Hebert became the youngest player to win the Canadian Chess Championships in 1978.

Last week in Guelph, Ont., 31 years after his first national victory, Hebert beat out 30 of the nation’s top players to become the oldest person in at least 50 years, if not ever, to win the Canadian championships.

“I was a surprise both times,” Hebert laughs. “The first time because nobody really knew who I was and was so young, and this time because I’m relatively old.”

He could have attained grand master status three decades ago, he said, a status he likens to a hockey player making the NHL, but life got in the way.

Now, Hebert hopes to surprise the world again.

“Even though it’s late, I think that in the next two years, if I do things right, yes, I can become a grand master,” he said. “Which could be a record as well, at my age.”

Hebert’s brother taught him the game when he was five years old. By the age of eight he was competing against adults and at 16 represented Canada at the under-17 world championships. Four years later he became Canadian champion, and was awarded the title of international master, one step below grand master.

Hebert would have gone for grand master status, but the financial restrictions of international travel necessary to find competition of a high enough calibre, and a difference of opinion over the way in which Quebec was running its chess federation, led Hebert to place his dream on the back burner.

But not chess. He makes his living by it, teaching in person and over the Internet, analyzing players’ games and styles, writing columns and books. He was the chess columnist for Montreal’s La Presse in the 1980s.

He never stopped playing, representing Canada seven times in the Chess Olympiads, winning a bronze medal in 1982. He also excelled at correspondence chess (games used to take two to four years by mail, but have speeded to two to four months with the Internet — players can take days to make one move), and was named international grand master of correspondence chess in 1984, one of only a handful of Canadians to earn the title.

In 2002, he rejoined the Quebec Chess Federation and started competing anew.

Describing his win at the Canadian championships, Hebert sounds like an athlete in the zone, all aspects aligning to give him the most important attribute for winning: a positive attitude. He had just come off a second-place finish at the Quebec championships, and conditions at the tournament, during which he played nine games over nine days, allowed him to study his competitors’ styles of play on the Internet in the morning, then work out and swim at the pool and relax before game time.

He won his last four games. Most of his competitors were in their 20s, and Hebert’s age might have played in his favour.

“Jean is what we call an intuitive player,” said Richard Berube, director-general of the Quebec Chess Federation. “He doesn’t come into the game with a set plan, but reacts as it progresses. . . . He relies a lot on his experience to guide him, and he has much more experience than many of his competitors.”

The win earned Hebert $1,500, covering his expenses. More importantly, it qualified him for international competition, and convinced him it was time to take up his dream. At 51, he has the time, a partner who supports his decision despite the expense (“I hope to travel with him,” Anne Bazinet said. “And it’s the culmination of a career — he has to do this.”) He will start by going to Khanty Mansiysk, Siberia, in November to take on 128 of the best players on the globe at the World Cup 2009. After that he’ll seek out tournaments in Europe and elsewhere, continuing to teach while he’s at home.

It is also a chance to promote chess in Quebec and Canada.

“I believe deeply in the virtue of the game,” he said. “With our civilization of computers, getting things done quickly and easily, video games, many of them violent, with no formative aids for children, I think chess has more of a place in the world than it ever has before. . . .

“Chess is a school that teaches thought. It develops imagination, concentration, self-confidence and a respect of adversaries. It teaches one to look forward, to analyze, and on a social level, it teaches children responsibility, because when you lose at chess, you have no one to blame but yourself. And when you win, nobody else can take credit.”

Montreal Gazette

rbruemmer@thegazette.canwest.com

Friday, August 21, 2009

MEDAL STANDINGS PER NATION AT THE XX PAN AMERICAN YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2009, MAR DEL PLATA, ARGENTINA

The following chart is by no means the final points standing, the staff from our sister blog, www.chesscampeona.blogspot.com, provided us the standings. However, we will wait for the official points standings from the organizers since the United States won more gold medals than Peru but that nation won more medals in the standings.
PAISESOROPLATABRONCETOTAL
PERU44311
UNITED STATES5218
ARGENTINA2226
COLOMBIA1135
BRAZIL 11
VENEZUELA 2 2
MEXICO 1 1
PUERTO RICO 11
PARAGUAY 11
36

MEDAL WINNERS AT THE XX PAN AMERICAN YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2009, MAR DEL PLATA, ARGENTINA

SUB-8 FEMENIN0

Rank

Nombre

FED

Pts

1

WANG Annie

USA

2

CABALLERO QUIJANO Mitzy Mishel

PER

3

DONGO Melanie

PER

7

SUB-10 FEMENIN0

Rank

Nombre

FED

Pts

1

WFM

LIAO Simone

USA

2

STRGACICH Aylen

ARG

3

VAZQUEZ MACCARINI Danitza

PUR

6

SUB-12 FEMENIN0

Rank

Nombre

FED

Pts

1

PAREDES BUSTAMANTE Paula

PER

8

2

DENON Nicole

ARG

7

3

WFM

FELIX VEGA Aurora Edith

PER

SUB-14 FEMENIN0

Rank

Nombre

FED

Pts

1

CASTRILLON GOMEZ Gomez Melissa

COL

2

CASUSOL Cecilia

PER

7

3

WFM

PACHON Adriana

COL

SUB-16 FEMENIN0

Rank

Nombre

FED

Pts

1

MARTINEZ Ayelen

ARG

2

HERRERA SOSA Jessica

VEN

7

3

WFM

CHUMPITAZ Ann

PER

SUB-18 FEMENIN0

Rank

Nombre

FED

Pts

1

WFM

ALIAGA FERNANDEZ Ingrid Y

PER

8

2

OROZCO Lina Yomayra

COL

3

FERNANDEZ Maria Florencia

ARG

6

SUB-8 ABSOLUTO

Rank

Nombre

Elo

FED

Pts

1

VASUDEVA Tanuj

0

USA

9

2

SANDOVAL MERCADO Carlos

0

MEX

3

ACOSTA CUBIDES Jorian Ja

1966

COL

SUB-10 ABSOLUTO

Rank

Nombre

Elo

FED

Pts

1

ACOSTA Pablo Ismael

1977

ARG

8

2

MARTINEZ Jose

0

PER

3

HE Tommy O

1685

USA

SUB-12 ABSOLUTO

Rank

Nombre

Elo

FED

Pts

1

CUELLAR Diego

1990

PER

7

2

SHEN Arthur

2043

USA

7

3

CM

RUIZ C Joshua D

2138

COL

7

SUB-14 ABSOLUTO

Rank

Nombre

Elo

FED

Pts

1

ROZOVSKY Daniel

0

USA

2

ZAVARCE Oscar Enrique

0

VEN

3

FM

SHUMYATSKY Victor

2175

BRA

7

SUB-16 ABSOLUTO

Rank

Nombre

Elo

FED

Pts

1

SHEN Victor C

2177

USA

2

SHVARTSMAN Andrew

2083

USA

3

PEREZ Hernan

2001

PAR

SUB-18 ABSOLUTO

Rank

Nombre

Elo

FED

Pts

1

FM

CORI TELLO Jorge

2424

PER

2

FM

TERRY Renato

2385

PER

3

KRYSA Leandro Sergio



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COURTESY OF THE ARGENTINA CHESS FEDERATION