ROCKVILLE, Md., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Top US and international players, including current and previous US women's and men's champions, and a previous world women's champion, are playing in the Washington International Chess Festival August 6th – 12th at the Rockville Hilton. The Festival offers five tournaments of various lengths and playing levels. Some of the top young US players will be attempting to earn international titles in one of the few events in the US where this is possible. There will also be a free public lecture and shorter events that are open to everyone. The tournaments will have live game broadcasts and video at http://washintl.mdchess.com.
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The Washington International, organized by the Maryland Chess Association ), is in its second year, with a total prize fund of $26,000. Sponsor Chess.com will be providing membership prizes. The tournament is unique in the US in that the highest section is only open to top players, increasing the chances for young players to earn international titles.
Two tournaments in the Festival are open to everyone. On Friday, Aug 9, at 8pm there will be a Blitz tournament. The action is fast and fun to watch. On Saturday, Aug 10, there will be a Rapid tournament where each player has 25 minutes to finish the game. Both would be a great introduction to tournament chess for newcomers.
On Friday evening, August 9th at 6:30, English chess player and instructor Sabrina Chevannes will give a free lecture: Chess for Novices, based on her two recently published training DVDs with the same title.
Notable Participants
– Justus Williams (NY): Youngest African-American Master, 2013 US Junior Open Champion
– Aaron Kahn (MD): 2013 Maryland Open Champion
– Atulya Shetty (MI): 2013 K-12 US Champion
– Akshat Chandra (NJ): 2013 K-9 US Champion
– Irinia Krush (NY): 2013/2012/2010/2007/1998 US Women's Champion
– Anna Zatonskih (NY): 2011/2009/2008/2006 US Women's Champion
– Alexandra Kosnikuk (Russia): 2008 Women's World Champion
– Sarah Chiang (TX): Highest rated under-16 girl in the US
About Maryland Chess Association
Maryland Chess Association (MCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting chess for both adult and scholastic players and is the official state affiliate of the US Chess Federation.
Contact
Michael Regan
Organizer, Washington International
Maryland Chess Association
410-419-5130
Email
http://washintl.mdchess.com