-- Chicago's Palmer House Hilton Hotel played host to the All-Girls National Chess Championships this past weekend, March 16 - 18, 2007. This was the fourth consecutive year of the tournament, and for the 136 girls from 19 states and one province who had to battle the nation's inclimate weather to attend the tournament, the journey was well worth the experience.
The tournament, organized and sponsored by the Kasparov Chess Foundation, in association with the USCF and Chess Wizards, featured a number of events surrounding the tournament, highlighted by a captivating 30 board Simultaneous Exhibition performed by former US Open Champion, Grandmaster Dmitry Gurevich. GM Gurevich was a last minute stand-in for Irina Krush, whose scheduled appearance was cancelled due to uncooperative weather from the New York metropolitan region. He went undefeated, with three girls earning draws, including: Karsten McVay and Eve Litvak from New Jersey and Julie Flammang from New York.
According to GM Dmitry Gurevich, "The girls made a great impression, lots of young talent. This tournament shows that the future of women's chess in the United States is a bright one."
"I am grateful that Dmitry generously agreed to substitute for Irina at the last minute," explained Michael Khodarkovsky, President of the Kasparov Chess Foundation. "Many of the parents commented on how much they enjoyed his presence throughout the tournament."
Flight cancellations due to weather also impeded travel plans for nearly 50 other girls and their families from the New York area, who despite best efforts, were unable to depart for Chicago. But while most of New York was snowed in, Chicago was heating up in sisterly competition.
"This event has become a highlight for girls interested in chess. The tournament fosters a friendly environment where girls are empowered through competition, friendship and a shared learning experience," added Mr. Khodarkovsky.
Following are the results based on age groupings:
Eight and Under
Individual Winners:
Jessica Zhu, CA
Rachel Eng, AZ
Margaret Hua, MO
Team Winner:
McKenzie School, IL
Blooming Grove Academy, IL
Riverwoods Montessori, IL
Ten and Under
Individual Winners:
Ashley Xue, VA
Caroline Zhu, TX
Crystal Liu, WA
Team Winners:
CGPS, NY
Latin School, IL
Forest School, IL
Twelve and Under
Individual Winners:
Katherine Wu, VA
Anna Matlin, NJ
Linda Diaz, NY
Team Winners:
Algonquin School, IL
Fourteen and Under
Individual Winners:
Anjali Datta, TX
Sukhada Kulkarni, OH
Cheryl Liu, IL
Team Winners:
Cass Technical High School, MI
Sixteen and Under
Individual Winners:
Karsten McVay, NY
Shiny Kaur, IL
Brianna Conley, OH
Team Winner:
Spence School, NY
Latin School, IL
Cass Technical High School, MI
Eighteen and Under
Individual Winners:
Krista Selby, IN
Madina Mathis, MI
Ashley Bish, MI
Team Winner:
Cass Technical High School, MI
Lane Tech HS, IL
Vanderbilt High School, IL
Founded by World Chess Champion
Garry Kasparov, KCF's mission is to bring the many educational
benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by
providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The
Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool
in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary,
middle and high schools, both in the public and private school
sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes
tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more
information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org/
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