10.03.2008, World University Chess Championship-2008. Prizes are awarded.

As it was widely predicted, the hosts took the first prizes in all the major nominations of the World University Chess Championship. Dmitry Bocharov and Irina Vasilevich are the champions in the men’s and women’s tournaments respectively and Russia left the other competitors far behind in the team classification.
There were few doubts about the team-winner even before the start of the championship. Four men’s GMs and the imposing girl’s quartet made the chances of the other teams theoretical. The tournament only proved it: in the first six rounds the Russian men lost the points only in the games with each other, the girls answered with a strong finish. In fact the tournament was reduced into the domestic concern.
The last two rounds proved to be a trying ordeal. Round 8 began at 9 am, when self-respecting players are still asleep. Yet it did not prevent either Bocharov or Lysyj from beating Pokazanjev and Kuderinov. Nikolai was caught and the top board saw the winner rather soon. As for Kirill he fell victim to his own groundless ambitions. He resigned on move 22 under the threat of inevitable loss of a piece. The third favorite Smirnov played against Zhou Jianchao. The latter had stalled in the beginning but then won a few games in a row. Pavel could not control the game. He got into an unfavorable position of anti-Moscow gambit and then made an error at the crucial point.
After the lunch break the adventures went on. The young Chinese who again had White decided that one win was insufficient and pressed Bocharov. It was the first time in the tournament that Dmitry was on the defensive and his position was getting worse. At the same time Lysyj played very convincingly against Batchuluun, the best of the Mongolian players. His opponent did not have a chance and Igor finished the game before the first time control capturing the enemy queen. So the final positions did not seem so unshakeable any more …
 But Bocharov managed to escape! Zhou Jianchao felt that he was winning the piece and he rushed things. It was enough for Dmitry. He tried to catch every chance and it was the Chinese player’s turn to lose the piece in two pawns. It looked like a definite draw which made the player from Novosibirsk a champion.
The girls’ tournament remained in dark to the last. It came to the tie for the first place and coefficient count. Four players were in the lead after round 7 – Pogonina, Vasilevich, Wang Yu and Dulamsuren. The Russian players drew away after round 8. Both win rather convincingly, Natalia beat Bensdorp from the Netherlands and Irina beat Dulamsuren. Another Mongolian player Mongontuul left the Chinese in the cold.
In the final round both Russian girls made every effort to win, but neither managed it. But if Pogonina had a comfortable “free” advantage against Mongontuul and “tortured” her opponent for a while, then Vasilevich (who had a game against Dauletova) lost a pawn in the opening and her wildest dream was a draw. And she managed to draw the game but not without help on the part of Gulmira, who had no sporting interest then.
As it turned out in 30 minutes this half a point meant gold. Natalia who was slightly behind (applying tie-breaking procedures) could not turn her more favorable position in the game to her advantage.
Our congratulations to the champions and prize winners. See you soon on the hospitable Kuzbass soil!
* * *
The press-conference of the World University Chess Championship organizers, FISU auditor Adrean Gaggea and the Organizing Committee Chairman of the next University Chess Championship (which will take place in Switzerland) Bernhard Burkhardt was conducted in the final day. The distinguished guests sang praises of the local organizers saying that Novokuznetsk raised the standards of the tournament. They expressed confidence that chess could become more conspicuous in FISU and already in 2011 when China hosts the World Student Games, the Games will feature the chess event.
Two days ago Anatoly Karpov, the 12th World Champion, was a guest of the championship. He paid a visit to back the Russian players, give them prizes on behalf of the Kemerovo Region governor, express gratitude to the regional and city administration for their support to the Novokuznetsk Chess Federation. Anatoly Evgenevich was awarded the honorary medal “Kuzbass Sporting Prowess”.
Men.
Round 8. Bocharov – Pokazanjev, 1-0, Zhou Jianchao – Smirnov 1-0, Kuderinov – Lysyj 0-1, Batchuluun – Zhumabayev Ѕ, Alavi – Maletin 0-1, Battulga – Filippov 1-0, Moosavian – Otte 1-0, etc.
Round 9. Zhou Jianchao – Bocharov Ѕ, Lysyj – Batchuluun 1-0, Smirnov – Moosavian 1-0, Maletin – Battulga Ѕ, Zhumabayev – Liang Chong 0-1, Pokazanjev – Alavi 0-1, etc.
Final classifiaction: 1. Bocharov (Russia), 2. Lysyj (Russia) – 7, 3. Smirnov (Russia) – 6.5, 4-5. Maletin (Russia), Zhou Jianchao (China) – 6, 6-9. Zhumabayev (Kazakhstan), Liang, Chong (China), Alavi (Iran), Kuderinov (Kazakhstan) –5.5, etc.
Women.
Round 8. Dulamsuren – Vasilevich 0-1, Pogonina – Bensdorp1-0, Mongontuul – Wang Yu 1-0, Zhang Jilin – Kovanova ½, Paridar – Anhchimeg 0-1, Cheremnova – Tashimova, 1-0, etc. Round 9. Pogonina – Mongontuul ½, Vasilevich – Dauletova, ½, Kovanova – Wang Yu 1-0, Bensdorp – Zhang Jilin 0-1, Anhchimeg – Cheremnova 0-1, Dulamsuren – Tajik 1-0, etc.
Final classification: 1. Vasilevich (Russia), 2. Pogonina (Russia) – 6.5, 3. Zhang Jilin (China), 4-6. Dulamsuren, Mongontuul (both – Mongolia), Kovanova (Russia) – 6, etc.

09.03.2008, World University Chess Championship-2008. In the Homestretch

Round 7 of the World University Chess Championship should have cast light upon the situation before the final rounds, but it has only complicated matters both in the men’s and especially women’s tournament. Bocharov and Smirnov still share the lead, but a number of their pursuers has doubled. As for the girls, now four players are at the head of the field: Pogonina, Wang Yu, Vasilevich and Dulamsuren …
It is a rare case that the favorites have the game with each other when there are only 2 rounds to go. The players who have come to Novokuznetsk are a real mixed bag and it was quite conceivable that Pogonina (2476) and Wang Yu (2391) would do it somewhere in the third or forth round at the latest. But they both went down and then came back to their “rightful” top board. There is another long-standing tradition in chess, that people never win games on their birthday. And it remained unbreakable. Natalia (who is 23 today) had a few uneasy minutes in the game. White had a very strong attack on the kingside, Black did not offer any counterplay for quite a while. But at the end of the day everything turned out well for her. She had a draw and a birthday cake.
Vasilevich and Dulamsuren took advantage of the leaders’ hitch. They beat their opponents quite easily. Irina playing with White won the game against Zhang Jilin and took revenge on the Chinese players. Yuanjindulan with Black won her game against Tashimova. For a long time the latter played classical chess which was highly unusual for her and when she managed to check herself it was too late.
The long arm of coincidence has brought them to the top board tomorrow. It is worth reminding that by FISU regulations in round 8 and 9 players of the same team can not be paired against each other. So Pogonina and Vasilevich (as well as Kovanova) will not be on the same board and it gives Russia extra chances.
The victory in the team classification for the hosts is assured though. They are three points clear of the Mongolian players who are currently in the second place. And it is a huge gap. The Chinese are another half a point behind, Kazkhstan is four points behind the leaders. No doubt now the Russian players concentrate their hopes on winning the personal titles. The World University Chess Champion is an honorary one!
Today the fight for the title in the men’s tournament could have become theoretical rather than practical. If the first seed Bocharov had won his game against Lysyj (and he had all the chances), he would have assumed the final lead. Smirnov who tied with him for the first place could not put pressure on the Kazakh player Zhumbaev (Rinat is one of the real revelations of the championship) and agreed to a draw to avoid the worst. After his game Pavel, really agitated, circled round the table where the other two Russians had a clash.
And his “walks” paid off! The match ended in a draw. Again Dmitry could not cope with the stress in the endless time trouble (it is a FIDE tournament and from some point on the players have 30 seconds per move), he blundered away two pawns in one move and got a good telling-off from his trainer. “You should have been a “pen”-player!”, said Khasin in a temper, but when he realized that Bocharov was still in the lead (applying tie-breaking procedures) he calmed down.
The third board also saw a draw. Maletin could have provided Zhu Zhinchao with a real challenge, but he failed. Other games in the men’s tournament (board 16 including) produced decisive results. Obviously the guys are not tired with playing yet!
Men. Round 7. Lysyi – Bocharov ½, Smirnov – Zhumbaev ½, Maletin – Zhu Tsinchao ½, А. Filippov – Alavi 0-1, Pokasaniev – Liang Chon 0-1, Kuderinov – Mechitaryan 1-0, etc.
Classification. Round 7: 1-2. Bocharov, Smirnov – 5.5; 3-4. Lysyj, Zhumbaev –5; 5-10. Maletin, Zhou Jianchao, Alavi, Pokasaniev, Kuderinov , Batchudun – 4.5, etc.
Women. Round 7. Van Yu – Pogonina Ѕ, Vasilevich – Zhang Jilin 1-0, Bensdorp – Kovanova Ѕ, Tashimova – Dulamsuren 0-1, Seps – Mongontul 0-1, etc.
Classification. Round 7: 1-4. Pogonina, Wang Yu, Vasilevich, Dulamsuren – 5; 5-8. Mongontuul, Zhang Jilin, Kovanova, Bensdorp – 4.5, etc.
Team classification. Round 7: 1. Russia – 21, 2. Mongolia – 18, 3. China – 17.5, 4. Kazakhstan – 17, 5. Iran – 15.5, 6. the Netherlands – 14, 7. Switzerland – 9, etc.

07.03.2008, World University Chess Championship. Day 4. We relax, we have fun, we learn

The first stage of the championship with its tough games is over. And March 7 was a day off as the decisive chess clashes are coming. All the tired could have a good sleep, read books, stroll along the picturesque lake shore or through the forest near the Health Hotel Ozerny. And those who wanted to have a bit of recreation and learn something new set off on a bus excursion around the city.
The first destination was the bowling club in the city centre. There was everything to have a good day -10 superb tracks, energetic music, nice atmosphere, excitement of the game, crash after knocking down the pins with balls! So many wanted to loosen up after long hours at the chessboards. After the nourishing meal there was a city sightseeing tour. The first place to visit was the Boulevard of Heroes. It was built to commemorate those people from the city who struggled against the fascists. Kuzbass and Ural were the major nation’s arsenals. Siberians, the word itself is suggestive. Thousands went to the front and those on the home front struggled together with the heroic soldiers. They made steel and backed the fighting soldiers in that trying hour. The people on the home front shared heavy defeats and glorious victories and capture of Berlin.
Kuzbass provided the country with armored steel, artillery shells, supplied power stations and railroads with coal. People of Novokuznetsk contributed enormously to the victory of the whole country. As the recognition the city has two orders. 50 000 tanks, 45 000 aircrafts, 100 000 0000 shells were made of the local steel. It was almost a half of the country’s military output. Fyodor Dostoevsky Museum made a great impression on the visitors. The famous Russian writer visited the town Kuznetsk three times in 1856-57. He came here from Semipalatinsk to see Maria Isayeva. It was here that he married her. Due to the wonderful atmosphere in the Museum it still seems to be a real house with its small yard where lilac has just blossomed and it even seems quite possible that Maria Dmitrievna herself has just been on the porch to meet her dear guest from Semipalatinsk… There are no things or articles that belonged to the writer left in the museum. But you can feel the special atmosphere created in the museum which is based on the symbols of this outstanding writer’s works.
And there are photos on the walls. A man in a uniform. Broad face and harsh features. Persistent almost penetrating glance. It is Fyodor Dostoevsky. This man said about himself “I am a little man”, but at the same time “My name is worth a million!” The latter words are the words that are in full harmony with the image in the picture. It does not seem without reason that his contemporaries said, “This is a man who had a full faith in himself”. Another photo. A woman with a high forehead, intent and guarded look. There is something gloomy and worried about her. It is Maria Dmitreevna Isayeva, earlier Constant (of French origin). “… She was a beautiful blonde of average height, very passionate and ecstatic. Her cheeks were flushed with some ominous colour even then. Several years later she died of the consumption”, wrote A. Vrangel, a friend of Dostoevsky, about Maria Isayeva.
There is another picture on display. It is the Hodigitria Church where in 1857 the local resident Maria Isayeva and the outstanding Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky married.
The last point to visit was Kuznetsk fortress. It is the real landmark in the history of military fortification in Southern Siberia. It was built in 1800-1820. Then the fortress was the part of fortifications that were built to protect Southern Siberia against aggressive plans of China. The fortress gross area is about 2,5 acres.
In 1846 the state borders were far from the fortress and it was transferred from the books of the War Department. Its territory was used as a prison for criminal offenders. “Kuznetsk prison castle” functioned until December 1919, when the prison buildings were destroyed during the Civil war.
In 1998 the dilapidated fortress was renovated. The walls and the watchtower were restored. Novokuznetsk metallurgists founded new cannons and mortars using the ancient drawings. They were placed on the fortress walls.
Nowadays the museum of history and architecture “Kuznetsk Fortress” boasts more than ten facilities of architecture and military fortification.

06.03.2008, World University Chess Championship-2008. Day. Favorites are no more in the background

The first of two paired rounds was an ordeal for the participants. Being amateurs they had two games a day and it is not an easy task even for professional players. No wonder that both tournaments slowed down. But the leaders remained the same: Zhang Jilin from China took all four points in the women’s tournament and both Dmitry Bocharov and Pavel Smirnov from Russia took 3,5/4.
The most exciting events took place in the women’s tournament. Dauletova from Kazakhstan and Yanjindulan, two players who had made the biggest stir in the second round, could not keep the pace. Both managed to take only half a point. Gulmira fell the prey to her own miscalculation, when having initiative she chose the wrong combination and suffered defeat at the hands of Zhang Jilin, in the next round feelings overwhelmed her and she drew the game against Kovanova. But Dulamsuren who is below her rivals in the ranking can consider the draw with Kovanova a real success, but in the game against the Chinese player she had no chance. The favorites Pogonina and Van Yu won the routine games and now they are real frontrunners of the tournament. These two players as well Vasilevich will fight for the top place.
There were no real surprises in the men’s tournament. Though it was to advantage of the Iranian International Master Hamed Musavin that the Russian players had their games against each other (Bocharov – Maletin, Smirnov – Lysyi). After the real fights they drew their games. In his turn Musavin beat Hindermann from Switzerland and topped the rankings.
But he was only a king for a day. Playing with White against Bocharov, Musavin did not seem to think much of his chances and was longing only for a draw. He was very cautious and took great pains not to let his opponent rock the boat but he failed to hamper the favorite. He offered a draw twice but finally had to admit defeat after 45 when small Black army decided the game with an overwhelming attack.
Bocharov took sole leadership but it was short-lived. Smirnov caught up with him by the end of the fourth hour of his game. He played with Black against Liang Chon and seemed to have a more difficult encounter ahead. Unlike Musavin the Chinese player did not feel constrained. The spectators who surrounded the table saw the one of the most impressive games so far. Having sacrificed a pawn the Russian player forced his opponent into defense and took the game with one fine tactical move. It was enough.
The team classification has changed dramatically. The Chinese who had not made a good start 'bounced' superbly and took the runner-up position after round 3, as they caught up with Mongolia and were only half-a-point behind Russia. The host team had to rev up to remain the frontrunners. They finished the day with four wins and the upper hand in the face-to-face clash with the Celestial country players.
Team classification before the day off is as follows: 1. Russia: 13/16; 2. China: 11.5; 3-4. Mongolia and Kazakhstan: 10.5; 5. Iran: 9, etc.

05.03.2008, World University Chess Championship 2008. Day 2. China doesn't stay the pace

Predictably, the tension ran higher during the second day of the championship. If it was a great surprise to see the top players halving out in the first round then in the second …
The women’s tournament was especially unpredictable. Both top players of the championship Pogonina and Van Yu lost. One can’t say that they faced a chapter of accidents, both were simply outplayed. Natalia who played with White didn’t cope with the initiative from Dauletova and was crushed by the overwhelming attack. As for the Chinese player, she was tempted with a «poisoned» pawn. Then Yandzhidulan took the king of Van Yu after several moves, so the game was crowned by a standard rook sacrifice.
If the success of the Mongolian chess player was unexpected, then 20-year old Gulmira Dauletova from Chimkent is an experienced fighter despite her relatively low rating (2261). She is Kazakhstan women’s reigning champion and the most promising young talent of the country. Gulmira successfully plays for men’s teams.
Zhan Jiling took two points, and two Russian girls Vasilevich and Kovanova couldn’t win for the second time in a row, both drew their games. Irina took on Besdorp from Holland and Baira had a game against Paridar from Iran. Just after the triumph the teammates embraced Paridar.
The men players made up for the setback of the Russian girls (Kharashuta lost to boot, as a result – 1 out of 4). Just as it happened in the first round, all four players won. They looked doubtful only for the first few hours, but then the players got the upper hand. Smirnov even mated his Brasilian opponent (it was his second mate at the tournament). Lysyi had a real clash with a local talent and an extra player Pokasaniev (by FISU rules each country is authorized to enter a maximum of eight competitors but by the same rules the host country is entitled to nominate an extra player if the number of participants in the Championship is odd). Except the Russian men’s quartet the only player who has two points under his belt is Hamed Musavin, an Iranian FIDE Master.
The Chinese players lost almost all their chances to win the tournament. Liang Chong  who played with White drew his game against a FIDE Master from Switzerland and Zhou Jianchao  (also the white player) suffered a defeat to Aidar Baimoldinov, a Kazakh player who has no rating.
Two rounds are expected tomorrow: round 3 at 10.00 pm and round 4 at 3.30 pm.
* * *
X World University Chess Championship team classification: 1. Russia: 7 – 8; 2. Mongolia: 6.5; 3. Kazakhstan: 6; 4. Iran: 5.5; 5. China: 5, etc.

04.03.2008, World University Chess Championship – no surprise at start

Novokuznetsk plays host to the 10th World University Chess Championship. The competition will last 7 days since 4th to 10th of March and three winners will be crowned at the end - one in men's tournament, one in women’s tournament, and one in team classification. The winner will be established according to the sum of the results of the 2 best ranked players of the same country in a nine-round swiss (by FISU rules each country is authorized to enter a maximum of eight competitors).
57 players representing teams from 12 countries (Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Mongolia, Switzerland, Japan, Brazil, Portugal, South-African Republic, Uzbekistan and Russia) will fight for the title. The host team line-up is very strong (they have taken up a quota). Men’s quartet – Bocharov, Smirnov, Lysyj and Maletin – heads the protocol, and the first three girls Pogonina, Vasilevich, Kovanova are among the top five in the ranking. Out of 33 players in the men’s tournament there are 6 Grandmasters, 6 International and 7 FIDE Masters. 24 ladies represent 5 Woman Grandmasters, 2 Man Grandmasters, 6 Woman International Master and 4 FIDE Woman Masters.
At 15.30 after the opening ceremony the tournament started. There were no surprises on a large scale. The gap between the players was wide and the favorites did not spend much time at the chessboard. By the end of the third hour five out of six Grandmasters Bocharov, Smirnov, Lysyj, Maletin and Liang Chong from China won. But Chong`s compatriot Zhou Jinchao, who had excelled at the World Cup in Khanty-Mansijsk 2 months ago, was halted. His rival from Iran Soozankar did not hesitate to exchange pieces and pawns until the chessboard was empty and the players had to make peace. It was not the only success of the Iranian team. Norusi who was playing with Black at the next table drew the game and took half a point from Uzbekistan’s Filippov.
The favorites of the women’s tournament - Pogonina, Vang You, Vasilevich, Kovanova, Zhang Jilin – won one and all. The only result that unsettled the order of ones in the top half of the table was the defeat of Monica Seps from Switzerland. She unexpectedly lost to 21-year old Henriette Springelkamp from Holland whose rating is 1992.
Tomorrow will be the second day of World University Chess Championship. Opening is at 15.30 pm.

04.03.2008, Today in Novokuznetsk started 10th, anneversial World University chess Championship-2008

In the opening ceremony took part the FISU Executive control Committee member Adrean Gagea, the FISU office staff Michal Buchel, the President of Russian University Sport Union Oleg Matytsin, Kuzbass governor Aman Tuleev and city Novokuznetsk mayor Sergey Martin. During the opening ceremony, as a sign of friendship, there was raised an official FISU flag. The captains of the teams of twelve countries from all continents, according to ancient Russian tradition, got the loafs of bread. At his greeting speech the governor of Kuzbass Aman Tuleev thanked FISU representatives for the faith to host Organizing Committee and assured that the Championship will be held with complete respecting of the rules, and wished the competitors good luck, fair-play in the true spirit of sportsmanship. At the press-conference Adrean Gagea said, that Novokuznetsk is ready to host such great tournaments as World University Chess Championship. He also admired the colorful opening concert, organized by the best theatrical groups of Novokuznetsk.

03.03.2008, Press-conference on the eve of World University Chess Championship-2008

Today the Championship chief arbiter, international arbiter Bolat Asanov, championship director, international arbiter Maxim Ivakhin and city Novokuznetsk Sports Committee chairman Viktor Sakauv met with the journalists. They discussed the questions of observing the tournament in mass media, rules for the journalists to be respected during the matches, and some technical details. Also the journalists could test on-line chess matches translations on the championship official site www.wucc2008.org

03.03.2008, Tomorrow, on March, 4, starts X, anniversial World University Chess Championship-2008

In this tournament will take part chessplayers from 12 countries: Mongolia, Netherlands, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, South African Republic, Switzerland, Russia, China, Japan, Brazil and Portugal. Our country will be represented by international master Ekaterina Kharashuta, international grandmasters Natalia Pogonina, Bajra Kovanova, Irina Vasilevich, Dmitri Bocharov, Pavel Maletin and captain of the team Igor Lysy. Very powerful team of this year is China, whose team includes four international grandmasters. For Mongolia women team will play Bat Mongontuul - the Mongolia national Olympic team.

03.03.2008, X World Students Chess Championship-2008 participants are arriving to Novokuznetsk

World`s best chess players - X World Students Chess Championship-2008 participants are arriving to Novokuznetsk. 8 teams are already registered: Mongolia, Netherlands, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Switzerland, South African Republic and Russia. Today are coming teams of China, Japan, Brazil and Portugal.
The sportsmen are now having rest at one of the best Novokuznetsk sanatorium and prepare to struggle for victory. Here they have all conditions for good both rest and work: comfortable apartments, healthy, vitamin rich food and special computer room with unlimited internet access.

25.02.2008, List of registered players

You can find list of registered players in MS Word (doc) format - men and women - here

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