Archive for March 15th, 2009

G.N. Gopal, 19, is one of India’s bright young stars, with high ambitions for the next Asian and the World Junior Championship. Unfortunately he may not be able to participate. The Indian Chess Federation is considering a one-year ban, since Gopal failed to play in the national championship (he had a prior contractual obligation to play in an event in Mexico). Media news and Gopal’s views.

Last year Levon Aronian won the blindfold and rapid spectacle in Nice by 2½ points. This year he has started with a 2-0 score – against his first opponent, Vassily Ivanchuk. The Amber tournament is being staged in the Palais de la Mediterranée in Nice and carries a prize fund of € 216,000. As a special service we bring you, this year and with pleasure, special photo coverage by John Nunn.

After seven rounds of the European Individual Women’s Championship, an 11-round Swiss with 168 players which is taking place from March 7–21 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the sole leader is GM Hoang Thanh Trang with 6.0/7 points. Twelve players follow half a point behind. We bring you results and games, new videos by Europe Echecs and beautiful player portraits by WGM Irina Sudakova.