International Round Up 29/12/09

[LozCooper]

International Round Up 29/12/09

Hastings Masters 2009-10 28th December - 5th January

http://www.hastingschess.org.uk/2010/pairings.htm

http://www.hastingschess.org.uk/2010/SMWSite/index.html

Although none of the top four seeds are from England, the presence of England number four David Howell, as well as Hastings regulars GMs Simon Williams, Mark Hebden, Danny Gormally and Keith Arkell ensures a strong English challenge for the prizes.

The biggest surprise in round 1, rating wise, was the defeat of IM Andrew Martin who lost to WIM Joanna Worek of Poland who is rated almost two hundred points below Andrew. Thirteen year old Amy Hoare had an excellent first round result, drawing with James Jackson who is 270 points above Amy's rating. Admittedly, the gap is closing as Amy is gaining 50 points which should appear on the January list. Bob Eames also managed an excellent draw with black against GM Zbynek Hracek the second seed with black.

Rilton Cup 2009-10
http://www.rilton.se

Luke McShane is on 1.5/2 after a draw with GM Alexander Shimanov in round 2.

In addition to the individual websites the latest international chess news can be found at the following link: http://www.chesscenter.com/twic/twic790.html

Lawrence Cooper
Director of International Chess
English Chess Federation 29/12/09