Chess
Stars Battle for
National Titles in Music City
By Paul Truong
The Nashville Chess Center, the Tennessee Chess Association, and countless
volunteers were on hand to helo the US Chess Federation, the organizer of this
magnificent event. Many chess celebrities also came to support the event. The
big names include former World Champions GMs Anatoly Karpov and Susan Polgar,
reigning US Champions Hikaru Nakamura and WGM Rusa Goletiani, former US Champions
GM Yasser Seirawan and WIM Jennifer Shahade, and the charismatic GM Maurice
Ashley, etc.
Many of these celebrities worked very hard over the four days to promote chess
and motivate the kids. They gave lectures, simuls, book signings, and posed
for countless pictures. I jokingly told some of them that they really need
special hand massages at the spa after signing thousands of autographs over
a 3-4 day period.
Special guests Yasser Seirawan, Susan Polgar and Anatoly Karpov
When you enter the bookstore, you will immediately notice Maurice chatting,
talking and signing autograph. Adjacent to him was Yasser who spent countless
hours at the USCF Sales bookstore booth to chat and sign autographs for everyone.
Yasser even helped out closing up shop in his suit! No wonder why everyone
loves Yasser.
A giant hall with thousands of young chess players at the opening of the
event
Susan was scheduled for three lectures and one simul. Due to the extremely
high demands, she ended up doing eight lectures and game analysis sessions,
six book signings, and attended seven meetings with sponsors, organizers, and
media people. She also posed for pictures with every trophy winner between
K-6 at the closing ceremony. That was over 700 trophies and plaques that took
around four hours to give out!!
Susan Polgar gives a simul for coaches and parents
On the last day, the players and their parents and coaches were treated to
a special appearance by former World Champion Anatoly Karpov. When he arrived
at the lecture hall, he was warmly greeted by hundreds of fans.
The Opening Ceremony with a marching band
After four days of competition, over a thousand beautiful trophies and plaques
were awarded. The University of Texas at Dallas awarded scholarships to the
winners of each championship section (elementary, middle, and high school)
each valued at about $48,000 to non-Texas residents. The Susan Polgar Committee
also awarded automatic qualifying spots for the prestigious Susan Polgar National
Invitational for Girls to the top finishing girl in each the championship section
Elementary (K-6), Junior High (K-9) and the High School (K-12). The Susan Polgar
National Invitational for Girls runs concurrently with the US Open Chess Championship,
this year in Phoenix, AZ in August.
A huge number of trophies waiting to be won
Reigning US Champion Hikaru Nakamura does a chess lecture
One of Susan Polgar's many lectures
The All Americas Team
Susan with chess team from Erie, Kansas
With budding young chess players
The very youngest chess enthusiasts
Susan Polgar tirelessly signs books and boards, all day long
Special guest Anatoly Karpov has to do his bit too
Karpov with a young admirer
Look at all the signatures we have got so far!
Former US champions Yasser Seirawan helps out at the USCF shop
Signing memorabilia for chess fans
"Yaz" in a suit helps Hannon Russel pack up the USCF shop
Kids taking a boat ride around the resort
Susan Polgar also made a special appearance on the radio station WSM, located
right in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, to promote the
campaign "Say Yes to Chess!" by the US Chess Trust. Joining her was
Barbara DeMaro, Managing Director of the US Chess Trust (left in the picture
above) and Anatoly Karpov via phone from GM Onischuk's home in Baltimore.
Winning teams
Here are some portraits of winning teams, who got commemorative photographs
together with Susan at the end of the event. We bring you the pictures to give
you and impression of the joy and fun they clearly feel when playing in chess
tournaments.
