Photo impressions of the 2009 US Women's Championship

by ChessBase
10/15/2009 – It was won, as you know, by Anna Zatonskih, who scored a remarkable 8.5/9, leaving the next best player two points behind. The tournament featured the highest ever prize fund in US Women's Championship history – over US $64,000, of which Anna picked up a cool $15,000. And a pair of glamorous Susan's Costume Shoes. Big pictorial by Betsy Dynako.

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Photo impressions of the 2009 US Women's Chess Championship

By Betsy Dynako


First and last: before the final round nine Anna Zatonskih and Yun Fan shake


A show of affection before the commencement of hostilities (round 4, draw in 54)


IM Irina Krush in action


Sabina Foisor, Alisa Melekhina, Yun Fan, Chris Bird, Battsetseg Tsagaan


The ladies applaud the announcement that there will be a repeat in 2010


Arbiter Carol Jarecki gives WGM Camilla Baginskaite her IM Norm certificate


Irina Krush, Chris Bird, Anna Zatonskih, Rusudan Goletiani, Iryna Zenyuk.
Anna gets the winner's cake from the Sagalchik family...


... and her US $15,000 first prize check from Rex Sinquefield


Anna feeling good about the tournament win and her big check


Anna feeling good about her Susan's Costume Shoes


Best friends: Iryna (Zenyuk) and Irina (Krush)...


...posing at the closing ceremony


Likewise, if not quite as appealing: Ben Finegold and Chris Bird


USCF web editor Jennifer Shahade, Anna Zatonskih and GM Ben Finegold


A chessboard for the chief, signed by all the grateful players

Tony Rich, the Executive Director of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, presents Rex Sinquefield, President & Chairman of the Board, and his wife Jeanne a chessboard signed by all the participants of the 2009 US Women's Championship.


Photography has been a passion of Betsy's from a very early age, and she began to hone her skills as the photo editor for Millikin University's student newspaper. Today she is regarded as one of the premiere chess photographers in the United States, always providing top-notch coverage of events from Supernationals to the US Chess Championship. In 2004, Betsy's work appeared in a group showing titled, "Endo Expressions," at the ARC Gallery in Chicago. "I consider photography my art," she says. "I am so a classically trained singer but photography has become a profession. As a singer I know I did a good job when I move someone to tears, as a photographer I wouldn't mind doing the same one day. In general I am blessed to do what I love."

Betsy uses a Nikon D3. When she can she will grab a Canon from a friend for a few shots. Her favorite lens is her 17-200mm. All pictures in this report are by Betsy Dynako.

2009 US Women's Championship – Final Standings

The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization that opened in July 2008. Founded by retired investment fund manager Rex Sinquefield, it has more than 500 members. The club offers free classes, discounted tournament entry fees and discounted merchandise for club members. For more information, please visit the web official site, or call 314-361-CHESS.

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