ICC is hosting every year a relatively big money (2,000 Euros [$3,400] first) online blitz (3 0 time control) event named Dos Hermanas. For the second year running, an untitled player won in what must be considered a gigantic upset against numerous GMs.

But as I understand it, the matches are not proctored. Last year (2007) proctors were present for the finals in selected cases (as a hubbub over

Global Chess and Turkish Chess Federation have worked on redesigning Fide.com website. After many months, we finally see a washed face with pretty CMS, but the same old crappy content. Kirsan this, President that….

Oklahoma is not O.K. with many champions who, in addition to gripes about the money, cite Tulsa as a poor location for the United States Championship.

British house “Bonhams” has scheduled first specialized chess auction to take place on 13th May. Items are coming from all over the world, but organizers are particularly proud of an ivory board from the era of the Italian Renaissance. Due to the fact that such relics are rarely exhibited at the auctions, the Italian chessboard has become one of the most expensive lots - it is expected to be sold

Jack Speigel Memorial took place during the 2008 Easter Congress in Southend, England. Eight players (7 GM, 1 IM) competed in a round robin tournament, and at least five of them can be recognized as established and popular writers of chess books.

The England’s youngest Grandmaster David Howell won the tournament with fantastic 6,0 points out of seven rounds. Most of the games were decided in