A quick look at the list of participants at the Istanbul World Junior Championship confirms that those rich in chess talent get richer. India sent 12 players, two coaches, and four other escorts. Russia has 12 players and four coaches. China, 11 players; Georgia 9; Azerbaijan 7. The Ukraine only sent two, oddly. But that's two more than the United States sent. I've sent out a few emails to find out why; any information out there? (There are six Poles, a girl from England, and an Aussie, so we can't speak of a coalition of the willing to ignore junior chess.)
After six rounds the event is led by Mamedyarov, who won in 2003 and who must be the highest-rated player ever to participate in this event at 2674. I guess he has a lot of free time, or wants to pick up some of the chicks ChessBase keeps running photos of.
I don't know much about Mamedyarov, but seeing that he is willing to put his elite rating on the line in a tournament like this makes me like him already! I wish more elite GMs were willing to slum it a few times a year just out of the love for chess.
1. Jessie Gilbert is English
2. Mamedyarov's sister is playing, maybe he is there to help her.
Had problems trying to post this a few hours ago!
WFM Paloma Gutierrez Castillo from Spain looks like Kramnik's twin sister... lol
WFM Paloma Gutierrez Castillo from Spain looks like Kramnik's twin sister... lol
Some of you will probably be excited by this link then : US Chess School. Gregory Kaidanov. What an idea. Greg Shahade is the man!!
http://www.uschessschool.com/index.html
I know what you mean aaa. It seems like some GMs are afraid of losing their precious points if they don't feel it's 'worth' it. But I like that Mamedyarov from Azerbaijan. 2674 is a pretty insane ranking for a Junior.