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#1 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
2009 CHESSCA OPEN is back! October 31st – November 1st, 2009
Hello all! Hope the gorgeous summer is treating everyone well! Due to popular demand, we are very delighted to bring back the Chessca Open, to be held once again in the beautiful and historic town of Elora, Ontario. This year’s event will also feature a guided historical walking tour around the town of Elora, courtesy of the Elora Village Tour group. The tour is complimentary for all Chessca Open players. Also, players are welcome to join the Elora Town’s annual Halloween’s party at the Elora Mill Inn on Saturday night – tickets can be purchased at the door. We have also negotiated substantially discounted room rates at the Elora Mill Inn, exclusive for all Chessca Open players. Room rates start at $159++ (excluding gratuity and taxes), and will include free parking and continental buffet breakfast for two. Please quote Chessca Open when making your reservation. Only 32 rooms/suites are available at the inn -- so book early to avoid disappointment! Details for the Inn are as below: Elora Mill Inn Website: http://www.eloramill.com Phone: 1-866-713-5672 Person-in-charge: Kelly Gagnon Due to space limitation, we are able to accommodate only up to 80 players this year. So register early to avoid disappointment! Details of the tournament are as follow: 2009 CHESSCA OPEN Date: October 31st – November 1st, 2009 (Saturday and Sunday) Place: Elora Mill Inn, Elora, Ontario Section, Rounds and Time Control: 1 section, 5 rounds, 90 minutes each to the finish Entry Fee: $65 by October 15th, $80 after October 15th, $100 at the door Prizes: Minimum $1,000 guaranteed in total prize fund Byes: Maximum of 4 byes in rounds 1 to 4 Contact: Mei at meichenlee@gmail.com Pictures from last year’s event: 2008 Chessca Open Note: This is a CFC-rated tournament, therefore CFC membership is required. A one-time tournament membership can be purchased for $20 for the purpose of this event. Schedule: OCTOBER 31ST, SATURDAY -- 8.30 am to 9.30 am: Check-in -- 10 am to 1 pm: ROUND 1 -- 1.15 to 2.45 pm: Guided historical walking tour of the village of Elora (FREE for all players. Parents/visitors are most welcome to join us at only $10 per person). Tour provided by The Elora Village Tour group. Bring your walking shoes and camera! You will not be disappointed. -- 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm: ROUND 2 -- 8 pm: Elora Town Halloween’s Party at the Elora Mill Inn (tickets can be purchased at the door) NOVEMBER 1ST, SUNDAY -- 9 am to 12 pm: ROUND 3 -- 1 to 4 pm: ROUND 4 -- 5 pm to 8 pm: ROUND 5 Pre-Registered List, as of October 29th, 2009 GM Bator Sambuev, 2638 IM Artiom Samsonkin, 2601 IM Tomas Krnan, 2490 Roman Sapozhnikov, 2404 Alexander Martchenko, 2355 FM Hans Jung, 2246 Erwin Casareno, 2203 Michael Humphreys, 2158 Brian Fiedler, 2146 Gordon Olheiser, 2122 Mikhail Egorov, 2106 Yuriy Kryvoshlyk, 2073 Christopher Knox, 2069 Vladimir Drkulec, 2060 Mahmud Hassain, 2047 Kyle Jolliffe, 1987 Aaron Both, 1984 James Fu, 1978 Raymond Singh, 1974 Laurentiu Grigorescu, 1957 Robert Gashgarian, 1939 Garvin Nunes, 1934 Richard Moran, 1929 Daniel Wiebe, 1929 Constantine Khayutin, 1928 Robert Gillanders, 1898 Robert Bzikot, 1888 Richard Garel, 1878 Tim Knechtel, 1867 Guannan Terry Song, 1821 John Jordan, 1813 Ferdinand Supsup, 1793 Michael von Keitz, 1747 Zeljko Kitich, 1741 Lee Hendon, 1689 Mario Moran-Venegas, 1642 Mate Milinkovic, 1639 Adam Cormier, 1638 Reuben McCleary, 1604 Mario Piccinin, 1595 Steve Karpik, 1565 Kyle France, 1537 Sebastian Niemiec, 1512 Giuseppe Del Duca, 1352 James Denis Dylan Martin, 1346 Kai Gauer, 1232 Damir Baizhiyenov, 1250 Benjamin Papernick, 1200 Rick McCleary, 1162 Henry Hu, 1098 Bogdan Bobin, 1072 Aterya Gupta, 847 Josh Perl, 788 Abraham Sheng, 780 Jack Barron, UNR Kevaughn Ellis, UNR Some additional pictures from the 2008 CHESSCA OPEN ![]() Elora Mill Inn, Elora, Ontario One of Ontario's "Four Great Mills" dating to the 19th century, the Elora Mill Inn promises a charmingly historic ambiance. ![]() Gorgeous Elora, in October By David Farrant, picture taken at the 2008 Chessca Open ![]() Nathan Farrant-Diaz’s mum, and Nikita Gusev’s father, Victor By David Farrant, picture taken at the 2008 Chessca Open ![]() Tim Knechtel By David Farrant, picture taken at the 2008 Chessca Open ![]() Gary and Al, Elora Village Tour Group Guides, Gary and Al, in costume, potraying two characters from Elora's past. The guides will sing some songs and recite some poems as they speak of the nature of the village shortly after the arrival of the railways. You will be led along some pathways of the Elora Gorge and through some village streets. Several old buildings and unusual features of Elora will be pointed out. ![]() Tim Murton’s Twilight Zoo, October 8th to 31st 2009, Elora, Ontario By David Farrant, picture taken at the 2008 Chessca Open Kids of all ages will love this Halloween show! Amazing wire and paper scuptures by day, they take on an eerie glow as they light up the river bank by night. But be careful as you walk through the monster garden... you never know who - or what - is around the next corner! View Elora's own Loch Ness monster on the Grand River, and spot the new friends who have joined Nessie in the water this year. Plan on bringing the whole clan to see for yourselves. For more information, visit:http://www.twilightzoo.ca/id23.html ![]() The Elora Gorge By David Farrant, picture taken at the 2008 Chessca Open The Elora Gorge is several kilometres of 80-foot cliffs, caverns, rapids and quiet pools. During the summer, hiking along the cliffs and inner-tubing through the gorge are popular activities. Hiking trails begin right at Elora Mill Inn. During the winter months cross country skiing and scenic winter walks are popular. Inner tube rentals are available from the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. The Grand River also provides excellent fly-fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The Elora-Cataract trail traverses 47 kilometres of scenic countryside. Along the trail, between Fergus and Elora is the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, an abandoned quarry that is a favourite spot for a refreshing dip. The countryside surrounding Elora is lovely. You can visit Ontario's last remaining covered bridge at West Montrose, tour through Old Order Mennonite farm country, and visit many local museums or local galle ries such as The Styll Gallery. ![]() Elora Can you spot the Inn from here? By David Farrant, picture taken at the 2008 Chessca Open ![]() Riverside shopping in Elora Can you spot the Halloween skeleton? By David Farrant, picture taken at the 2008 Chessca Open The town of Elora is a charming and historic limestone village. Antique shops, studios and galleries are attractively housed in 19th-century limestone buildings along quaint Mill and Metcalfe Streets. Local art galleries, festivals, and farmer's markets in Elora and surrounding St. Jacobs offer a truly unique country Inn experience. ![]() Getting to Elora is easy! It is only 30 minutes from the 401 and a short drive from many other points of interest including Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo and Fergus. From Toronto: Take 401 west towards London and follow the directions below. From the 401: Follow Highway 6 North through Guelph.* Turn left onto County Road 7 just north of Marden. In about 10 minutes you will see Elora! From Kitchener: Take Highway 86 north, and then County Road 22 north at the Waterloo City limits. *County Road 22 turns into County Road 18 and you will end up at the stop lights at Salem. Keep straight and follow the road right into Elora! ![]() See you at the 2009 Chessca Open! Mei Last edited by Mei Chen Lee; October 29th, 2009 at 08:57 PM. |
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#2 |
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Aurora/GTCL/ON
Posts: 1,204
Rep Power: 4 ![]() |
thnx Mei for the answer.
*** not to confuse, the questions were deleted. Last edited by Egidijus Zeromskis; August 21st, 2009 at 01:01 PM. |
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#3 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Hi Egidijus,
Thanks for the reminder. This is a CFC-rated tournament, therefore CFC membership is required. A one-time membership can be purchased at $20. As for section, this year a 1-big-happy-Open section applies. Cheers! Mei. Last edited by Mei Chen Lee; August 21st, 2009 at 01:19 PM. |
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#4 |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Hamilton
Posts: 112
Rep Power: 2 ![]() |
Did the CFC change the one tourney membership to 20 dollars?
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#5 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Oh boy...
Note to all: The announcement has been edited to reflect the changes. Thanks Garvin! Last edited by Mei Chen Lee; August 21st, 2009 at 02:28 PM. |
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#6 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
August 22nd: The announcement above has been edited to include a PRE-REGISTERED list. To avoid multiple threads in this forum, the list will be updated periodically in the main announcement (top) in this thread.
So come back often to check the growing list! Cheers, Mei. |
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#7 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 70
Rep Power: 2 ![]() |
Remembering the Best Chess Event I have ever played in Ontario? CHESSCA 2007!!!
http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2007...ssca-open.html Right at the Mall, where the general public are passing and people asking questions... What's going on folks? How can I join in the fun? How come I don't know about this? Where can I buy a chess set or something to start with? I think, if chess is going to appeal to the general public, Publicity and visibility are keys to it's promotion, where lots of people could see, where people wonders why a game of chess could attract players with such magnitude. Why chess? The tournament organizer had also attracted several sponsors and given away several special and raffle prizes to participants. She chose the right and beautiful venue. Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the winners of the tournament. Free fruits, snacks and drinks. The only limitation was the size of the playing hall wherein the tournament organizer had to limit the number of participants. I registered early because it's going to be another great and enjoyable chess tournament and let's have fun and save too! Mei, Do you still have pictures of this event to share? Cheers and Kudos to Mei Chen Lee! |
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#8 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 345
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Wow Tim looks like that painting of that Greek god Prometheus or the giant Vulcan
![]() ![]() Is he playing chess or forging a new position from the eternal elements & flame... I assume since he's playing the black pieces in this stunning picture that he is an evil god...
Last edited by Zeljko Kitich; August 25th, 2009 at 06:10 PM. |
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#9 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Thank you, Ferdinand. The belief is very much appreciated.
My apologies for the delay in getting back to you on your previous message. Life has constantly been on the run with work and school. Also, I blame the very nice last few weeks of Canadian summer! The only picture that I currently have on file from the 2007 Chessca Open is as below. The picture was taken by the local newspaper, Guelph Mercury. ![]() STANDALONE FOR NEWS TONY SAXON, GUELPH MERCURY: Six-year-old Mila Milicevic of Toronto, and her stuffed dog, plays at the 2007 Chessca Open at the Old Quebec Street Mall Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007. Roughly 90 competitors took part in the event, including a Russian Grand Master (GM Bator Sambuev) and the reigning Canadian women's champion, who happens to be Milicevic's mother, Miss Natalia Khoudgarian. Other pictures will require some digging through – but they will follow shortly once I return from the Montreal Open. All the best and see you at Chessca! Kind regards, Mei. Last edited by Mei Chen Lee; September 19th, 2009 at 05:58 PM. |
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#10 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 174
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Any prize for best Halloween costume?
Reduced entry fees for zombies? (They would lose on time anyways) Are kids going to go game to game with an open bag to put sacked pawns in? Can I use my orange and white chess board? Is there a local bakery with pumpkin pie? |
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#11 | |
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Aurora/GTCL/ON
Posts: 1,204
Rep Power: 4 ![]() |
Quote:
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#12 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
SPONSORS
Good news! We have just received several sponsorships from various local businesses in Elora for the upcoming 2009 Chessca Open. All gifts received from our sponsors will be distributed to players as prizes at the 2009 Chessca Open. New Orleans Pizza ![]() 16 Mill St. E., Elora, Ontario Contact: Miss Lori Grob (519) 846-2400 New Orleans Pizza has guaranteed a minimum of 6 gift certificates for the 6 best dressed players, valued at no less than $150 in total. This year, we have decided to distribute the best dressed prizes as such: 1. 1x Best dressed girl (below age 12) 2. 1x Best dressed boy (below age 12) 3. 2x Best dressed players 4. 2x Best dressed seniors (above age 55) Estate of Mind ![]() 36 Mill Street West Elora Ontario (519) 846-8137 http://www.estateofmind.ca/ One of the earliest guaranteed sponsors, Estate of Mind has graciously sponsored a gift basket valued at no less than $50 for the best female player. In addition, they have also added in a mystery prize, for the magic square competition. Details about the competition will be announced on the day of the tournament. Elora Mill Inn ![]() 77 Mill St., West Elora, Ontario 1-866-713-5672 http://www.eloramill.com/ Last year, the Elora Mill Inn (EMI) had sponsored a gift certificate for a free stay in one of the Ontario Finest Inns establishments, valued at about $200 for the best dressed player. This year, the EMI has once again guaranteed their sponsorship in the tournament. Further details of their award will be released shortly. The Dragonfly Café 15 Mill Street East, Elora, Ontario (519) 846-0866 Miss Rebecca Cremasco of The Dragonfly Café has graciously provided their services in the promotion of the tournament in the city of Elora. The promotion includes an upcoming chess simultaneous exhibition at the local Elora Farmers’ Market, scheduled on September 26th 2009 (8.30 am – 1 pm). Come join us there! Elora Village Tours Gary Bryant 519-846-5567 Mr. Gary Bryan of the Elora Village Tours has graciously offered their services at a substantially discounted rate for all players of the 2009 Chessca Open. All players will be provided with a free local walking tour around the historic and beautiful town of Elora on the first day of the tournament. Elora is gorgeous in the fall – hope to see everyone there! Best wishes, Mei Last edited by Mei Chen Lee; September 18th, 2009 at 07:01 PM. |
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#13 |
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: St. John's, NL
Posts: 193
Rep Power: 2 ![]() |
Elora is a beautiful place... I took a ton of photos while passing through in June 2003. I wish I was still living in Ontario, I would play for sure.
Good luck everyone!! Jordan
__________________
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. Last edited by Jordan S. Berson; September 19th, 2009 at 02:01 AM. |
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#14 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 419
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Well done on sponsorship Mei! It looks like you are in the process of building a chess community in Elora! (maybe you should consider moving there and starting a chess business)
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#15 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Thank you, Hans.
I am merely paving the way for the greats like you, Hal Bond, Garvin Nunes, Bob Gillanders and Gordon Gooding to run the good race. Elora would be a very nice addition to the growing chess community in the Kichener/Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton and Niagara regions. Best wishes for the good work that you have been doing in Kitchener/Waterloo. Keep up the good work! Mei |
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#16 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 70
Rep Power: 2 ![]() |
Hi Mei,
Your tournament looks promising with over 50% of preregistered participants above the rating of 1900. There will definitely be exciting and competitive games. But wait, are we supposed to be preparing some scary or "dug from the grave" chess openings variations like the Fried Liver, Orangutan or the timely Halloween Gambit? ![]() http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ing_chess.html Perhaps, the Frankenstein-Dracula Variation might be played for this special event. http://alchessmist-chess-openings.bl...variation.html Preregistered players as of 29th of September = 32 Cheers!
Last edited by Ferdinand Supsup; October 2nd, 2009 at 11:08 AM. Reason: corrections |
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#17 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 70
Rep Power: 2 ![]() |
A friendly reminder for those potential participants who have planned, not yet registered and wanted to avail of the significant discount of $15 (advance registration) or $35 (at the door) for the CHESSCA Chess Tournament that the deadline will be on Thursday, October 15.
Entry Fee: $65 by October 15th, $80 after October 15th, $100 at the door. Thank You very Much! FYI, |
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#18 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
RE: 2009 Chessca Open: Early-bird rate – LAST DAY!
Hello all, Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to qualify for the early bird rate to the 2009 Chessca Open. Registrations received up to midnight will be accepted at a discounted rate of $65. All other registrations received after October 15th will be charged the regular fee of $80. Walk-in entries accepted at $100. Thanks, Mei. Last edited by Mei Chen Lee; October 16th, 2009 at 08:23 AM. |
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#19 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Posts: 622
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
I posted this two days ago, but it's gone:
The photos in this thread, especially the ones by David Farrant, comprise the best photo spread I've ever seen in connection with a chess tournament. This Is Art. Well done! |
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#20 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Rep Power: 3 ![]() |
Thank you, Jon.
David's pictures are indeed a work of art. It was love at first sight on my end (referring to the pictures). For your viewing pleasure, here are some additional pictures taken at the recent Brantford Food Bank Tournament, July 2009. Enjoy! Mei Last edited by Mei Chen Lee; October 19th, 2009 at 09:27 PM. |
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