2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

[Bindi Cheng]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Jean, once you get to 2600 fide you can complain about the conditions, until then, be happy that Hal actually put in a bid and the event is actually happening. Quit whining like a princess, you need the whole day to eat, sleep, and "exercise"? This isn't a million dollar event backed up by national sponsors: It's just a chess tournament.

[Laurentiu Grigorescu]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Does the marketplace want Ponomariov, Khalifman and Rustam K. as "world champions"?
Why is not Gelfand a "world champion" - he won the same competition like the others?

[David Ottosen]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

I'm happy to see Jean gave it at least 24 hours before complaining about the conditions.

I don't think anyone is presenting this bid and saying "Ha, screw Linares, look what WE'VE put together!". This is what the marketplace is willing to do. And to be honest, I like the idea of external preparation playing a lesser part, but that's because I like chess as a 1-1 competition, rather than a study hall + exam session.

"I believe that further sponsors/donations (a futher one or two thousand dollars, maybe) should be seeked "

So seek them.

[Eric Hansen]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

I do agree that the 5 day schedule is brutal. Under the circumstances the bid is good and very appreciated but I'm worried about the 2 games/day. From all my experiences in the big gambling-like American swiss events with quick schedules the rate of play deteriorated way too much for my liking. It could turn out as an advantage for me over older folks but not quite the way you'd like to try to win the national title.

[Jean Hébert]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Fide regulations are interesting, to say the least.

Section D.02 covers zonal compettions.

"8.5 The Zonal tournaments must be conducted according to FIDE standards for times and rates of play. The relevant Continental President of FIDE must approve the playing schedule. "

And in section C.01, titled Recommendations for organization of top level tournaments:

"3.2 There must be no main playing session before 13.00 hours, local time. "

"3.3 To maintain the rhythm, all rounds must begin at the same hour, the last round being no exception. Preferred starting time is 15.00 hours."

But here comes the loophole. Back to D.02:

"7.2 If in a Zone it is not possible to hold a zonal tournament under the conditions of these regulations, the Zonal President is empowered to hold the tournament under modified conditions. "

No two game/day event can be considered "top level", even by canadian standards. It means playing chess without proper rest, without enough time to eat, sleep or exercise properly. It means also no time to prepare for individual games, which is closely linked to serious chess, and even more so to "top level chess". Even if financial conditions for titled players have been improved, this should not be accomplished at the price of making the Canadian Closed a simple extended weekender, which would be I believe a terrible first in canadian chess History. What's next? A five round weekender ? This is simply not acceptable.
On the basis of the current bid, I believe that further sponsors/donations (a futher one or two thousand dollars, maybe) should be seeked in order to extend the event to a minimum of seven days (two days at most with two games to be played) and preferably to nine days. Among the current sponsors I do not find CMA (has it been approached?) . Historically they rarely say "no" to worthy chess causes and now that their mortgage is all paid for... :)
This is too important to leave it as it is. The Canadian championship should not be played under such a half-serious formula which ruins the quality of chess and makes for a gruelling and unpleasant chess experience for everyone.

[Garland Best]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Fide regulations are interesting, to say the least.

Section D.02 covers zonal compettions.

"8.5 The Zonal tournaments must be conducted according to FIDE standards for times and rates of play. The relevant Continental President of FIDE must approve the playing schedule. "

And in section C.01, titled Recommendations for organization of top level tournaments:

"3.2 There must be no main playing session before 13.00 hours, local time. "

"3.3 To maintain the rhythm, all rounds must begin at the same hour, the last round being no exception. Preferred starting time is 15.00 hours."

But here comes the loophole. Back to D.02:

"7.2 If in a Zone it is not possible to hold a zonal tournament under the conditions of these regulations, the Zonal President is empowered to hold the tournament under modified conditions. "

[Fred McKim]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Is that a format allowed by FIDE rules for a zonal that is supposed to allow IM norms ? I thought that a two game a day event would not be possible in that context. A certain (small) number of days with two games is allowed , but 4/5 days with two games ? Of course Hal and the CFC must have thought of this and we will quickly be reassured...

Looks good

http://www.fide.com/component/handbo...8&view=article

[Robert Clark]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Yes, I recall the situation (and it was handled very, very badly - needless to say). My point is that the description(s) in the Handbook are not consistent (in my view). I realize the part about the "at least 2000 rating" was likely related to the incident you describe, but it seems that clause only pertains to the territories - not provinces!?

I see what you mean. I assume it means both provinces and territories as the comma follows, I think its just worded horribly.

With all of my negativity I would like to extend my full congratulations to Hal and for this awesome bid. All the best!

[Kerry Liles]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

I think can explain this. This is before my time in terms of the executive matters of Northern Ontario chess, but a few years ago, our representative was not accepted in due to rating. His cheque was cashed, he attempted many times to get in contact with the person conducting the tournament and was not replied to at all. Upon arriving (he's from Thunder Bay an the tournament was held in Southern Ontario), he was told he was not allowed entry, despite there being other players sub 2000 in the tournament.

Sorry about the rambling, it’s still a sore spot in chess up in Thunder Bay with a couple people, myself included. Hope that clears things up!

Yes, I recall the situation (and it was handled very, very badly - needless to say). My point is that the description(s) in the Handbook are not consistent (in my view). I realize the part about the "at least 2000 rating" was likely related to the incident you describe, but it seems that clause only pertains to the territories - not provinces!?

[Robert Clark]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

The phrase "Provincial Association and Territorial nominees, with a minimum rating of 2000." is a bit misleading isn't it?

Looking at 804, it seems clear that a Provincial Champion may qualify regardless of rating...

It looks like the 2000 rating floor only applies to "The Yukon, N.W.T., and Nunuvat" (803e)

I think can explain this. This is before my time in terms of the executive matters of Northern Ontario chess, but a few years ago, our representative was not accepted in due to rating. His cheque was cashed, he attempted many times to get in contact with the person conducting the tournament and was not replied to at all. Upon arriving (he's from Thunder Bay an the tournament was held in Southern Ontario), he was told he was not allowed entry, despite there being other players sub 2000 in the tournament.

Sorry about the rambling, it’s still a sore spot in chess up in Thunder Bay with a couple people, myself included. Hope that clears things up!

[Jean Hébert]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship
Chief Organizer: Hal Bond, IO, IA,
205 – 105 Conroy Crescent, Guelph, ON N1G 2V5
halbond@sympatico.ca

Dates: May 7-11, 2011
Venue: Peter Clark Hall, Guelph University Centre
Format: 9 Round Swiss
Eligibility:
All players must meet the requirements of Article 807 in the CFC Handbook, and be eligible to compete for Canada in the World Chess Cup. Exceptions are subject to approval by the CFC Executive.
Players with a CFC, FQE or FIDE rating over 2200
Provincial Association and Territorial nominees, with a minimum rating of 2000.
FIDE titled FM, WIM or higher
Canadian Junior Champion and Canadian Women’s Champion
Schedule: Players meeting: Friday, May 6, 7pm University Centre Room 004 (tentative)
Round 1-8 Saturday – Tuesday 10am, 4pm
Round 9 Wednesday, May 11 10am followed by playoffs as required.
Time Control: 40/90, G/30 + 30 seconds from move one.
Entry Fees: $250 per player. Free entry to GMs and IMs.
Prize fund: $ 4,000 cash prize fund (based on 30 paid entries) and travel prize to World Cup.
Accommodations: Special rate of $93.99 per night includes full hot breakfast at Best Western Royal Brock Hotel, 716 Gordon Street(across the road from University).

Free accommodation and meal allowance based on double occupancy for defending champion, vice champion and GMs.
Sponsors:
Chess Federation of Canada (CFC), University of Guelph, Ontario Chess Association (OCA),
Southwestern Ontario Chess League (SWOCL)

Is that a format allowed by FIDE rules for a zonal that is supposed to allow IM norms ? I thought that a two game a day event would not be possible in that context. A certain (small) number of days with two games is allowed , but 4/5 days with two games ? Of course Hal and the CFC must have thought of this and we will quickly be reassured...

[Kerry Liles]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship
Chief Organizer: Hal Bond, IO, IA,
205 – 105 Conroy Crescent, Guelph, ON N1G 2V5
halbond@sympatico.ca

Dates: May 7-11, 2011
Venue: Peter Clark Hall, Guelph University Centre
Format: 9 Round Swiss
Eligibility:
All players must meet the requirements of Article 807 in the CFC Handbook, and be eligible to compete for Canada in the World Chess Cup. Exceptions are subject to approval by the CFC Executive.
Players with a CFC, FQE or FIDE rating over 2200
Provincial Association and Territorial nominees, with a minimum rating of 2000.
FIDE titled FM, WIM or higher
Canadian Junior Champion and Canadian Women’s Champion
Schedule: Players meeting: Friday, May 6, 7pm University Centre Room 004 (tentative)
Round 1-8 Saturday – Tuesday 10am, 4pm
Round 9 Wednesday, May 11 10am followed by playoffs as required.
Time Control: 40/90, G/30 + 30 seconds from move one.
Entry Fees: $250 per player. Free entry to GMs and IMs.
Prize fund: $ 4,000 cash prize fund (based on 30 paid entries) and travel prize to World Cup.
Accommodations: Special rate of $93.99 per night includes full hot breakfast at Best Western Royal Brock Hotel, 716 Gordon Street(across the road from University).

Free accommodation and meal allowance based on double occupancy for defending champion, vice champion and GMs.
Sponsors:
Chess Federation of Canada (CFC), University of Guelph, Ontario Chess Association (OCA),
Southwestern Ontario Chess League (SWOCL)

Regarding "Round 9 Wednesday, May 11 10am followed by playoffs as required."

what are the specifications for the playoffs?
(I think the handbook indicates 17 rounds of Rock,Paper, Scissors...) - just kidding...

[Fred McKim]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

The phrase "Provincial Association and Territorial nominees, with a minimum rating of 2000." is a bit misleading isn't it?

Looking at 804, it seems clear that a Provincial Champion may qualify regardless of rating...

It looks like the 2000 rating floor only applies to "The Yukon, N.W.T., and Nunuvat" (803e)

The bid was accepted "as is, where is". I noticed this same anomaly. I would think that any official Provincial representative rated under 2000 would apply to either the Executive or Hal for an exception.

[Vlad Drkulec]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Yipes! I'd better get my rating over 2200 again.

[Hans Jung]

Re: 2011 Canadian Closed and Zonal Championship

Thanks Hal! Best news in a while.