North American Chess Association organizes yet another fine tournament
2010 has come upon us and the North American Chess Association (NACA) begins once again their tournament series where players from around globe can participate in their search for their FIDE title norms. Over the course of the past 5 years, many individuals have gained a single norm or more at the event, such as GM Pascal Charbonneau and GM Ben Finegold. 3 participants have been fortunate to complete all of their title requirements at this tournament series: IM Florin Felecan, IM Mehmed Pasalic, and IM Marc T. Arnold. Over the course of 24 tournaments over 100 players have participated with over a dozen norms earned.
This year the tournament series takes on a new life, changing its schedule of IM norm events to become double round robins, divided over 2 weekends, 1 per month. With this new format, the NACA is aiming at increasing the number of chess patrons that visit the tournament site, the Holiday Inn North Shore Hotel. In addition, the NACA will open swiss style tournaments giving many players the chance at norms up to and including Grandmaster norms.
Currently the 24th North American Masters is in progress. A 6 player double round robin has completed the first half of the event on January 10th. The field of participants includes:
* IM Florin Felecan (USA) – FIDE 2430
* IM Mehmed Pasalic (GER) – FIDE 2349
* IM Arjun Vishnuvardhan (IND) – FIDE 2285
* FM Robby Adamson (USA) – FIDE 2303
* FM Gauri Shankar (USA) – FIDE 2295
* Jon L. Burgess (ENG) – FIDE 2244
2 of the 3 International Masters, Felecan and Pasalic, achieved all of their IM norms from this tournament series. FM Gauri Shankar secured his first IM norm from this tournament series last year and FM Robby Adamson currently holds a single IM norm. The tournament is currently being led by FM Robby Adamson with a score of 4/5 (3 wins and 2 draws). He is the only norm seeker left with realistic chances at achieving his norm. He requires a score of 6/9 or 7/10 to achieve the norm.
The NACA was fortunate when long time chess lover, Mr. Vince W. Berry, an owner of a commercial real estate business stepped forth to sponsor the 24th North American Masters. Without the support of sponsors such as Mr. Berry, events such as this would not be possible
For more information and a complete schedule of events held by the North American Chess Association, please visit http://www.nachess.org or email Sevan A. Muradian at sevan@nachess.org
