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GM Jaan Ehlvest topped the field in Curacao to take home the trophy, 1500$ and the satisfaction of what he calls "being paid to be on holiday." Read the full story for games, photos and final report.
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Photo Francisco Guadalupe

With a no holds-barred attacking style, 13-year-old New Yorker Marc Arnold became our new Cadet (U16) Champion. He placed ahead of seven others in the 2006 edition held in Dallas(July 15-21).
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We recommend you solve these mates and helpmates beachside on your laptop-- with fritz turned off. E-mail or mail twelve correct answers before anyone else and get a free, signed copy of U.S. Problem Anthology, a problem collection compiled by Edgar Holladay.
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Rusudan Goletiani in a happy moment. Photo JS

The annual Curacao chess festival kicked off with the usual blend of sunbathing, time scrambles,and pina coladas. After four rounds, GM Jaan Ehlvest leads 4-0. Read the full story for photos and WGM Rusudan Goletiani's action-packed round three victory over GM Alexander Shabalov.
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Francisco Guadalupe

Robert Hess, the youngest player in the tournament, could have played in the concurrent Cadet Championship. He decided on the Junior because he revels in strong competition.
Coached by GM Miron Sher, this soon to be Stuyvesant freshman relied on his confidence and nerves when it looked like Cinderella story Jake Kleiman would take it all...
Check out our full report with games and photos.
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Blas Lugo attracted major sponsors to his first event. Photo JS

IM Blas Lugo organized his first major international tournament in Miami, Florida (July 7-9) and is already planning a winter edition.

Dozens of strong Cuban-American players live in Miami, including GM Julio Becerra and young star of the event, Bruci Lopez who tied for first with GM Vladimir Georgiev. Others traveled from all over the country to enjoy the luxurious, well-sponsored tournament.

Check out our report for games, stories and an incriminating snorkeling picture.
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Dresden at Night. Photo Paul Truong

Grandmaster Susan Polgar captures the World Women's Cup. The tournament, modelled after the World Cup of soccer was held in Dresden, Germany July 7-9.

Susan defeated two rising stars to secure her victory- WGM Carolina Lujan from Argentina in the semi-finals and local favorite IM Elisabeth Paehtz in the finals.

Read the full story for games and photos.
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Chess Life Online is very sad to report that Grandmaster Aleksander Wojtkiewicz passed away on Friday, July 14.

Aleksander won the last five tournaments he played in. Click on the full story for memories, life and games.

Please send donations to:

Aleksander Wojtkiewicz Funeral Fund
4813 Fernley Square
Halethorpe, MD, 21227
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Fourth of July fireworks were best seen a few blocks from the hotel. Photo JS

Cheating scandals, fireworks in sync with rain, and a 1000$ blitz game. Check out our report and final photo gallery.
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Philly has big buildings too. Photo Jacob Okada

Action heats up at the World Open! Who will take home close to 30K? Check out our first round of photos and games. Longer report tommorow.
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