The US Masters Returns to Carolina
By Gary Newsom
The US Masters is set to make it’s second consecutive appearance in North Carolina from August 29 to September 2, 2013. This year’s edition will be held the same venue as last year, The Embassy Suites Hotel in Greensboro, NC.
9 GM’s and 5 IM’s are already committed, with many more expected to join. Boding well for norm status, 10 foreign players are also registered. Here is a link to the current field.
Tournament organizers Dr Walter High and Gary Newsom have built up a big-time tournament atmosphere in the Tar Heel state, taking over the North Carolina Open in 2010 and doubling attendance to 200+ the first year. Taking on the 2012 US Masters was a natural progression after the success of the state event.
Last year’s event had the feel of a “chess festival” with almost 350 in attendance including 11 GM’s and sections for everyone from elite players down to scholastics.
This year’s event is promises to be even bigger and better. Again it is paired up with the NC Open, offering 4 sections for the weekend warrior. Again there will be a U1000 Saturday only scholastics for the kiddies.
Oh and there is the unconditionally guaranteed cash payout of $30,000 for the weekend. Not bad for a sleepy southern chess festival!
With a comfortable hotel at a discount rate, low EF proportional to prize fund, book vendors, GM lectures, simuls and all the chess excitement you can stand, the US Masters/North Carolina Open would be an excellent choice for a Labor Day weekend chess getaway.
Link to tournament details:
http://www.carolinaschessinitiative.com/tournament-info.html
Aug. 29-Sept. 2, GPP: 200 (enhanced)
2013 U.S. Masters Championship
9-SS 40/90, SD/60, inc.30. Embassy Suites Airport, 204 Centreport Dr., Greensboro, NC 27409, (336) 668-4535, mention chess tournament for discounted hotel rate. GM and IM norms may be possible! $17000 in prizes UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED! $5000-3000-1750-1500-1250-1000-800-500-100-100 U2450 1000 U2350 500 U2300 500. EF: $199 if received by August 15 $250 later or on site. GM’s and foreign IM’s Free. No money taken out of winnings to reimburse for EF. This tournament is open only to players who have ratings over 2200, those who have ever been so rated, all foreign FIDE-rated players, and juniors (under age 21) rated over 2000. RDS.: Aug 29 7:00PM then 12-7, 12-7, 12-7, 12-7. HR: $99 All rooms are suite style. Free made to order breakfast daily, free manager’s reception nightly, and free airport shuttle available for all guests. Advance Entry Send checks to: Walter High, 105 North Crabtree Knoll, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Make checks payable to: Carolinas Chess Initiative (CCI). On site entry will be available on August 29 from 2-6:30PM. BYES: A maximum of two byes allowed. Byes must be requested before the start of round 2. INFO: Walter High wmhigh@nc.rr.com, or Gary Newsom, gary.newsom@queencitychess.com More info including pre-entry lists may be available at: carolinaschessinitiatve.com FIDE rated. No smoking. No computers.
Fantastico!