2011 World Open (Philadelphia, USA)

America’s premier chess tournament has begun! More than 1,000 participants will gather at the Sheraton Center City for the 39th Annual World Open. US Champion Gata Kamsky is in the field along with GM Michael Adams and a host of other strong players and young talent.

US Champion Gata Kamsky facing FM Kassa Korley. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
US Champion Gata Kamsky facing FM Kassa Korley

England's Michael Adams. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
England’s Michael Adams

Upon glancing up and down the boards of the top sections there was a good amount of scholastic players who are looking for upsets, norms and thus, fifteen minutes of fame. U.S. Junior Champion Greg Young is playing as well as New York “Big Three” from the African-American community, Justus Williams, Josh Colas and James Black.

Photos by Daaim Shabazz.

Official Site

15 Comments

  1. The Black community has not has not seen such a wave of talent as we see now. There are three twelve-year olds who have shown tremendous promise. Two have already earned the coveted Master’s title and one is mere points away. Combine this trio with the Bryant twins (Nigel and Jehron), Darrian Robinson and FM Kassa Korley and you have a fine collection of talent. Here are the “Big Three” in action.

    NM Justus Williams. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.

    National Master Justus Williams

    NM Josh Colas. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.

    National Master Josh Colas

    Candidate Master James Black, Jr. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.

    Candidate Master James Black Jr.

  2. Truly exciting and promising for chess in our community. All three are gentlemen and have exhibited great love for the game and sportsmanship. The sky is the limit for these star hopefuls.

  3. Selected Photos from World Open (July 3, 2011)

    City Hall, one of the fixtures of downtown Philly
    and a photographer’s dream subject!

    Beautiful downtown Philly

    Meanwhile at the Sheraton Hotel, a 33.8 ounce bottle cost $4.99. No thank you.

    GM Gata Kamsky vs. GM Michael Adams (1/2-1/2)

    GM Ray Robson vs. GM Jaan Ehlvest (1/2-1/2)

    GM Loek van Wely vs. GM Ilya Smirin (1-0)

    In round seven, WIM Lorena Zapeda faces NM Josh Colas (0-1)

    GM Pentala Harikrishna vs. GM Loek Van Wely (1/2-1/2)

    FM William Morrison

    IM-elect Farai Mandizha playing blitz.

    Michael Young of Tampa Bay Chess Club

    Ken McDonald and FM William Morrison sponsored by TSRI technology.

    1. What is TSRI Technology? TSRI = ?? Guess = Technology Science Research Institute. Products? Please inform, thanks.
      Good to see William playing!
      Peace and thanks,
      Kimani A. Stancil

  4. Photo Reflections from the 2011 World Open

    GM Pentala Harikrishna vs. GM Michael Adams

    NMs Josh Colas and Justus Williams

    Under-2200

    Shaun Smith vs. NM Lawyer Times (1/2-1/2)

    U.S. Virgin Islands players (baseball caps)

    Dwayne Walton (under-2200)

    The Colas Family

    Abdullah Abdulbasir and Daaim Shabazz

    Bill Goicherg posting the final pairing of Open Section.

    Pairings

    Goicherg giving the state of the World Open before final round.

    Revelers out in Fourth of July festivities

    Before going back to see the final round, I stopped at Asia on the Parkway. I had ‘Tofu Satay’ as appetizer. Good with the spicy peanut sauce and cucumbers (eaten already). I had an garlic eggplant dish for the entree.

    GM Ray Robson vs. GM Pentala Harikrishna

    GM Michael Adams vs. GM Timur Gareev

    The ‘youth movement’ was in full force in the Open Section.

    Not everyone has lost confidence in Greece.

    WGM Anna Sharevich

    In this photo, we have Superman
    and an agent from the movie, ‘The Matrix’.

    After a good tournament, James Black, Sr. congratulates his son, James Black, Jr.

    St. Nicholas Chess & Backgammon Club

    New York represented well at World Open. Members of the St. Nicholas Club are here with the two young stars, James Black and Justus Williams. Beautiful photo! 🙂

    James Black, Jr. playing NM Ernest Colding in blitz. It’s new school vs. old school. Colding showed he could still show a thing or two.

    Everyone wants to take pictures with these rising stars. Shabazz with Black and Williams.

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