For the past two years, IM Amon Simutowe of Zambia has been hunting for the ever-elusive GM norm. When he achieves his next, it will be his 3rd and final norm for the title. For the past week, he has competed in the Generation Chess International Tournament and is currently at 3-3 after a stunning upset victory over GM Jaan Ehlvest.

While he has to win his last three game to still have a chance for the norm, this is a critical moment for Simutowe. The 21-year old Zambian has had mediocre results the last two years and is playing back into form. Despite this fact, he is considered by some (including GM Garry Kasparov), as one of the most talented players Africa has ever produced.

Simutowe, who has a very handsome collection of wins over strong GMs, added another last night against Ehlvest. In this game, he played creatively, kept Ehlvest off balance and scored the victory. The opponents standing in the way of his 3rd norm are  IM Mark Bluvshtein, IM Eugene Perelshteyn and GM Leonid Yudasin. Simutowe has enjoyed success against Yudasin, having scored 1½-½ in their two previous encounters.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 30 April  2003