Brief Recap

GM Maurice Ashley set out a vision to change the landscape of chess in the U.S. and perhaps in the coming weeks we will be able to assess whether he realized his vision. However, one could say that the success of the HB Global Chess Challenge is already a forgone conclusion as more than 1600 players from 30 countries trekked to Minneapolis, Minnesota to compete for a $500,000 purse. It was the largest such tournament and will set a precedent for the standards of American tournaments and those throughout the globe.

In coming weeks, The Chess Drum will provide reflective reports on the tournament including many photos from the festivities and audio interviews with GM Ashley and several participants of tournament (GM Hikaru Nakamura, GM Pentala Harikrishna, IM Amon Simutowe and Jorge Renteriá). As players return to their respective homes, they will reflect on this momentous event and it is without doubt that Ashley has sparked the imagination of tournament organizers and his infectious energy will hopefully spur a new chess renaissance in the post-Kasparov era.

Dr. Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum

Posted by The Chess Drum: 23 May 2005