2009 SPICE Cup - Norm Watch Update

Awwww, IM Ray Robson didn't make his final norm. He drew his final game with Rensch, but he needed a full point to score that final GM norm. The good news is that FM Danny Rensch scored the 1/2 point he needed for his final IM title norm! The USA has a new IM and a new GM (Ben Finegold) out of the "B" Group of the 2009 SPICE Cup. Congratulations to the new title-holders! Here are the final standings for the SPICE Cup "B" Group: 1-3 Finegold, Ben IM 2515 USA 6.0 1-3 Bhat, Vinay GM 2459 USA 6.0 1-3 Perelshteyn, Eugene GM 2542 USA 6.0 4 Robson, Ray IM 2527 USA 5.5 5 Papp, Gabor IM 2562 HUN 5.0 6-8 Rensch, Danny FM 2388 USA 4 6-8 Antal, Gergely IM 2486 HUN 4 6-8 Kuljasevic, Davorin IM 2547 CRO 4 9 Diamant, Andre GM 2526 BRA 2.5 10 Ippolito, Dean IM 2459 USA 2.0 Information from Susan Polgar's blog.

Ray Robson Fund Raiser

From the OrlandoSentinel.com Chess ace to challenge all comers October 17, 2007 Ray Robson, 12-year-old national chess master from Largo, will visit the Clermont Chess Club to play in a simultaneous exhibition against all challengers at noon Saturday at the Kehlor Building, 466 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont.The purpose of the exhibition is to raise money to support Robson's travels to Turkey from Nov. 17-29 to represent the United States and Florida in the World Youth Chess Championship. A $20 donation is suggested to participate in the exhibition, but anyone is welcome to play for a donation of any amount. The U.S. Chess Federation will provide $800, with another $300 coming from the Florida Chess Association, and Robson's family must make up the difference. The total cost for him to travel to Turkey is more than $5,000. Ray has been an occasional visitor to the Clermont Chess Club since he was 8, and other members have watched his progress.He earned the national master title in January 2006 and has won seven national scholastic titles. He is the son of Gary and Yee-chen Robson of Largo. Details: Paul Leggett, 352-243-8342. ************************************************************************************ I spoke with Mr. Leggett this evening. This is a worthy cause to help our one of our up and coming U.S. chess players. If you would like to contribute to Ray's fund to help him travel to Turkey, please make it payable (if by check) to Gary Robson, c/o Paul Leggett, 14840 Windy Mount Circle, Clermont, FL 34711. Thanks, darlings!