Here is the summary of Golden Horseshoe Chess Championship which was held at Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel over last weekend June 2-3, 2018

The highlights :

1. A record number 184 players attended the tournament over 7 sections. We will be targeting 200-220 players in our next tournament in a hotel.

2. Almost 30 players in the top section where there were 2 GMs and 1 IM. All 3 of them won the top prizes with GM Bator S ( Canadian Champion ) won 4.5 points drawing with IM Tomas Krnan and beating GM Razvan Preotu. He won $ 1,000 for his effort and Razvan and Tomas shared 2nd and 3rd prize.

3. In the U2000, Kevin Bu won 1st place and a cool $ 800 for his effort. 5 other section winners won a cool amount of $$$.

4. Total prize money awarded - more than $ 7,000 which is one of the biggest in GTA. It was guaranteed even before tournament began. It was a big risk on our part but all went well. We will e transfer to those who has not received their prize money.

5. Rounds started on time except for round 1 which was delayed for about 15 minutes due to some problems. IA Danny Goldenberg handled the situation superbly and ensure the tournament was well run.

6. 3 live boards were set up by deputy arbiter Mikhail Egorov. There were even live screen in the skittle room.

7. http://chess-results.com/tnr358300.aspx?lan=1&art=4

8. Positive feedback from parents and players all round made it very encouraging for us to continue to hold these tournament and make it even better. Next year prize money will more likely to increase.

9. Players all over Ontario attended ( Ottawa, Barrie, Windsor, Kitchener, London, Guelph and many others ).

10. The question on the entry fee - Is it very high ? Most parents and players do not think so as this tournament was played in a big hotel where the atmosphere was superb/relaxing and the prize money was unconditionally guaranteed. Free parking at the hotel as well. The tournament was so well managed by IA Danny Goldenberg which made it feel even better.

Thanks to everyone who has supported us as always and continue to support us as this made us want to host better and bigger tournaments for all of you. A win win situation for all. We may also have a section for senior in our future tournaments.

We are in the process of finalizing our 2019 tournaments. Stay tuned for more updates.

Cheers for Chess in GTA and Canada

Gary Hua

EMC