GM Spassky cancels reno appearance due to illness
Chess Grand Master Boris Spassky has cancelled his scheduled appearance in Reno for this weekend’s Reno-Western States Open Chess Tournament due to illness. Mr. Spassky fell ill Sunday evening in San Francisco, where he was appearing as a guest of the Mechanics Institute. He was taken to a Bay Area hospital, where he was admitted and remains as of today.
Mr. Spassky was scheduled to appear at several events this weekend in conjunction with the 24th Annual Reno-Western States Open chess tournament being held at the Sands Regency Casino Hotel in downtown Reno.
“All of the events will be held as scheduled,” advised Tournament Director Jerry Weikel, “Several prominent chess masters have offered their support to the tournament, and said they would be honored to assist with Boris’ scheduled events at the Western States Open.”
One of the chess masters who has stepped forward is International Master John Donaldson. Donaldson is chess club director at San Francisco’s historic Mechanics Institute. He has been in daily contact with Boris and his wife Marina, who were on the first leg of their most recent U.S. visit. The Spasskys reside in France.
“Boris is in good spirits, and would leave the hospital right now if it was up to him,” said Donaldson, “But he has not been released by his attending physician, who will be keeping him under observation for several more days. It’s doctor’s orders for now.”
The 24th Reno-Western States Open kicks off on Thursday evening with a lecture by Grand Master Larry Evans, a simultaneous exhibition by Grand Master Labosh Kavalek, and a Blitz Tournament. GM Evans lecture is free, while admission fees apply for the Simul and Blitz.
Friday marks the start of the main tournament, with two rounds played daily through Sunday. 400 players, including 11 grand masters, will be competing for an estimated $40,000.00 in prize money. Entry fees vary by section. For complete details, go to www.renochess.org/wso. Also on Friday is a scholastic chess clinic, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., where school age players can get tips on improving their chess game from International Master Donaldson, who will be filling in for Mr. Spassky. Admission is $30.
A highlight of the weekend is Saturday’s one-day scholastic chess tournament. School age chess players can complete for trophies in one of three divisions: K-6, K-8 and K-12. The entry fee is $30, which includes lunch hosted by the Sands Regency. Registration for the scholastic event is between 8 and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Play starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m. The scholastic players can then attend a chess clinic in the main playing hall, at the conclusion of which they will be presented with their trophies by a chess Master.
Sunday afternoon there will be a special tribute to Grand Master Igor Ivanov, who passed away earlier this year. IM Donaldson will present several of the most brilliantly played games from GM Ivanov’s career. A biography and memory page for GM Ivanov is posted on-line at www.gmivanovchess.com.
“While we are disappointed that GM Spassky will not be able to attend, we are encouraged to hear that he is on the road to recovery,” said Tournament Director Weikel, “He is a very gracious man – a living legend. He is also very modest, and prefers to be thought of as just another member of the big world-wide family of chess players. I know he would want us to continue on in his absence.”
Players attending this weekend’s event will have an opportunity to share get-well wishes and other words of encouragement for GM Spassky, which will be collected and sent to him at the conclusion of the tournament. For complete details on the 24th Annual Reno-Western States Open, visit www.renochess.org/wso, or call the Sands Regency at 775-348-2242.