$250,000 in scholarships and chess prizes

Chess Grandmaster Presides Over Peoria Tournament

PEORIA, Ariz. (Feb. 3, 2009) – Chess Grandmaster Susan Polgar will play 64 opponents simultaneously the evening of Friday, Feb. 13, to kick off a weekend of chess at Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria.

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15, the Susan Polgar National Open Chess Championship for Boys and the Susan Polgar National Open Championship for Girls will be held at the same location. The weekend events will include prizes, trophies, teaching events and eligible high school players competing for college scholarships.

“This is a great event for Peoria and is part of Peoria’s commitment to youth education and chess,” said City Manager Carl Swenson. “We are excited to have Ms. Polgar as our guest.”

Born in Hungary but now living in New York, Polgar is one of the strongest female players ever, having been Women's World Chess Champion from 1996 until 1999. Back in 1986, she made history by being the first female player to qualify to compete in the Men's World Chess Championship.

In her Peoria exhibition, Polgar will take on the 64 opponents simultaneously at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. Anybody can be one her challengers, simply be one of the first to register and pay a $30 fee the night of the event. Registration will continue until the start of play or until all the spots are filled.

Earlier in the day, Polgar will speak at a luncheon in the Development and Community Services Building (First floor, Point of View Room) on the Peoria Municipal Campus. Media are invited to attend; RSVP to Kelly Corsette at 623-773-7339.

The two championship tournaments will run through Saturday and Sunday, culminating with an awards ceremony Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The deadline to register online is 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13; phone registrations will be taken until 10 p.m. at 602-482-4867.

For more info, visit www.susanpolgar.com and www.chessemporium.com/tourney.php.

Chess Grandmaster Susan Polgar

Friday, Feb. 13, noon -- Luncheon with Remarks, Development and Community Services Building (Point of View Room, first floor), 9875 N. 85th Ave.
Friday, Feb. 13, 7:15 p.m. – Simultaneous games vs. 64 challengers, Sunrise Mountain High School, 21200 N. 83rd Ave.
Saturday, Feb. 14, all day – Tournament play at Sunrise Mountain High School.
Sunday, Feb. 15, all day – Tournament play at Sunrise Mountain High School.