Rules & Conditions for the 13th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls' Invitational - the richest all-girls championship in the world!

Rules & Conditions for the 13th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls' Invitational - the richest all-girls championship in the world!
($200,000+ in scholarships + $7,500 cash prizes)
July 23 (arrival day) – 28, 2016 at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri)

The Annual SPF Girls' Invitational, in its 13th year, is the most prestigious All-Girls event in the United States. It is also the first All-Girls event approved and sanctioned by the USCF back in 2003. It is an invitational event, and will once again be held at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri).

Each state, as well as each country in the American Continent (South, Central, and North America) is allowed to nominate one representative. Each Canadian province is allowed one representative to be nominated. In addition, automatic qualifying spots will be awarded to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and the Susan Polgar Foundation World Open for Girls.

Webster University will provide complimentary room and meal accommodation on campus for all qualifiers!

• There will be an intense training session with Susan Polgar and members of the SPICE team, followed by a 6 round (g/90+30) FIDE rated championship tournament.
• The traditional Blitz, Puzzle Solving, Bughouse events will stay the same as in previous years.
• There will be many chess prizes awarded, as well as scholarships to Webster University.

Official representatives should be nominated by June 10, 2016. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than July 11, 2016. (Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow the host state / country to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow exceptions to the June 10 entry/alternate deadline. Should the state / country affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may determine the candidate from that state / country.

Players must have been enrolled in a school (up to 12th grade) located in the state or country they represent, also of the year in which the tournament is held. Home-schooled students who are under the age of 19 on July 22nd of the year in which the event is held or students who have never attended college on a full time basis prior to June 1 of the year in which the tournament is held, are eligible to represent the state in which they reside.

Exception: If a player graduates from high school early and is already attending college, she may still represent her state if nominated. This is the decision of each state affiliate or country.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The participants of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by July 22nd of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Special invitation for this year: All past participants of the SPNI and SPFGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational 2004-2015) are invited to participate in the 2016 SPFGI. The idea is to have the past participants learn my method of training so they can go back home and share their knowledge with the younger players. However, registration MUST be made ASAP since space is limited. There will be mutual training sessions for all, however separate section & prizes for alumni participants over the age of 19.

Players are required to furnish the organizer an emergency phone number and the e-mail address of a parent/guardian.

There is no entry fee to participate in the 2016 SPFGI; however, players are responsible for their own travel.

For alumni participants, wild card/special invites, coaches, parents, or other family members, inexpensive accommodations are available for housing and dining on Webster’s campus. Please note that all reservations and registrations MUST be made (and accommodation expenses prepaid) no later than June 15, 2016.

Prizes: Trophies / plaques will be awarded to the winners of the Susan Polgar Foundation Girl’s Invitational Puzzle Solving, Blitz, Bughouse and the SPFGI Championship. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy.

The Champion (or Co-Champions) of the main event will automatically be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement).

Champion: Webster University scholarship* (full tuition and fees approximately $25,000 + per year x 4 years)

2nd place: Webster University scholarship (approximately $14,000 + per year x 4 years)

3rd place: Webster University scholarship (approximately $12,000 + per year x 4 years)

(In case of a tie, a playoff will used to determine the level of scholarships)

* The scholarships to Webster University must be exercised no later than Fall of 2019, and are not transferable. In addition, these scholarships cannot be combined with other academic scholarships, or stacked. If players won scholarships in past events, they can choose to exercise the highest one.

Additional CASH SCHOLARSHIP this year!

1st place = $2,500
2nd place = $1,500
3rd place = $1,000

Top under 13 = $500
Top under 10 = $500

Triple-crown champion (main event, blitz, and puzzle solving) = $1,000

Biggest upset prize (each round) = $50 x 6 = $300 gift certificate

Best dressed player = $100 gift certificate

Best written essay about the SPFGI experience = $100 gift certificate

There will also be additional surprised prizes which challenge intellect and wit!

(In case of a tie, cash prizes will be shared)

The Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California, two for Texas, and two for Missouri), the District of Columbia, as well as each country in the American Continent (South, Central, and North America) represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. Failing this, rating criteria may be acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state who has no state affiliate of the USCF should contact the Polgar Committee as soon as possible.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee and its members may elect to award a limited number of wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational.

Special qualifying events: The Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and the Susan Polgar Foundation World Open for Girls.

The SPFGI Chairperson is Martha Underwood (AZ).

NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com).

Contact info: Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com)

The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-281-7424 or through info@PolgarFoundation.org.

Final Standings for SPFGI 2015

Final standings (http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201507305552-15470615)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Pair | Player Name                     |Total|Round|Round|Round|Round|Round|Round| 
 Num  | USCF ID / Rtg (Pre->Post)       | Pts |  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  | 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1 | THALIA CERVANTES                |5.5  |W  29|D  12|W  27|W  16|W   9|W   4|
   MO | 15470615 / R: 1960   ->2006     |N:1  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2 | NOZIMA ARIPOVA                  |5.0  |W  30|W  24|D   7|D   3|W  15|W  11|
   MO | 13743554 / R: 1941   ->1960     |N:1  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3 | SAITHANUSRI AVIRNENI            |5.0  |W  38|D  25|W  21|D   2|W  18|W   6|
   GA | 14299428 / R: 1821   ->1871     |N:1  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4 | DANITZA FERNANDA VAZQUEZ MACCARINI |4.5  |W  28|W  10|W   8|W  15|D   6|L   1|
   PR | 13731325 / R: 2119   ->2111     |N:1  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5 | RACHAEL ENG                     |4.5  |W  37|W  20|L   6|W  39|D  17|W  22|
   AZ | 13189664 / R: 1942   ->1935     |N:2  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    6 | NASTASSJA MATUS                 |4.5  |W  40|W   9|W   5|W  14|D   4|L   3|
   MN | 14892265 / R: 1852   ->1919     |N:1  |B    |W    |B    |B    |W    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    7 | NAOMI BASHKANSKY                |4.5  |W  54|W  47|D   2|L   9|W  21|W  14|
   WA | 14048474 / R: 1824   ->1850     |N:2  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    8 | SHAYNA PROVINE                  |4.5  |W  43|W  42|L   4|W  30|D  14|W  17|
   IL | 14137968 / R: 1798   ->1824     |N:2  |B    |W    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    9 | LILIA MEILAN POTEAT             |4.0  |W  31|L   6|W  25|W   7|L   1|W  27|
   NY | 12920065 / R: 2055   ->2037     |N:2  |W    |B    |W    |W    |B    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   10 | SASHA KONOVALENKO               |4.0  |W  13|L   4|W  32|L  11|W  28|W  25|
   MI | 14154014 / R: 1816   ->1821     |N:2  |W    |B    |W    |W    |B    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   11 | ASHLEY TAPP                     |4.0  |W  61|W  19|L  15|W  10|W  16|L   2|
   MO | 15771915 / R: 1708P5 ->1810P11  |N:2  |B    |W    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   12 | TRINA CHATTERJEE                |4.0  |W  55|D   1|L  16|D  25|W  30|W  34|
   CA | 14761127 / R: 1725   ->1733     |N:3  |B    |W    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   13 | SARVAGNA VELIDANDLA             |4.0  |L  10|W  28|W  36|L  18|W  39|W  24|
   AL | 15123300 / R: 1337   ->1522     |N:3  |B    |W    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   14 | VERONIKA ZILAJEVA               |3.5  |W  32|W  18|W  17|L   6|D   8|L   7|
   OK | 15229376 / R: 1890   ->1880     |N:2  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   15 | ELLA SHARPE PAPANEK             |3.5  |W  33|W  26|W  11|L   4|L   2|D  18|
   NY | 13796480 / R: 1856   ->1857     |N:2  |B    |W    |B    |B    |W    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   16 | SERAFINA SHOW                   |3.5  |W  23|D  21|W  12|L   1|L  11|W  40|
   CA | 13964624 / R: 1824   ->1815     |N:3  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   17 | ANDREA CECILIA CRIST BOTEZ      |3.5  |W  45|W  34|L  14|W  42|D   5|L   8|
   OR | 14261485 / R: 1769   ->1764     |N:3  |B    |W    |W    |B    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   18 | KIANA HAJIARBABI                |3.5  |W  50|L  14|W  38|W  13|L   3|D  15|
   KS | 14796433 / R: 1741   ->1741     |N:3  |W    |B    |W    |W    |B    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   19 | MAGGIE LUO                      |3.5  |W  44|L  11|L  29|W  41|W  42|D  20|
   VA | 14065881 / R: 1747   ->1725     |N:3  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   20 | RACHEL TAO                      |3.5  |W  56|L   5|D  23|D  40|W  37|D  19|
   ON | 13789655 / R: 1719   ->1702     |N:3  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   21 | ANNAPOORNI MEIYAPPAN            |3.5  |W  35|D  16|L   3|W  23|L   7|W  38|
   CA | 14744460 / R: 1694   ->1700     |N:3  |W    |B    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   22 | YASSAMIN EHSANI                 |3.5  |L  47|W  54|W  44|D  34|W  29|L   5|
   NY | 14745787 / R: 1725   ->1694     |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   23 | CHLOE WONG                      |3.5  |L  16|W  35|D  20|L  21|W  41|W  36|
   WI | 13780524 / R: 1501   ->1528     |N:3  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   24 | AIYA CANCIO                     |3.0  |W  48|L   2|W  37|D  29|D  34|L  13|
   AZ | 13850035 / R: 1748   ->1707     |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   25 | ANASTACIA ANTONIA LOPEZ SANCHEZ |3.0  |W  51|D   3|L   9|D  12|W  33|L  10|
   NA | 14689726 / R: 1659   ->1666     |N:3  |W    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   26 | DIAMOND ABDUS-SHAKOOR           |3.0  |W  58|L  15|D  41|D  27|D  38|D  29|
   OH | 13972728 / R: 1700   ->1663     |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   27 | IRIS YI-XIAN ZHOU               |3.0  |D  41|W  49|L   1|D  26|W  32|L   9|
   MO | 14467261 / R: 1652   ->1646     |N:4  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   28 | THAIS CASTILLO MORALES          |3.0  |L   4|L  13|W  50|W  44|L  10|W  47|
   MO | 15771900 / R: 1697P5 ->1615P11  |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   29 | CASSIE PARENT                   |3.0  |L   1|W  55|W  19|D  24|L  22|D  26|
   IL | 13591356 / R: 1561   ->1588     |N:3  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   30 | SHIMERA PAXTON                  |3.0  |L   2|W  48|W  46|L   8|L  12|W  45|
   TN | 14531300 / R: 1553   ->1555     |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   31 | EMMA CHENG                      |3.0  |L   9|D  40|L  34|W  56|D  45|W  43|
   OH | 14989783 / R: 1569   ->1532     |N:4  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   32 | SOFIA ADINA STANESCU-BELLU      |3.0  |L  14|W  50|L  10|W  48|L  27|W  46|
   MI | 14882954 / R: 1531   ->1529     |N:4  |W    |B    |B    |W    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   33 | NEHA ALISHA DIAS                |3.0  |L  15|W  58|L  39|W  46|L  25|W  42|
   SC | 13850240 / R: 1426   ->1433     |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   34 | ELENA ALLEN                     |3.0  |W  39|L  17|W  31|D  22|D  24|L  12|
   OR | 13954131 / R: 1088P23->1291     |N:3  |W    |B    |W    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   35 | ALLYSON WONG                    |3.0  |L  21|L  23|L  43|W  61|W  48|W  50|
   CA | 15052665 / R: 1219   ->1244     |     |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   36 | AINE CAROLINA LIMA              |2.5  |D  49|D  41|L  13|W  43|D  40|L  23|
   MO | 15771895 / R: 1727P5 ->1507P11  |     |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   37 | EVELYN CHEN                     |2.5  |L   5|W  56|L  24|W  55|L  20|D  39|
   GA | 13547567 / R: 1508   ->1490     |N:4  |B    |W    |B    |W    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   38 | NIGINA ARIPOVA                  |2.5  |L   3|W  51|L  18|W  47|D  26|L  21|
   MO | 14458142 / R: 1469   ->1475     |N:4  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   39 | ELVIA NATARENO                  |2.5  |L  34|W  45|W  33|L   5|L  13|D  37|
   MO | 15771880 / R: Unrated->1415P6   |N:4  |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   40 | BEATRICE LOW                    |2.5  |L   6|D  31|W  49|D  20|D  36|L  16|
   CT | 14722570 / R: 1326   ->1379     |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   41 | IOANA MURGULET                  |2.5  |D  27|D  36|D  26|L  19|L  23|W  51|
   TX | 14534577 / R: 1228   ->1302     |N:4  |W    |B    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   42 | KATHRYN THOMAS                  |2.0  |W  46|L   8|W  47|L  17|L  19|L  33|
   KY | 13734593 / R: 1615   ->1573     |N:4  |W    |B    |W    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   43 | PEISHANIKA ARNOLD               |2.0  |L   8|L  46|W  35|L  36|W  56|L  31|
   IN | 14942411 / R: 1415   ->1378     |     |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   44 | KAREN ELIZABETH SALZGEBER       |2.0  |L  19|W  61|L  22|L  28|L  47|W  55|
   MS | 13580210 / R: 1400   ->1368     |     |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   45 | SARAH FAITH CARSON              |2.0  |L  17|L  39|D  51|W  54|D  31|L  30|
   IA | 13539216 / R: 1347   ->1328     |     |W    |B    |B    |W    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   46 | CHARITY FARELL                  |2.0  |L  42|W  43|L  30|L  33|W  55|L  32|
   OK | 15770342 / R: Unrated->1316P6   |     |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   47 | RUI YANG YAN                    |2.0  |W  22|L   7|L  42|L  38|W  44|L  28|
   CA | 15462690 / R: 1251   ->1310     |N:4  |B    |W    |B    |B    |W    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   48 | WILLOW KATRINA LETARD           |2.0  |L  24|L  30|W  61|L  32|L  35|W  56|
   NM | 14816051 / R: 1264   ->1242     |     |B    |W    |B    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   49 | SHAHRZAD HAJIARBABI             |2.0  |D  36|L  27|L  40|D  51|L  53|W  54|
   KS | 14796448 / R: 1121   ->1161     |     |W    |B    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   50 | TRIYAKSHARI VENKATARAJA         |1.5  |L  18|L  32|L  28|W  52|D  51|L  35|
   NC | 14579407 / R: 1261   ->1219     |     |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   51 | TEMILOLUWA DEBORAH ADEROGBA     |1.5  |L  25|L  38|D  45|D  49|D  50|L  41|
   ID | 15679983 / R: 1074P13->1088P19  |     |B    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   52 | REBEKAH FARELL                  |1.5  |U    |U    |U    |L  50|D  60|W  58|
   OK | 13393122 / R:  824   -> 817     |     |     |     |     |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   53 | BETHANY CARSON                  |1.0  |U    |U    |U    |U    |W  49|U    |
   IA | 13394502 / R: 1669   ->1671     |     |     |     |     |     |W    |     |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   54 | SKYLAR HSU                      |1.0  |L   7|L  22|L  56|L  45|W  57|L  49|
   MD | 14427353 / R: 1384   ->1297     |     |B    |W    |B    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   55 | CHARITY CARSON                  |1.0  |L  12|L  29|W  58|L  37|L  46|L  44|
   IA | 13436198 / R: 1281   ->1234     |     |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   56 | MEGHANA KANCHARLA               |1.0  |L  20|L  37|W  54|L  31|L  43|L  48|
   NH | 14958857 / R: 1149   ->1143     |     |W    |B    |W    |B    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   57 | SARAH FARELL                    |1.0  |U    |U    |U    |U    |L  54|W  61|
   OK | 13306541 / R:  869   -> 885     |     |     |     |     |     |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   58 | EMILY CLAIRE HOGUE              |1.0  |L  26|L  33|L  55|L  59|W  61|L  52|
   UT | 14837523 / R:  839   -> 779     |     |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   59 | SARA CARLYE LEVENSON            |1.0  |U    |U    |U    |W  58|U    |U    |
   MO | 15212973 / R:  265P13-> 351P14  |     |     |     |     |B    |     |     |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   60 | LEAH JILL LEVENSON              |0.5  |U    |U    |U    |U    |D  52|U    |
   MO | 14861455 / R:  192P10-> 236P11  |     |     |     |     |     |B    |     |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   61 | GISELLE KIMBALL                 |0.0  |L  11|L  44|L  48|L  35|L  58|L  57|
   NV | 14505984 / R:  793   -> 741     |     |W    |B    |W    |B    |W    |B    |

Rules & Conditions for the 12th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls' Invitational

Rules & Conditions for the 12th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls' Invitational
(Over $200K in prizes and scholarships)
July 25 (arrival day) – 30, 2015 at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri)

The Annual SPF Girls' Invitational, in its 12th year, is the most prestigious All-Girls event in the United States. It is also the first All-Girls event approved and sanctioned by the USCF back in 2003. It is an invitational event, and will once again be held at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri).

Each state, as well as each country in the American Continent (South, Central, and North America) is allowed to nominate one representative. In addition, automatic qualifying spots will be awarded to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and the Susan Polgar Foundation World Open for Girls.

Webster University will provide complimentary room and meal accommodation on campus for all qualifiers!

• There will be an intense training session with Susan Polgar and members of the SPICE team, followed by a 6 round (g/90+30) FIDE rated championship tournament.
• The traditional Blitz, Puzzle Solving, Bughouse events will stay the same as in previous years.
• There will be many chess prizes awarded, as well as scholarships to Webster University.

Official representatives should be nominated by June 8, 2015. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than July 6, 2015. (Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow exceptions to the June 8 entry/alternate deadline. Should the state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may determine the candidate from that state or country.

Players must have been enrolled in a school (up to 12th grade) located in the state or country they represent, also of the year in which the tournament is held. Home-schooled students who are 19 or under on the year in which the event is held or students who have never attended traditional college on a full time basis prior to July 1 of the year in which the tournament is held, are eligible to represent the state or country in which they reside.

Exception: If a player graduates from high school early and is already attending college, she may still represent her state if nominated. This is the decision of each state affiliate.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The participants of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier who is 19 or under (on the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Special invitation for this year: All past participants of the SPNI and SPFGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational 2004-2014) are invited to participate in the 2015 SPFGI. The idea is to have the past participants learn my method of training so they can go back home and share their knowledge with the younger players. However, registration MUST be made ASAP since space is limited. There will be mutual training sessions for all, however separate section & prizes for alumni participants over the age of 20.

Players are required to furnish the organizer an emergency phone number and the e-mail address of a parent/guardian.

There is no entry fee to participate in the 2015 SPFGI; however, players are responsible for their own travel.

For alumni participants, wild card/special invites, coaches, parents, or other family members, inexpensive accommodations are available for housing and dining on Webster’s campus. Please note that all reservations and registrations MUST be made (and accommodation expenses prepaid) no later than June 15, 2015.

Prizes: Trophies / plaques will be awarded to the winners of the Susan Polgar Foundation Girl’s Invitational Puzzle Solving, Blitz, Bughouse and the SPFGI Championship. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy.

The Champion (or Co-Champions) of the main event will automatically be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement).

Champion: Webster University scholarship* (full tuition and fees approximately $24,000 + per year x 4 years) Champion's Cup. (In case of a tie, a playoff will used to determine the level of scholarships)

2nd place: Webster University scholarship (approximately $14,000 + per year x 4 years)

3rd place: Webster University scholarship (approximately $12,000 + per year x 4 years)

Additional prizes this year!

Top under 16: $1,000 scholarship to help defray expenses to the 2015 World Youth (if participating**)

Top under 14: $1,000 scholarship to help defray expenses to the 2015 World Youth (if participating**)

Top under 12: $1,000 scholarship to help defray expenses to the 2015 World Youth (if participating**)

Top under 10: $1,000 scholarship to help defray expenses to the 2015 World Youth (if participating**)

* The scholarships to Webster University must be exercised no later than Fall of 2018, and are not transferable. In addition, these scholarships cannot be combined with other academic scholarships, or stacked. If players won scholarships in past events, they can choose to exercise the highest one.

** After flight ticket has been purchased, a $1,000 reimbursement check will be sent to the winners.

The Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California, two for Texas, and two for Missouri), the District of Columbia, as well as each country in the American Continent (South, Central, and North America) represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. Failing this, rating criteria may be acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state who has no state affiliate of the USCF should contact the Polgar Committee as soon as possible.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee and its members may elect to award a limited number of wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational.

Special qualifying events: The Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar Foundation National Open for Girls and the Susan Polgar Foundation World Open for Girls.

The SPFGI Chairperson is Martha Underwood (AZ).

NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com).

Contact info: Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com)

The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-281-7424 or through info@PolgarFoundation.org.

It helps to know that you’re not alone

Whatley Wanes at Webster, Pulls Through at Purdue
Web posted August 6, 2012

MERRIWETHER – In a hard-fought midwestern series, S.C. Chess Champion, Tori Whatley, suffered a few setbacks in a Missouri tournament and then battled fiercely for a trophy finish in Indiana. As an official invitee to the 9th Annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational, Tori Whatley walked across the stage at the Loretto Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University in St. Louis to accept her medal from the Susan Polgar Foundation.

The invitational tournament was played from July 22nd through July 27th, and was one of the most competitive Polgar tournaments in recent years. The tournament featured a blitz match, in which, she won 3.5 out of 7 games. In the main event, she scored 2 out of 6 games, with a round 5 mistake costing her the opportunity to match her Polgar series best of 3 points. “We left one on the table in round 5”, reported Merriwether Mavericks chess coach, David Whatley. “Tori was firmly in control of the game, but a miscalculation swung it in favor of her opponent”, he said.

Missouri’s Zoe Lemon took round 1 in an exhausting King’s Indian Defense (E61) that lasted for 67 moves. Another Missourian, Kendra Fee, fell to Whatley on her 38th move in round 2. Jiaying Cai from Maine won round 3 in 50 moves. Arizona’s Bria Castro would win the round 4 Reti Opening (A04) in 32 moves. The round 5, Pirc Classical (Two Knights) System (B08) went to Yvonne Ward of Utah. Tori faced Gisele Delgado of Texas for the final 6th round. Gisele played a valiant Reti, but came up short against the Palmetto state champion. Whatley gave all of her opponents a Frisbee with the South Carolina state flag printed on them.

Tori commented on how much she enjoys the strong field of female competition. “Not enough girls play chess, but when you come to the Polgar, you can see that there are many strong female players. It helps to know that you’re not alone, and I want to thank Susan for giving us the opportunity to play and for showing us that we can achieve anything we put our minds to.”

Tori’s first opponent in her 2008 Polgar debut, Michelle Ferrell from Oklahoma, flew in from Washington, D.C. to root for her younger sister, Hannah, who is the current Oklahoma champion. Upon sight of one another, Tori and Michelle jumped up for quick hugs and some catch-up conversation. “Their reunion embodies the spirit of this competition. When these girls leave here, they are friends for life”, said Mr. Whatley.

Before leaving St. Louis, the Whatleys visited the City Museum, the Gateway Arch, the World Chess Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Chess Club & Scholastic Center, where Tori was photographed with International Grandmaster Ben Finegold.

After an evening drive, the Whatleys arrived in West Lafayette, Indiana where Tori played the following day in the “Summer Knight” chess tournament, a five-round scholastic event, on the campus of Purdue University. She “galvanized” during the drive, according to her father. The determination resulted in her going 3 out of 5 against a sturdy field and securing the fifth place trophy.

Swinging back over to Springfield, Illinois, father and daughter spent a little time visiting one of Mr. Whatley’s former shipmates who was kind enough to take them on a tour of Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb. They also visited Mr. Lincoln’s Presidential Museum and the village of New Salem, where the 16th president resided for several years.

Tori and her dad, David, are looking forward to coaching the Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Club, which will celebrate its 10th year this coming school year. Tori’s sister, Mandy, serves as club secretary and coordinator, making the club a real family affair. The club is open to all Merriwether elementary and middle school students. Mr. Whatley’s association with national chess author, John Herron, will result in this years club being the first in the country to use “Total Chess - Learn, Teach and Play the Easy 1-2-3 Way” as its curriculum.

For more information you can send an email to Mr. Whatley at whatleydavid@bellsouth.net, or visit their Facebook page at Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Club to see more about the program. Mr. Whatley can also be reached at his home phone, 803-442-9060.

Source: http://www.edgefielddaily.com

9th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girl’s Invitational (FREE rooms and meals for official qualifiers)

Rules and Conditions for the 9th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation Girls' Invitational (SPGI)
July 22 – 27, 2012 at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri)

Over $100,000 in chess scholarships, chess prizes, netbook computers, etc.

The annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will be held at Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri). The opening ceremony will be at 1:00 PM on July 22. The format this year is similar to 2011.

• There will be a two (2) day intense world class training sessions with Susan Polgar and her team, followed by a 6 round (g/90+30) championship tournament.
• The traditional Blitz, Puzzle Solving, Bughouse events will stay the same as in previous years.
• There will be many chess prizes awarded, including scholarship(s) to Webster University.

Each state is allowed one representative to be nominated by June 1, 2012. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than June 15. (Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may allow exceptions to the June 1 entry/alternate deadline. Should the state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may determine the candidate from that state.

Players must have been enrolled in a school (up to 12th grade) located in the state they represent, also of the year in which the tournament is held. Home-schooled students who are under the age of 19 on July 27th of the year in which the event is held or students who have never attended college on a full time basis prior to June 1 of the year in which the tournament is held, are eligible to represent the state in which they reside.

Exception: If a player graduates from high school early and is already attending college, she may still represent her state if nominated. This is the decision of each state affiliate.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The participants of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by July 27th of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Special invitation for this year only: All past participants of the SPNI and SPGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational 2004-2011) are invited to participate in the 2012 SPGI. The idea is to have the past participants learn my method of training so they can go back home and share their knowledge with the younger players. However, registration MUST be made ASAP since space is limited. There will be mutual training sessions for all, however separate section & prizes for alumni participants over the age of 19.

Players are required to furnish the organizer an emergency phone number and the e-mail address of a parent/guardian.

There is no entry fee to participate in the 2012 SPGI; however, players are responsible for their own travel. For all state representatives, and qualifiers from the SPNO or SPWO, Webster University will provide complimentary room and meal accommodation on campus.

For alumni participants, wild card/special invites, coaches, parents, or other family members, inexpensive accommodations are available for housing and dining on Webster’s campus. Please note that all reservations and registrations MUST be made (and accommodation expenses prepaid) no later than June 25, 2012.

Prizes: Trophies / plaques will be awarded to the winners of the Susan Polgar Foundation Girl’s Invitational Puzzle Solving, Blitz, and the SPGI Championship. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy. The Champion (or Co-Champions) will automatically be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement).

Champion: Webster University scholarship (approximately $13,000 per year x 4 years) + netbook computer + Champion's Plaque / Trophy
2nd place: Webster University scholarship (approximately $13,000 per year x 4 years)
Top under 13: netbook computer
Top under 10: netbook computer

The scholarship must be exercised no later than the Fall of 2015.

The New Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California, two for Texas, and two for Missouri) and the District of Columbia represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. Failing this, rating criteria may be acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state who has no state affiliate of the USCF should contact the Polgar Committee as soon as possible.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee and its members may elect to award wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational.

Special qualifying events: The Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar Nationwide Open for Girls (New Orleans) and the Susan Polgar World Open for Girls (Chicago).

The new SPGI Chairperson is Martha Underwood (AZ).

NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com).

For information and rates to stay and/or dine and other logistics on Webster’s campus, please send an email to michellenelson30@webster.edu

Contact info: Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com)

Michelle at Webster University michellenelson30@webster.edu 314-968-7468

The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-281-7424 or through info@PolgarFoundation.org.

Webster University is located at 470 E. Lockwood Avenue Webster Groves, MO 63119

BIG THANKS to President Dr. Beth Stroble and Webster University for hosting and sponsoring this very prestigious event for girls!

8th Annual Susan Polgar Girl's Invitational

Rules and Conditions for the 8th Annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational (SPGI)
July 24 – 29, 2011 at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas

Over $120,000 in chess scholarships, chess prizes, netbook computers, etc.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommitte@gmail.com) and its members may elect to award wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational. If you feel that you may qualify for a wild card, please contact Susan Polgar (SusanPolgar@aol.com) or the Polgar Committee immediately.

The annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will be held at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The opening ceremony will be at 1:00 PM on July 24. The format this year is similar to 2010.

• There will be a three (3) day intense world class training sessions with Susan Polgar and her team, followed by a 6 round (g/60) championship tournament.
• The traditional Blitz, Puzzle Solving, Bughouse events will stay the same as in previous years.
• There will be many chess prizes awarded, including scholarship(s) to Texas Tech University.

Each state is allowed one representative. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than June 15. (Susan Polgar and/or the new Polgar Committee may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the new Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com) may allow exceptions to the June 1 entry/alternate deadline. Should the state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may determine the candidate from that state.

Players must have been enrolled in a school (up to 12th grade) located in the state they represent, also of the year in which the tournament is held. Home-schooled students who are under the age of 19 on July 29th of the year in which the event is held or students who have never attended college on a full time basis prior to June 1 of the year in which the tournament is held, are eligible to represent the state in which they reside.

Exception: If a player graduates from high school early and is already attending college, she may still represent her state if nominated. This is the decision of each state affiliate.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The participants of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by July 29th of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Players are required to furnish the organizer an emergency phone number and the e-mail address of a parent/guardian. There is no fee to participate in the 2011 SPGI; however, players are responsible for their own travel, room and meal expenses. If players choose to stay and/or dine on TTU’s campus, inexpensive accommodations are available. Please note that all reservations and registrations MUST be made (and accommodation expenses prepaid) no later than June 25, 2010.

Prizes: Trophies / plaques will be awarded to the winners of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational Puzzle Solving, Blitz, and the SPGI Championship. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy. The Champion (or Co-Champions) will automatically be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement).

Champion: $1,000 TTU scholarship (equivalent to nearly $40,000 for an out of state student) + netbook computer + Champion's Plaque / Trophy

2nd place: $1,000 TTU scholarship (equivalent to nearly $40,000 for an out of state student) + additional prizes

3rd place: $1,000 TTU scholarship (equivalent to nearly $40,000 for an out of state student) + additional prizes

Top under 13: netbook computer
Top under 10: netbook computer

The scholarship must be exercised no later than the Fall of 2013.

The New Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California and two for Texas) and the District of Columbia represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. Failing this, rating criteria may be acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state who has no state affiliate of the USCF should contact the Polgar Committee as soon as possible (PolgarCommitte@gmail.com).

Special invitation for this year only: All past participants of the SPNI and SPGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Girls’ Invitational 2004-2010) are invited to participate in the 2011 SPGI. The idea is to have the past participants learn my method of training so they can go back home and share their knowledge with the younger players. However, registration MUST be made ASAP since space is limited. There will be separate prizes for participants over the age of 19.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommitte@gmail.com) and its members may elect to award wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational.

Special qualifying events: The Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar National Open for Girls (Arizona).

Contact info: The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-742-7742 or through SusanPolgar@aol.com.

The new SPGI Chairperson is Martha Underwood (AZ).

NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com).

For information and rates to stay and/or dine on TTU’s campus, please send an email to SusanPolgar@aol.com or Peggy.Flores@ttu.edu.

8th Annual Susan Polgar Girl's Invitational

Rules and Conditions for the 8th Annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational (SPGI)
July 24 – 29, 2011 at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas

Over $120,000 in chess scholarships, chess prizes, netbook computers, etc.

The annual Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls event in the United States, will be held at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The opening ceremony will be at 1:00 PM on July 24. The format this year is similar to 2010.

• There will be a three (3) day intense world class training sessions with Susan Polgar and her team, followed by a 6 round (g/60) championship tournament.
• The traditional Blitz, Puzzle Solving, Bughouse events will stay the same as in previous years.
• There will be many chess prizes awarded, including scholarship(s) to Texas Tech University.

Each state is allowed one representative. Official representative alternates may be substituted no later than June 15. (Susan Polgar and/or the new Polgar Committee may allow the host state to enter an additional qualified player.) Susan Polgar and/or the new Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com) may allow exceptions to the June 1 entry/alternate deadline. Should the state affiliate fail to respond to the notice for this tournament, Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee may determine the candidate from that state.

Players must have been enrolled in a school (up to 12th grade) located in the state they represent, also of the year in which the tournament is held. Home-schooled students who are under the age of 19 on July 29th of the year in which the event is held or students who have never attended college on a full time basis prior to June 1 of the year in which the tournament is held, are eligible to represent the state in which they reside.

Exception: If a player graduates from high school early and is already attending college, she may still represent her state if nominated. This is the decision of each state affiliate.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The participants of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational DO NOT have to be high school students. Any qualifier under the age of 19 (by July 29th of the year in which the tournament is held) is eligible!

Players are required to furnish the organizer an emergency phone number and the e-mail address of a parent/guardian. There is no fee to participate in the 2011 SPGI; however, players are responsible for their own travel, room and meal expenses. If players choose to stay and/or dine on TTU’s campus, inexpensive accommodations are available. Please note that all reservations and registrations MUST be made (and accommodation expenses prepaid) no later than June 25, 2010.

Prizes: Trophies / plaques will be awarded to the winners of the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational Puzzle Solving, Blitz, and the SPGI Championship. Co-champions are recognized in the case of a tie, with each champion receiving a Champion’s Plaque or Trophy. The Champion (or Co-Champions) will automatically be invited to defend her/their title (must meet age requirement).

Champion: TTU scholarship (equivalent to nearly $40,000 for an out of state student) + netbook computer + Champion's Plaque / Trophy

2nd place: TTU scholarship (equivalent to nearly $40,000 for an out of state student) + additional prizes

3rd place: TTU scholarship (equivalent to nearly $40,000 for an out of state student) + additional prizes

Top under 13: netbook computer
Top under 10: netbook computer

The scholarship must be exercised no later than the Fall of 2013.

The New Polgar Committee’s goal is to have all 50 states (including two representatives for California and two for Texas) and the District of Columbia represented. We strongly encourage each state and the District of Columbia affiliate to hold a scholastic championship tournament to determine each state’s champion and representative. Failing this, rating criteria may be acceptable. A scholastic girls’ champion or the highest rated girls’ scholastic player in a state who has no state affiliate of the USCF should contact the Polgar Committee as soon as possible (PolgarCommitte@gmail.com).

Special invitation for this year only: All past participants of the SPNI and SPGI (Susan Polgar National Invitational/Susan Polgar Girls’ Invitational 2004-2010) are invited to participate in the 2011 SPGI. The idea is to have the past participants learn my method of training so they can go back home and share their knowledge with the younger players. However, registration MUST be made ASAP since space is limited. There will be separate prizes for participants over the age of 19.

Susan Polgar and/or the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommitte@gmail.com) and its members may elect to award wild cards each year for the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational.

Special qualifying events: The Polgar Committee will award automatic qualifying spots to the reigning winners in each section of the annual Susan Polgar National Open for Girls (Arizona).

Contact info: The Susan Polgar Foundation can be contacted at 806-742-7742 or through SusanPolgar@aol.com.

The new SPGI Chairperson is Martha Underwood (AZ).

NOTICE TO ALL STATE OFFICIALS: Please send the nomination from your state to the Polgar Committee (PolgarCommittee@gmail.com).

For information and rates to stay and/or dine on TTU’s campus, please send an email to SusanPolgar@aol.com or Peggy.Flores@ttu.edu.

Tori Whatley bests previous Polgar finish

Tori Whatley bests previous Polgar finish
posted August 4, 2010
www.edgefielddaily.com

LUBBOCK, Texas – Having been placed among the best scholastic chess players the nation has to offer, Edgefield County standout Tori Whatley proved she had the right moves for the competition. Due to a stronger rating this time around, Tori started higher in the order at the Susan Polgar Girl’s Invitational Chess Tournament, held on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

And from the outset she was in the middle of the fray, fighting stronger opponents than she did in her previous appearance at this event two years ago. Playing conservatively, she managed to advance South Carolina, and herself, to a 33rd place finish, surpassing her old benchmark by 5 positions.

“Tori and I had a wonderful time (in Texas) and we really appreciate all the community has done for us,” David said of the local support they had received.

Three rounds were played on Thursday, July 29th.

Round 1 found Tori paired against the strongest player she would face at the event, Rachel Ulrich, from Illinois. In a very tactical game, Rachel edged out the S.C. champ just prior to being checkmated herself. In Round 2, Louisiana’s Amelia Wyzywany came out aggressively and defeated Tori soundly, never really allowing her into the game. Emily Hasch from Kansas would find herself matched with the determined South Carolinian in Round 3. Both players were unwilling to give in and the match would end in a draw.

The following day, the final three rounds were played.

Round 4 had Tori playing a stronger Selena Wong from California. This match was close all the way through; however, strong end game tactics put the game in Tori’s win column. Minna Wang from Utah put up a fight in Round 5, but in the end, Tori would deny the more experienced player the win, and they would split the point in a draw. The final round found Tori facing Arizona’s champ, Aiya Cancio. Tori battled this very strong player fiercely, but Aiya was ultimately able to promote a pawn and win the game.

On the first day of camp, the guests were given a preview of what would be covered over the next three days of instruction. International Grandmaster Susan Polgar and her husband, National Master Paul Truong, who coached the 2004 Women’s Olympic Chess Team, covered their plan of action, specifically designed to enhance the playing ability and enjoyment of chess for girls. The following days would find the girls in intense classes that would open their eyes to new ways to see and sense activity on the board. They would learn to trust their instincts, the dynamic and static advantages and disadvantages that occur in every game. They would practice their visualization skills, closing their eyes and playing several moves ahead in their minds, responding to moves by their instructor.

In all, memory, perception, and fundamental tactical skills were sharpened and honed.

There were other chess related activities such as the bughouse tournament in which Tori was teamed up with Katie Abderhalden of Idaho. Nicknaming their team the “Typos” (both girls have problems with people misspelling their names), the pair managed a couple of points finishing 17th. Tori also participated in the Blitz tournament were each player is allowed only 5 minutes on their clock. She finished 30th in this event. The puzzle-solving championship found Tori with a solid 20th place performance as she solved 7 out of 10 difficult puzzles in 30 minutes flat.

But while the chess was hard-fought, there was also time for seeing the sights.

Other activities included swimming at the campus’s new lazy river and mini water park, group dancing with a professional dance instructor provided by Susan and Paul.

Maureen Grimaud, the wife of S.C. Chess Association president, David Grimaud traveled to the event to support Tori and Susan. At the closing ceremony she applauded Susan’s commitment to the girls and Texas Tech’s commitment to the event and presented Susan with a congratulatory cake that was shared with all.

Maureen invited Susan, Paul, Tournament Director Bob Jones, Counselor Julie Jones, SPICE coordinator Peggy Flores, Paul Truong Jr., Tori and David Whatley to a post tournament dinner where discussions turned toward next years event.

Tori and David offered their thoughts on the new format and recommendations for future events. The ideas were well-received and will most probably be implemented next year.

Letter from Senator DeMint – Tori and David arrived home to find a letter from Senator Jim DeMint commending her for her hard work and dedication to school and the game of chess.

Signed board – Tori took a silver Sharpie and a chess board for all of the girls to sign. This is a very cool memento.

Tori finds Susan inspirational. Tori finds Susan’s fight to the top, breaking the gender barrier in high-level chess, and her steadfast dedication to girls chess very inspirational.

Masked Rider – The Texas Tech mascot “Masked Rider” was on hand for pictures with the girls.

Buddy Holly - Before leaving town, Tori and her dad visited the gravesite of legendary rocker, Buddy Holly. In keeping with local tradition they placed a guitar pick on the headstone. The Citizen News was there too!

Tori’s Best Friend - Tori requested and received permission to room with her friend Crystal Qain from Arkansas. These two were inseparable two years ago. Crystal had won Miss Congeniality in 2008, and is a fun-loving girl!

Local Support – Team Whatley was sponsored locally by Windsor Jewelers, Monterrey's Mexican Restaurant, The Citizen News, Field's Insurance, Petal Pushers, C&M Repair, Cash Ready ATM, Whatley Construction and Cohn's Concessions.

The Citizen News contributed to this report.