Contact: Jean Hoffman

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (347) 409-1276

FIGHTING CHESS AWARD HONORS FEMALE CHESS PLAYERS

ST LOUIS, MO -- In celebration of the 2010 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship,

the nonprofit organization 9 Queens is partnering with Goddesschess to award $1000 to the winner of the “Fighting Chess” award. Grandmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk, reigning Women’s World Chess Champion, will select the prizewinner whose performance in the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship exudes determination, confidence and character under pressure. The prize will be announced on July 20th during the tournament awards ceremony at the Saint Louis University John Cook School of business.

"I'm so glad that 9Queens and Goddesschess are promoting and celebrating

fighting spirit among female chess players, and look forward to enjoying the

beautiful and skillful display of chess mastery at the US Women's

Championships," said Grandmaster Kosteniuk. Kosteniuk is also updating her blog, http://www.chessblog.com/with press releases and photos on the US Women's Championship. 

Both 9 Queens and Goddesschess are organizations dedicated to encouraging

more women and girls to play chess. Since 2007, Goddesschess has been

awarding prizes to players in the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship. Last year

Anna Zatonskih won the Fighting Chess Award for her commitment to keep

fighting even after she clinched the tournament with her astounding 8.5/9 score.

“As part of Goddesschess' commitment to encouraging more girls and

to play chess, we are extremely pleased in 2010 to partner with 9 Queens to

sponsor a Fighting Chess Award of $1,000, the largest award yet, in keeping

with the prestige of this event,” explained Jan Newton official spokesperson from

Goddesschess.

In addition to the Fighting Chess Award, 9 Queens will also award a $400

scholarship to the best performing student under 25 in the tournament. The US

Women’s Chess Championship is taking place July 9-19 at the Chess Club and

Scholastic Center of Saint Louis.