ANATOLY KARPOV INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHESS

106 South Main Street., Lindsborg, Kansas  67456

785-227-2224   -   Internet site: www.anatolykarpovchessschool.org

Press Release

Release: July 2, 2007

Contact: Marck Cobb 316-708-3698 or Wes Fisk 785-227-4121

Karpov Chess School Names New Director

International Chess Institute of the Midwest (ICIM)resident Marck Cobb announced that former U.S. Chess Federation official, Tom Brownscombe, has been named Executive Director of the Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess at Lindsborg.  Brownscombe, who moved to Lindsborg from Las Vegas, has been awarded master titles by both the U.S. Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation. Brownscombe was the director of the U.S. Chess Federation’s Scholastic Programs from 2000 to 2003, and it was during this time that he led the gold medal winning U.S. delegation to the 2001 Pan-Am Youth Chess Championship. “I’m very optimistic about Tom Brownscombe becoming the new director of the Karpov Chess School,” said Cobb.  “As a FIDE Master in chess, along with being a math major with a teaching degree, he is the ideal candidate to lead the Karpov Chess School to a higher level of impact in the world of chess.”

Brownscombe, who grew up in Maryland, first gained notice when he won the Maryland High School Chess Championship in 1985.  He continued to play tournament chess and in 1988 he earned his National Master title.  He became two-time Nevada State Chess Champion in 1992 and 1993.  The World Chess Federation (FIDE) awarded him the title of FIDE Master 1993.  When asked about his decision to come to Lindsborg, Brownscombe said, “It’s good to return to chess full time.  I really enjoy working with kids, and this job will provide many teaching opportunities.  Within the next few years I hope to develop chess programs in all of the Central Kansas school districts.”

Brownscombe has spent much of his life teaching school and chess.  He earned his BS in mathematics from the University of Maryland in 1988, followed with a degree in secondary education in 1989.  After graduation, he taught math in the Prince George’s County, Maryland school system.

Cobb noted that Brownscombe is assuming the chess school directorship at a time when the Midwest is seeing a marked increase in chess activity.  “His nearby friendly competition to develop chess in the Midwest will include the former Women’s World Champion, Grandmaster Susan Polgar, in Texas; and the 2006 U.S. Open Champion Yury Shulman in Illinois.  This is truly an exciting time in history for the growth of chess in the heart of the United States.  Lindsborg should be extremely proud of its chess heritage and the leadership that will be provided by Tom Brownscombe,” said Cobb.

The Karpov Chess School has been expanding its teaching base to include students from St. Mary’s, Salina, Hillsboro H.S., Canton-Galva Middle and H.S., South Saline, Salina, and Assaria during the past year.  During the upcoming year, chess school officials hope to expand the chess program into several more Kansas schools.

Brownscombe arrived in time to participate in running this year’s annual Karpov Chess Camp.  A record 38 students are expected for the weeklong camp that will be held July 8-13.  Grandmaster Yury Shulman, will return to Lindsborg to teach at the camp.

Immediately following the camp is the Kansas Open Chess

Tournament, which is expected to draw about 150 players

from throughout Kansas and surrounding states.  The Open

will begin with a Rapid Chess Event the evening of July

13, followed by a two-day tournament at Bethany College,

Lindsborg, on July 14-15.