A new Grandmaster
By Malcolm Pein
Last Updated: 12:01am GMT 07/01/2008
Simon Williams has qualified as England’s latest Grandmaster after a short draw with the top seed Vadim Malakhatko in round eight of the Hastings Masters. The result ensured that Williams’ rating exceeded 2500 and as he has secured three qualifying results in tournaments there is no impediment to the award of the GM title although it is subject to ratification by the Fide Qualification Committee.
It was fitting that Williams should achieve this milestone at Hastings, a tournament in which he has often played brilliantly. Two years ago he achieved his third GM qualifying result at Hastings and never ceased to play entertaining chess. His presence enlivens every event he plays in on and off the board and he thoroughly deserves the title.
This year, one aberration against Mark Hebden aside, Williams has tamed some of his attacking instincts and taken fewer chances. So it was also fitting that once the holy grail had been secured he immediately reverted to type, essayed a highly dubious line of the Benoni and was unceremoniously smashed in 22 moves by England international Nick Pert.
Here is the full story.
Let me first say that all approx.
1,000 GMs on the face of the earth
could kick my butt in chess, no
question. But I strongly believe
there are far too many GMs. What
happened to the idea that GMs are
supposed to be either world
champions or world champion con-
tenders only?
Great achievement! I like his openings repertoire – benoni, Dutch etc.
To anonymous, maybe 1000 GMs should be lining up to kick your butt after that ungracious comment.
“Anonymous said…
Great achievement! I like his openings repertoire – benoni, Dutch etc.
To anonymous, maybe 1000 GMs should be lining up to kick your butt after that ungracious comment.”
Hah! Hah! Hah!
Congratulations. I have his book on the Classical Dutch.
Good show! I have one suggestion however – considering the present scenario,the GM title should only go to those who have achieved a rating of 2600. 2500 to 2600 could be deemed as JGM’s ( junior GM’s who automatically become GM’s once they reach the 2600 mark.And,of course 2700 and over are SGM’s ( super ). I recently saw an interview where K Humpy ( the second higest rated female in the world ) congratulating herself on becoming a Super GM! after having breached the 2600 mark! Surely,Humpy,to become a Super GM you have to reach 2700. Of course I hope you can do it.