The Queens Pioneers promise to be one of the most exciting USCL teams in 2007. Although it will be just their first season in the league, they have put together an incredible roster, comprised of two of the top Grandmasters in the country, and the rest with talented juniors.
GM Alex Stripunsky (15th in USA) helped to put the team together, and recruited his friend GM Ildar Ibragimov (5th in USA) to play as well. What’s incredible about this team is that as of Feb 2007, every single team member can be found on one of the top rating lists on the USCF website.
The Pioneers will be playing their games at the Polgar Chess Center in Queens, NY
From GM Stripunsky:
I’m pleased to inform you that IM Eli Vovsha has joined our team. Eli currently lives in Forest Hills (Queens). Our full roster now consists of:
1. GM Ildar Ibragimov
2. GM Alex Stripunsky
3. IM Eli Vovsha
4. FM James Critelli
5. FM Jake Kleiman
6. FM Teddy Coleman
7. Parker Zhao
8. Michael Thaler
Source: http://uschessleague.com/Queens.html
This is a strong team! Good luck to the Queens Pioneers and the Polgar Chess Center!
Go Alex and Ildar!
Looks like a strong team. Do they have a chance to beat the 2006-undefeated San Francisco Mechanics?