In Memoriam: Mario Cassai (1948-2008)

On Sunday, May 25, 2008 Mario Cassai suddenly died by disease of the heart, just after winning his first-round rapid game in the 2nd Memorial Farnesi in Santa Brigida, a small village located in the district of Pontassieve, in Florence’s Province. Mario was a constant character in Florence’s night (chess) life since over thirty years, and most chess clubs – both temporary and part-time – were most honoured with his presence. Gifted with a kind sense of humour, Mario was always too much in love with Bacchus, tobacco, and Venus because his chess titles might faithfully reflect his skills. More and more often he succeeded in showing his flowering side in chess analysis. His highest result was probably the 3rd place (out of 34 players) at the 9th International Chess Festival “Città di Lucca” in 1997, ahead of strong Masters such as Pietro Mola and Stuart Wagman.

Mario Cassai – Roberto Venturelli
9th International Chess Festival “Città di Lucca”; Lucca, 1997
French Defence C10

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bg5 Nbd7 4. Nf3 e6 5. e4 dxe4 6. Nxe4 Be7 7. Nxf6+ Nxf6 8. Bd3 h6 9. Bf4 0-0 10. Qd2 c5

11. Bxh6 gxh6 12. Qxh6 c4 13. Qg5+ ½ : ½.

Mario Cassai (pictured centre) in 2006.