黑衣新娘 (The Bride Wore Black)

But only one dazzling new fashion star took over the stage of the grand opening of the “和平·万科杯” (“Peace Vanke Cup”) National Schools Chess Championship in 沈阳 (Shěnyáng), 辽宁省 (Liáoníng province), China on Monday, July 23, 2018. And thus, four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), starring as a fatal “dark lady”, blessed everyone with her radiant light, polyhedral personality, and merciful heart. It may be not superfluous to remark that 336 youngsters from all over the country took part in the championship. Photo: OSports Photo Agency.

One Minute to Midnight

Four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), two-time Women’s World Chess Champion 谢军 (Xiè Jūn), and the Vice President of the Chinese Chess Association Grandmaster 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān) attended as institutional representatives the inaugural day of the “和平·万科杯” (“Peace Vanke Cup”) National Schools Chess Championship in 沈阳 (Shěnyáng), 辽宁省 (Liáoníng province), China on Monday, July 23, 2018. 13th Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), on her part, being not oblivious to her own role as inspiring muse, deliberately chose to pose as Queen regent in public, looking even more breathtaking than usual in her elegant and revealing midnight black evening dress (Grand Prix summer collection). No wonder that when beauty conquers, sports details may even fade away. Photos: Visual China Group.

The Sunday school teacher

Far from fading into 北京 (Běijīng)’s fog, four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán, duly escorted by the Vice President of the Chinese Chess Association Grandmaster 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān), delivered a friendly lecture and Q&A to the young students of 沈阳铁路第三小学 (Shěnyáng Railway No. 3 Elementary School) in 沈阳 (Shěnyáng), 辽宁省 (Liáoníng province), China on Sunday, July 22, 2018. As usual 13th Women’s World Chess Champion looked breathtakingly elegant in her sleeveless black white skater dress (《非凡的小兵》 summer collection) and black sneakers, but the school staff succeeded in making her look even more unique, wrapping a silken red scarf around her swan neck. The final chess simultaneous exhibition, performed in tandem with her cavalryman, was a triumph of fashion and friendship, for the joy of children and teachers. Photos: Visual China Group.

Cyberart

More than 850 players from all over the 环渤海经济圈 (Bóhǎi Economic Rim) gathered in 廊坊 (Lángfáng), 河北省 (Héběi province), China on May 28, 2017 to participate in the 5th 渤海 (Bóhǎi Sea) Cities “鲁班 (Lǔbān) Golden Furniture Cup” International Chess Classic, a three-day event that combines sports and tourism. The opening ceremony was attended by most city authorities and officiated, as usual, by the tireless Chinese Chess Association (CCA)’s Secretary-General 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān), who could also rely upon the support of the four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), actively involved with the public as a chess ambassador. Photo: sports.sohu.com.

Can’t Buy Me Love

Here are further details regarding the endorsement deal between the Chinese Chess Association — on behalf, too, of 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí) — and their new sponsor 山东景芝酒业股份有限公 (Shāndōng Jǐngzhī Liquor Co., Ltd.):

A ¥100,000 元 (yuán) bonus for 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

A blue sapphire necklace for 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

A limited edition commemorative wine bottle for 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

And another one for the coach of all coaches 余少腾 (Yú Shǎoténg). Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

And, finally, the signing moment between Chinese Chess Association (CCA)’s Secretary-General 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān) and 山东景芝酒业股份有限公 (Shāndōng Jǐngzhī Liquor Co., Ltd.)’s Deputy Manager 曹天河 (Cáo Tiānhé), officialising an endorsement deal through which the wine company set up a fund worth ¥10,000,000 million 元 (yuán) for supporting the national chess development. Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus

16th Women’s World Chess Champion 谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí) received a ¥100,000 元 (yuán) bonus, a blue sapphire, a limited edition commemorative wine, and floral wreaths from a company which set up a fund to support both her career and chess development overall. The sponsor is 山东景芝酒业股份有限公 (Shāndōng Jǐngzhī Liquor Co., Ltd.), with the blessing of the Chinese Chess Association, which will handle the fund administration and its related issues.

谭中怡 (Tán Zhōngyí) enjoying her lucky day
All photos: qipai.org.cn

Dressing for Dinner in the Naked City

Chinese Chess Association (CCA)’s Secretary-General 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān) and 上海 (Shànghǎi)’s 伊芙心悦 (Eve NY) Fashion Company Limited’s CEO Mrs. 沈宏 (Chén Hóng) signed an endorsement deal at the Sports management center of Chinese Sports General Administration in 北京 (Běijīng), March 10, 2017. It is the historical day when Chinese women’s chess team became brand ambassadors for 上海 (Shànghǎi)’s 伊芙心悦 (Eve NY) Fashion Company Limited.

Grandmaster and Challenger in next year’s Women’s World Chess Championship match 居文君 (Jū Wénjūn) wearing an elegant raincoat. Photo: cca.imsa.cn.

Fashioning a Queendom

北京 (Běijīng), March 10, 2017. Chinese Chess Association (CCA)’s Secretary-General 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān) and 上海 (Shànghǎi)’s 伊芙心悦 (Eve NY) Fashion Company Limited’s CEO Mrs. 沈宏 (Chén Hóng) signing at the Sports management center of Chinese Sports General Administration the endorsement deal which will give Chinese women’s chess team the role of brand ambassadors. All photos: cca.imsa.cn.

Quem recitas meus est, o Fidentine, libellus: sed male cum recitas, incipit esse tuus. The book that you recite from, Fidentinus, is my own. But when you read it badly, it belongs to you alone. I versi che tu reciti, o Fidentino, son miei; ma siccome li reciti male, ecco diventano tuoi. Martial, Epigrams, Book 1, XXXVIII English translation by Susan McLean Italian translation by Holden Caulfield

Eva está dentro de su gato

---

Notes by Miss Lonelyhearts

---

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) & Nigel D. Short – Alisa Marić & 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān)
成都 (Chéngdū), July 9, 2014
French Defence C00

1. e4 e6 2. Qe2. Michail Ivanovič Čigorin’s own invention, designed to prevent 2. ... d5 (because of 3. exd5). 2. ... c5. Black should avoid 2. ... e5 3. f4! when White has a slightly improved King’s Gambit. 3. f4 Nc6 4. Nf3 g6. 4. ... Be7 is another common sense choice, e.g. 5. g3 d5 6. d3 Nf6 7. Bg2 0-0 8. 0-0 b5 9. e5 Nd7 10. c3 Nb6 11. d4? b4 12. dxc5 Bxc5+ 13. Kh1 a5! is good for Black, L. M. Kovacs – Uhlmann, Sarajevo 1969. 5. g3. An interesting try is 5. Na3!? a6 6. c3 b5 7. Nc2 Nf6 8. g3 d5 (8. ... d6!?) 9. e5 Nd7 10. d4 with a slight edge for White, Day – Kuligowski, New York 1981. Here I’d like to mention an old game of professor Antonio Rosino: 5. c3 Bg7 6. Qf2 b6 7. d4 cxd4 8. cxd4 Nge7 9. Nc3 d6 10. Be2 0-0 11. 0-0 Bb7 12. Be3 d5 13. e5 Nf5 14. g4 Nxe3 15. Qxe3 a6 16. f5 exf5 17. gxf5 gxf5 18. Bd3 Ne7 19. Nh4 Bc8 20. Kh1 Ra7 21. Rg1 f4 22. Qf3 Ng6 23. Nf5 Bxf5? (23. ... f6 was necessary) 24. Bxf5 Nh4 25. Qxf4 Nxf5 26. Qxf5 Qd7? (Fricker blunders, but also after 26. ... Kh8 27. Rg4! leaves Black without hope) 27. Rxg7+! 1 : 0 Rosino – Fricker, 10th International Chess Festival, La Spezia 1963. Black resigned on account of 27. ... Kxg7 28. Rg1+ and mate next move. 5. ... Bg7 6. Bg2 Nge7 7. d3 d6. For 7. ... 0-0 8. c3 b5 see Bricard – Barsov, Calvi 2004. 8. 0-0 0-0 9. a4 a6 10. Qf2 Rb8 11. Kh1 b5 12. Nc3 b4 13. Ne2 f5. Trying to establish a blockade. 14. Rb1 h6 15. b3 Bb7 16. Bb2 Bxb2 17. Rxb2 e5 18. Rbb1 fxe4 19. dxe4 Qc7 20. Qe3 Kh7 21. fxe5 Nxe5 22. Nf4 Rf6? A mistake, losing a Pawn by force. After 22. ... Ng4 23. Qe2 Rf6 24. Bh3 Bc8 25. Kg2 White can still rely on a slight edge. The proper rejoinder probably was 22. ... N7c6 in order to meet 23. Ne6 by 23. ... Rxf3! 24. Bxf3 (else 24. Qxf3 Nxf3 25. Nxc7 Nd2 with equality) 24. ... Qe7 25. Nf4 Nd4 and Black’s compensation for the Exchange is adequate; for example, after 26. Bd1 Nf7! the e4-Pawn is doomed. 23. Nxe5 dxe5 24. Nd3. Cashing in! 24. ... Rbf8 25. Rxf6 Rxf6 26. Qxc5 Rc6. On 26. ... Qxc5 27. Nxc5 Bc8 28. Rf1 with an extra Pawn White should win easily enough. 27. Qf2 Ng8. 27. ... Rxc2 loses outright to 28. Qf7+ Kh8 29. Rf1 Ng8 30. Qxg6 Qg7 31. Qe6. 28. Nxb4 Rc3 29. Rf1 Kh8 30. Qf8 Re3 31. h4 Qc3 On 31. ... Rxg3 32. Rf7 wins. 32. Nd3 Qxc2. Also after 32. ... Bxe4 33. Bxe4 Rxe4 34. Qe8 Black is lost. 33. Rf7 1 : 0.

Nigel D. Short & 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán)
Photo: 雷远东 (Léi Yuǎndōng)

Underway

[Event "International Star Mixed Pair Chess Tournament"]
[Site "成都 (Chéngdū) CHN"]
[Date "2014.07.08"]
[Round "3"]
[White "侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) & Nigel D. Short"]
[Black "许昱华 (Xǔ Yùhua) & 余少腾 (Yú Shǎoténg)"]
[ECO "C10"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[PlyCount "160"]

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bd7 5. Nf3 Bc6 6. Bd3 Nd7 7. O-O Ngf6 8. Ng3 Be7 9. b3 O-O 10. Bb2 Bxf3 11. Qxf3 c6 12. c4 Qa5 13. a3 Rfe8 14. Rfe1 Bf8 15. h4 Rad8 16. h5 Qg5 17. Rad1 Qg4 18. Qxg4 Nxg4 19. Be2 Ngf6 20. Nf1 g6 21. hxg6 hxg6 22. g3 Bg7 23. Bf3 Nb6 24. a4 Nc8 25. Ne3 Ne7 26. a5 a6 27. Re2 Rd7 28. Red2 Red8 29. Ba3 Nf5 30. Bc5 Bf8 31. Bb6 Re8 32. g4 Nd6 33. Rd3 Nc8 34. Kg2 Nxb6 35. axb6 Red8 36. Be2 Bg7 37. f4 Ne4 38. Nc2 c5 39. Bf3 f5 40. Bxe4 fxe4 41. Re3 Bxd4 42. Rxe4 Bc3 43. Rxd7 Rxd7 44. Ne3 Kf7 45. f5 gxf5 46. gxf5 exf5 47. Nxf5 Ba5 48. Ne3 Rd2+ 49. Kf3 Bxb6 50. Nd5 Bd8 51. Rf4+ Ke8 52. Ke4 Rd4+ 53. Ke5 Rxf4 54. Kxf4 Kd7 55. Ke4 Kc6 56. Kd3 Bg5 57. Nc3 b5 58. cxb5+ axb5 59. Ne4 Be7 60. Nc3 Bf6 61. Ne4 Be5 62. Nd2 Kd5 63. Nb1 Kc6 64. Nd2 Kb6 65. Ne4 Bg7 66. Ng5 Bf6 67. Ne4 Be5 68. Ng5 Ka5 69. Kc2 Kb4 70. Nf3 Bf6 71. Ne1 Ka3 72. Nd3 Bd4 73. Nc1 Be3 74. Nd3 Ka2 75. Nb2 Bg5 76. Nd3 Be3 77. Nb2 Ka3 78. Nd3 Bd4 79. Nc1 Bf6 80. Nd3 Bd4 1/2-1/2

[Event "International Star Mixed Pair Chess Tournament"]
[Site "成都 (Chéngdū) CHN"]
[Date "2014.07.08"]
[Round "4"]
[White "诸宸 (Zhū Chén) & Yasser Seirawan"]
[Black "侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) & Nigel D. Short"]
[ECO "E34"]
[Result "1-0"]
[PlyCount "70"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. cxd5 Qxd5 6. Nf3 Qf5 7. Qb3 Nc6 8. e3 a5 9. a3 a4 10. Qd1 Bxc3+ 11. bxc3 e5 12. Be2 O-O 13. O-O Re8 14. Bb2 e4 15. Nh4 Qg5 16. g3 Bg4 17. c4 Na5 18. Bxg4 Qxg4 19. Qxg4 Nxg4 20. Rac1 Ra6 21. Rc2 Rc6 22. Rfc1 Nb3 23. Rd1 b5 24. c5 Rd8 25. Rf1 Re6 26. Ng2 c6 27. Nf4 Ree8 28. d5 cxd5 29. c6 d4 30. c7 Rc8 31. Bxd4 Nxd4 32. exd4 Re7 33. Nd5 Rd7 34. Rc5 h6 35. Rfc1 1-0

[Event "International Star Mixed Pair Chess Tournament"]
[Site "成都 (Chéngdū) CHN"]
[Date "2014.07.09"]
[Round "5"]
[White "侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) & Nigel D. Short"]
[Black "Alisa Marić & 叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān)"]
[ECO "C00"]
[Result "1-0"]
[PlyCount "65"]

1. e4 e6 2. Qe2 c5 3. f4 Nc6 4. Nf3 g6 5. g3 Bg7 6. Bg2 Nge7 7. d3 d6 8. O-O O-O 9. a4 a6 10. Qf2 Rb8 11. Kh1 b5 12. Nc3 b4 13. Ne2 f5 14. Rb1 h6 15. b3 Bb7 16. Bb2 Bxb2 17. Rxb2 e5 18. Rbb1 fxe4 19. dxe4 Qc7 20. Qe3 Kh7 21. fxe5 Nxe5 22. Nf4 Rf6 23. Nxe5 dxe5 24. Nd3 Rbf8 25. Rxf6 Rxf6 26. Qxc5 Rc6 27. Qf2 Ng8 28. Nxb4 Rc3 29. Rf1 Kh8 30. Qf8 Re3 31. h4 Qc3 32. Nd3 Qxc2 33. Rf7 1-0

Yasser Seirawan & 诸宸 (Zhū Chén)

• Alejandro Tadeo Ramírez Alvarez, Coincidence in Chéngdū: Part Two, Chess News, 9 luglio 2014

四川大熊貓棲息地

Nigel David Short & 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán)

Artur Jussupow & Majja Čiburdanidze

叶江川 (Yè Jiāngchuān) & Alisa Marić

余少腾 (Yú Shǎoténg) & 许昱华 (Xǔ Yùhua)

谢军 (Xiè Jūn) & 刘适兰 (Liú Shìlán)

Yasser Seirawan & 诸宸 (Zhū Chén)

Photos: games.sports.cn