News

by

SEMIFINAL, Andreiko Memorial Tournament,  5.–12.06. 2002.

1. The condition of participation is to send EDC application to 10th May 2002.

2. Entrance fee is 80 EURO.

3. Tournament will be played in 9 round swiss system (in case of large number of participants, main referee,
in consultation with EDC and organisator, will have ability to increase number of rounds, but in any case amount of rounds won’t be more than 3 rounds in two successive days).

4. In settling places decides FMJD rules applying to swiss system tournaments.

5. Time control is 2h on 50 moves and 1h on the rest of the game.

6. The participants will play in the Riga’s center (approxemetly – 400 m from Rigas centrail terminal station – Akademijas laukums 1).

7. The participant hospitality from 9–25$ (on average 15 $), it will depend from their desires. Of course,
we can offer also better places for higher price. Tournament organizers only for participants will partially disburse the hotel expenses – 20%.

8. Everyone, who wants can receive the placing in Jurmala (if yes, then inform us before the time). In the summer time Jurmala is very beautiful and participants can stay there before or after tournament to take
a rest for their own expenses.

VERY IMPORTANT
Those persons or players who will need a visa, I will need their name, surname, to make it trough the Foreign office.
As soon as possible I will wait for the tournament participant list.
Janis Lelis e-mail: jlelis@com.latnet.lv Phone: +371 9556340 +371 7227840

Dear draughts players!

XIII EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 

  1. European Championship 2002 will be played in two stages:
  2. Semifinal (Open tournament for everybody) – RIGA (Latvia) 5-12 of June
  3. Final with 32 competitors – DOMBURG (Holland) 4-22 of November
  4. European Champion from 99 (Mr. H.Wiersma)
  5. Actual World Champion  (Mr. A.Tshizov)
  6. Organising country (Royal Dutch Federation)
  7. Sponsor place
  8. extra place for semifinal organisator (Latvian Federation)
  9. 6). … One player per country which is OK to FMJD (on the 1st day of Semifinal !)

European Championship has a very long, almost 40 years history. Latvia has a very important place in it. Arco, Italy 1974 – Andris Andreiko for the first time won gold EC medal for his country. Seventeen years later in Parthenon (France) another Latvian grandmaster – Guntis Valneris did it for a second time.

I’m very happy that we are here in Riga, so important for city draughts. For the 1st time we play European Championship in new formula. I deeply believe that it give new impulse for our game and make more interest for our sponsors.

I wish for all players’ good games.

Please, allow me to thank in your name LATVIAN FEDERATION for the wonderful idea to organise European Championship Semi-final in Riga as an Andris ANDREIKO memorial.

                  Jacek Pawlickis – President of European Draughts Confederation

ORGCOMITTIE OF A. ANDREIKO MEMORIAL

Chairman: 

Ivan Klementiev – Deputy of Rigas Council (Vice –chairman of Committion of Education and Sport), Olympic champion, sevenfold World champion.

Vice-chairman: 

Janis Lelis– EDC vicepresident, LIDF Member of Presidy, Executive director of LTA.

Members of the Orgcomittie:

Aleksandrs Saryans – Council chairman of Fond “The Russian countryman in Latvia”; The Authorized Quoter of the Corporation NIS Trade.;

Valdis Kalnozols – President of the Latvian Chess Union, Deputy of Riga’s Council (Environment Committie Cchairman);

Guntis Valneris – International grandmaster, President of LIDF, World Champion in 1994;

Viktors Adamovics – sport master, Computer centre manager of Publishing office, www page head;

Nina Kornilova – President of the Fund”The Russian countryman in Latvia”;

Georg Freimanis – 1-st Vice president of Fund “The Russian countryman in Latvia”

Vladimirs Vigman – International grandmaster, ternary World vice champion, ternary champion of USSR and champion of Netherlands, Deputy of main Editor “Telegraf”;

Igor Buzinsky – The coordinator of Fund “The Russian countryman in Latvia”;

Valdemars Suveizdis – Cheaf Officer of high building of LAS;

Aleksandrs Petrovs – Vice-president of Fund “The Russian countryman in Latvia”.

Arbitres:

Main arbitre H. Fokkink International arbitre, A. Sipols International arbitre, I. Are LR Arbitre, G. Grintals LR Arbitre.

Large draughts tournaments in Latvia are as rare as seals in the waters of the Gulf of Riga. But this year we are hosting two at once: in the fall, the capital of the republic will host a match for the title of world champion with the participation of Zoya Golubeva, and on Wednesday the Andris Andreiko Memorial kicked off, within which the semi-final of the European men’s championship is played. (Newspaper “Telegraph” – 7.06.2002)

Before the first round, Zigmar Dauge was the most emotional. E. Merins (Germany) did not come to the tournament by the time of the draw, and because of the odd parity, they decided not to allow Dauge. Disappointing … but after a while they reported that he was included instead of the Ukrainian draughts player Bobkov, who had not arrived. Joy … but sadness still did not pass – in the first round – defeat. (05.06.2002)

In the first round, seven effective games – local draughts players showed complete inhospitality – they had five victories on their account. It is interesting that two Zoyas play in the tournament and they both outplayed their male rivals in unison. (A.S.) (05.06.2002)

Congratulations for your site and for the news from qualification of Europe Championship (maybe possible see some foto of tournament? – bye – Michele Borghetti – Grand Master of Italian checkers – (06.06.2002)

In the second round, the judges were not bored by the desire of the Dutch player Van den Akker to try to win the flag from V. Dumesh. Kings were chasing in the three-on-two position, the clock was chiming, then the participants had long negotiations with the chief arbiter Henk Fokking in Dutch. As a result, Dumesh was given 24 seconds on the clock, Akker had ten minutes for the necessary six moves. The Dutchman thought and… agreed to a draw. (A.S.) (06.06.2002)

A wave of emotions was raised by the inaccurate draw of the third round, but the draw was corrected and the players started the next round. (A.S.) (07.06.2002)

According to the decision made, International Grandmaster from Belarus Yevgeny Vatutin is participating in the tournament as a representative of the EDC (European Confederation) and participates in the A.Andreiko Memorial with full rights. In the event that he takes a place that gets into the final of the European Championship, then his fate (ie participation or non-participation) will be decided at a meeting of the European Confederation. (A.S.) (07.06.2002)

In the third round they play Denis Barkov (white) with Marina Barkova. I wonder how this fight will end. (07.06.2002)

There are two significant events in the fourth round: Firstly, the sole leader was determined in the Georgiev-Golubev party. The international grandmaster from Russia, having won against the multiple world champion, topped the tournament table with 7 points out of 8. Secondly, this time the Latvian checkers players (as opposed to the first round) turned out to be even too hospitable in all the productive games this time – six defeats with one victory. Yes, and she won over the former Riga woman – now the representative of Holland Vitalia Dumesh … (A.S.) (08.06.2002)

Fifth round. After the next victory of A. Georgiev, one should probably ask a question – but in general, someone can stop him. His next opponent will be A. Getmansky, who also won. We are waiting for what the duel of the next round of two Russian Alexander will show. (A.S.) (08.06.2002)

Today, within the framework of the memorial to A. Andreiko, a blitz tournament was held, in which 33 athletes took part. All participants were divided into 3 subgroups, 2 winners from each subgroup played the main prize in a round-robin tournament. Unexpectedly for many, young Robert Misans won – the world and European champion among cadets (Latvia, Dobele), who won in an additional match for 1st place experienced Laimonis Zalitis 3:1. (G.Sh)(09.06.2002)

The sixth round ended faster than the previous ones, but was no less interesting. Of course, the struggle for the leadership of the two Alexanders attracted attention. In a very difficult position, Georgiev overstayed his time and handed over the powers of the leader to A. Getmansky. After a successful performance in the blitz tournament, the absence of V. Bozhenkov for the next round was very unexpected. (J.L., A.S.) (09.06.2002)

Before the seventh round, a large and comfortable bus brought participants, referees, members of the organizing committee and guests to the burial place of Andris Andreiko. A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the grave and monument, official representatives of the FMJD, EDC, the organizing committee, the judging panel and associates of the outstanding Riga resident made speeches.

In the seventh round, V. Bozhenkov also plays, from whom a written explanation was received about a two-hour delay for the previous round due to family reasons. The panel of judges allowed V. Bozhenkov to continue the competition, having a “minus” against S. Nosevich. (J.L.) (10.06.2002)

Alexander Georgijev (RUS) became the winner of the Andris Andreiko Memorial. On the following rungs of the tournament ladder of fame are: 2. Alexander Getmanski (RUS), 3. Igor Kirzner (UKR), 4. Edward Buzhinski (LIT), 5. Evgeni Watoetin (EDC), 6. Jeroen van der Akker (NET), 7. Zoya Golubeva (LAN), 8. Laimonis Zalitis (LAT), 9. Sergei Nosevitch (BLR), 10. Egidijus Petryla (LIT), 11. Jos Stokkel (Net), 12-13. Vladimir Milshin (RUS), Roberts Misans (LAT)… The above-mentioned athletes were apparently satisfied with their performance at the semi-final of the European Championship – they got into the final. True, E. Vatutin will still have to wait for the decision of high-ranking functionaries. As we already wrote – his fate – i.e. participation or non-participation in the final tournament of the European Championship will be decided in August. Participants who took places from 14 and below have not yet lost all their chances, since it is announced that all vacancies will be filled taking into account the past semi-final. (12.06.2002)

An open letter from an international grandmaster E.Vatutina to FMJD.

Dear Sirs!

I have to turn to you on an important (and not only for me) issue. FMJD is an organization uniting national drafts federations. I propose to introduce the possibility of membership in the FMJD for an individual. I will explain the need for this step on the example of the relationship between several Belarusian athletes and the Belarusian Drafts Federation (hereinafter – BFS). In the period from 1997 to 2000, the BFS worked with gross violations of the Charter of the BFS. So, for example, the president of the BFS Apresman was forced to leave Belarus due to a serious illness of his son. And the new president was not elected for 2.5 years until 2000.

In 2002, two (!) reporting and election conferences were held. At that moment, when the documents about both conferences were in the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus, and the decision to recognize one of them had not yet been made, the championship of Belarus began. Five players: A. Balyakin (before that he won 6 out of 7 championships of Belarus), A. Bulatov, A. Valyuk, A. Voronich and E. Vatutin, the tournament judge did not allow to start, referring to the decision of the not yet recognized (!) executive committee BFS.

Legally elected in 1997, the chairman of the audit commission, V. Belyaevsky, a criminal case was opened on the suit of I. Pashkevich about V. Belyaevsky appropriating this position to himself. About violations during the conference (the one where I. Pashkevich was elected) there is a response from the Ministry of Justice. If needed, I can provide. As a result, they already left Belarus, having moved to a new place of residence A. Balyakin, A. Voronich. Abulatov plays incomparably worse – there is neither sense nor incentive. M. Shulman does not play. Now about the current situation regarding my application for participation in the qualifying tournament for the European Championship (hereinafter referred to as the EC) in Riga.

It is the BFS that protests against the participation of a Belarusian under the Belarusian flag. Why is my participation so unpleasant for the BFS that it even took unique steps – applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia so that they would not give me a sports visa to Latvia?

I would like to draw your attention to two points: 1. Once again, the deadline for holding a new reporting and election conference of the BFS has passed, but the conference has not been held. 2. Champion of Belarus S. Nosevich announced for the EC qualifying tournament in Riga

Gentlemen, I think that all of the above is enough to justify my decision not to be a member of such a voluntary, public organization as the BFS. And how does the obligation to join a voluntary public organization fit in with human rights? I will add that I consider it unsafe for myself (as an active player) to be a member of the BFS. They may not be included in the application.

In view of the fact that G.Valneris, I.Kirzner, Russian and French drafts players had problems with the national federations before, there is a need to take any measures. In my opinion, my proposal for the possibility of a private person to be a member of the FMJD is reasonable and does not infringe on anyone’s rights. It is also justified by the fact that the FMJD does not control the activities of national federations in any way.

Now about a private issue – my application for participation in the EC qualifying tournament. I cannot immigrate to another country (due to family reasons) and cannot be a member of the BSF. Let’s, gentlemen, find a positive solution that does not infringe anyone! Let’s use common sense:

1. Playing International Grandmaster is better than not playing 2. The inability to play for me will actually be a ban on the profession. 3. The motto of the International Olympic Committee: “the main thing is participation …” 4. The letter of the FMJD law is no weaker, turned inside out, raped (sorry, but I can’t find another word) the letter of the BFS law.

Please give me the opportunity to compete in the EC 2002 under the Belarusian (or EDC, FMJD, UN or Dutch) flag without confirmation of my BFS application (now not eligible). I hope that no one will suffer from this and no one’s health will deteriorate.

With hope and respect, E.Vatutin. May 21, 2002.

Answer of the President of the Belarusian Drafts Federation Irina Pashkevich to a letter from E. Vatutin.

Dear friends!

Unfortunately, participation in the Confederation Cup and the organization of the Minsk International Drafts Festival did not allow me to immediately respond to Mr. Vatutin’s open letter. However, given the nature of Vatutin’s letter, which is offensive to the Belarusian Drafts Federation (BFS), I would like to acquaint the drafts community with the real situation in our Federation. I present here excerpts from the statement of the Belarusian Federation regarding Vatutin’s open letter sent to the FMJD.

“In connection with an open letter to the FMJD by International Grandmaster E. Vatutin, the Belarusian Drafts Federation is forced to make the following statement:

The Belarusian Drafts Federation is guided in its activities by the Charter of the Belarusian Drafts Federation and the Charter of the FMJD. Calls, letters come from those who start intrigues, looking for illegal ways. For example, the Belarusian Drafts Federation has never applied to the embassies of any states, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia with a request to refuse anything to anyone.

Regarding membership in the Belarusian Drafts Federation, we would like to inform the FMJD that it was at the request of several drafts players, including Vatutin, that the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus conducted an audit of the federation’s activities. As a result of the inspection by the Ministry of Justice, we were given an official warning about the need for a written application from the members of the federation and the need to pay membership fees. We have to collect annual membership dues, although many people in our country have very low incomes. The charter of the Belarusian Drafts Federation is similar to the charters of other sports federations in the Republic of Belarus.For two years Vatutin has been ignoring the Federation and is not a member of it. The Belarusian Federation has not yet refused to admit anyone to membership in the federation.”

I would like to add the following. This site on the Internet is visited by a large number of people. They must have truthful, factual information. At the same time, my explanations do not mean that I will constantly react to speculation and lies.

I don’t know what BFS conferences Vatutin writes about in 2002. The last one was held openly in 2000, it, like the decisions taken at it, was recognized by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus. The Conference was attended by the Deputy Minister of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus. Individuals tried to disrupt the Conference. For example, Mr. Belyaevsky sent letters on the Federation’s false letterheads to all regions announcing the cancellation of the Conference. After that, Mr. Belyaevsky received an official warning about the illegality of his actions.

Vatutin and his co-authors wrote many letters – denunciations to various authorities. The apotheosis of epistolary activity was a six-page letter to the Minister of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus. None of the facts of violations of sports and financial norms was confirmed. For example, the Minister emphasized the following “fact” of the letter: “Gabrielyan was sent by the federation instead of the world champion in Brazilian drafts to the World Championship in Brazilian drafts.” A typical example of lies and provocation.

Valyuk and Gabrielyan expressed their desire to play in Brazil, and both were declared for the championship. The Ministry of Sports of Belarus cultivates two types of drafts: hundred-cell and Russian. Gabrielyan found a way to finance the trip, but Valyuk did not. The authors of the letter knew this well: Balyakin, Vatutin and Valyuk.

And the last. It is quite obvious that a group of people tried to subjugate the Executive Committee of the BFS, to provoke the Ministry of Sports into breaking off relations with the Federation. It would seem, for what? After all, the Ministry of Sports is the main source of funding for BSF events. Much became clear when law enforcement agencies began investigating the illegal business of E. Vatutin, A. Balyakin and A. Voronich. It turns out that when they went to Holland by car to play for the club, they each time took out 3-4 purebred puppies (English Great Dane). At the same time, they demanded the help of the Federation in crossing the border. The consequences of the investigation could be all sorts. Probably this, and not the drafts situation, forced some of them to leave the country. Those who joined the Federation continue to play drafts and play calmly. Vatutin, on the other hand, decided once again to circumvent the laws, thanks to his special club contacts with Mr. Pavlitsky.

Of course, Vatutin can think about speaking under the UN flag, but it’s better to recover from Napoleonic complexes and perceive yourself adequately.

President of the Belarusian Drafts Federation Irina Pashkevich.