I am pleased to announce that this year’s U.S. Shogi Championship will be held for the first time in Philadelphia, as part of ongoing activities marking the 150th anniversary of the first known game of shogi to be played in America. Details of the tournament are given below. If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact me at alanshogi@gmail.com
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2011 U.S. Shogi Championship
Date: Saturday April 2nd – Sunday April 3rd 2011
Place: Swarthmore College
500 College Ave., Swarthmore PA 19081
Hosted by: Swarthmore College Shogi Club
Entry: Tournament Fee: $80
Friendship Dinner: $50
Application: By email to Alan Baker at alanshogi@gmail.com , by Friday March 18th
Professionals: Four professional shogi players are expected to attend this year’s event: Mr. Akio Ishikawa, 7-Dan; Mr. Masakazu Kondo, 6-Dan; Ms. Ayano Nodasawa, 1-Kyu; Ms. Asuka Ito, 1-Dan (retired).
Shogi Forum Qualification
The 2011 U.S. Shogi Championship will also be used to determine who will be the U.S. representative at the 5th International Shogi Forum, which is taking place in France in October 2011. Details about the rules for determining the qualifier will be posted shortly.
Schedule
Friday 4/1 (at hotel)
5:00 – 10:00 pm Registration and Casual Games
Saturday 4/2 (at Swarthmore College)
9:00 – 12:00 Classification Matches
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 pm Team Matches
6:00 pm Friendship Dinner
Sunday 4 / 3 (at Swarthmore College)
9:00 – 12:00 A and B Class Championship
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 pm B Class Final / 3rd-place A Class play-off
2:00 – 4:00 pm A Class Championship Final, with pro commentary
4:30 pm Closing and Prize Giving Ceremony
Travel / Lodging
The official hotel for the tournament will be the Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel, located right next to the airport.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phlbr-renaissance-philadelphia-airport-hotel/
Group rate rooms: $109 + tax for 2 double beds; $129 + tax for a Junior Suite.
Free shuttle to/from airport every 20 minutes.
Indoor pool
If you intend to stay in this hotel, please email George Fernandez, at g.fernandez@mindspring.com , who will be coordinating room bookings for tournament participants.Directions to Swarthmore College:
Swarthmore College is 20 minutes by train or car from the center of Philadelphia, and 15 minutes drive from Philadelphia International Airport. For detailed directions see
http://www.swarthmore.edu/visitordash/dash_visitors.php
Bus transport between the hotel and the tournament venue will be provided by the tournament organizers for any participants that need it.
