Wednesday, February 16, 2011

2011 U.S. Shogi Championship in Philadelphia


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.