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 Corus Chess Tournament 2007 -- Look Ahead ...
by John Lee Shaw
In the opinion of this chess journalist, the
Corus tournament, held annually in the Dutch seaside resort of Wijk aan
Zee, is the finest tournament on the chess calendar. Nowhere else, in
my opinion, (save for olympiads maybe), can you see so many of the
world's top players squaring up against each other. When you add to
that, the close proximity that spectators are allowed to watch their chess heroes, Wijk
aan Zee holds a special two week atmosphere, that puts it in a league
of its own.
Tournament History
The tournament has a long history, which goes back to just before World
War II. In effect, the event was born in 1938, when local chess players
took part in a tournament held at a casino in Beverwijk, which is the
town next to Wijk aan Zee. In 1940, the event really took off with the
participation of Dr. Max Euwe, who won the event twice. From the
Beverwijk tournament, the event became "Hoogeven's Beverwijk' in 1959,
being won by Fridrick Olafsson. Other names to lift the trophy for that
event are Petrosian, Larsen, Geller, Polugaevsky, and Spassky, who was
actually the last winner of the Beverwijk tournament, in 1967.
In 1968, the tournament moved to Wijk aan Zee, where it is now firmly
rooted. The last tournament under the banner of Hoogevens, however, was
held in 1999. British steel and Hoogevens merged, and became 'Corus'.
The first Winner was Kasparov, with 9.5/13, and since then the event
has seen Bareev, and Topalov add their names to the Hall of Fame. It
has been Vishy Anand, however, that has dominated Wijk aan Zee, winning
its tournament a record 5 times.
Corus 2007
2007 sees probably the strongest field ever seen in a chess tournament
(again, apart from olympiads or such like, of course). Group A alone
sees the top 3 in the world competing, (4 in the top 10), the youngest
Grandmaster in the history of the game, a 15-year-old prodigy who jointly
won the B-Group last year, the reigning un-disputed World Chess
Champion, and at least 3 former World Champions in one form or
other. All in all, there is a mass of 38,066 rating points contained in
the A-Group alone, with an average rating of 2718. When taking in to account that there are another 2
groups similarly as strong, the Corus tournament, this year, is
phenomenal and second to none.
Venue
 As
is customary nowadays, the main tournament will be held at Wijk aan
Zee's De Moriaan Community Centre, (pictured right), a social club and
sports hall at 'normal' times, but which for two weeks at the beginning
of the year, stages one of the most prestigious tournaments on the
chess circuit. During these two weeks, the De Moriaan plays host to
chess's greatest players and biggest fans.
The De Moriaan is a great venue, and when the hustle and bustle of the
Corus tournament is around it ... well, it can be quite breathtaking.
Last year I took an advance look at the playing hall, and just walking
inside it, seeing the tables laid out brought a sensation that can not
be described, it has to be experienced.
Other Going's-On
As well as the showcase events, there are other sections that make up
the Corus tournament. Amateur's have plenty opportunity to compete,
being able to choose from 3-round and 9-round classical events, as well
as a rapid competition. There are special tournaments, for ex Dutch
members of parliament, seconds tournament, and even one for journalists.
Aswell as being a strong GM event, the Corus tournament is really a
chess festival. When not playing or watching, one can visit the bar for
drinks and food, or shop at one of the usually numerous stalls for some
new chess goodies. Live commentary of all the main rounds is available.
In addition to all this, you just might bump in to one of your chess
heroes.
Playing Schedule, Grandmaster Groups (other sections, see here):
Play on January 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th | 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st | 23rd, 24th | 26th, 27th
Rest Days on January 17th, 22nd, 25th
Live games: Corus Website | playchess.com
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