Team Canada at the 24th NATO Chess Championship

By Major Regis Bellemare

13 NATO members’ countries met in Warsaw-Rynia in Poland to compete in the 24^th NATO Chess Championship from 12 August to 16 August 2013. It was Canada’s 10^th participation to this Championship and we had a complete team of 6 players.

 Our stay in Poland started with a great reception at Canada’s Embassy in Warsaw. The Embassy personnel organised a «Beaver Tail event» where we introduced the players of team Canada. For the occasion, Philippe Léveillée gave a simultaneous exhibition (5 boards) and gave only one draw on 8 games. This welcome party was very appreciated by the team members and will stay forever a memorable event.  

 Poland did an outstanding work in organising this Championship. They organised a tour of Warsaw on the day before the Championship that allowed the participants to see the city and attend a classical music concert of the music of Frederic Chopin outdoor at the Lazienki Palace.       

 The week started with the opening ceremony at the PolishMilitaryMuseum in Warsaw that we had the opportunity to visit following the ceremony. For the occasion, many dignitaries from Poland government and Military officials were present to welcome the delegation of the participating countries. The chess matches were held at Rynia holiday house on the shore of the man made lake (Jez Zegrzynskie). A very nice setting that players appreciated since, in addition of the very nice view on the lake and the incredible sunsets, it allowed to have accommodation, feeding and tournament hall all in the same location.  

Germans are still the NATO champions with 21 points. They were followed by Denmark (18,5 points) and Poland (18 Points). Team Canada had is best score since 2002 with 11 points, finishing in 12^th position.  It also worth mentioning that Estonia was participating for their first time to the Championship. Complete results are available on www.natochess.com.

TEAM RESULTS – 24^th NATO CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

TEAM CANADA INDIVIDUAL RESULTS – 24^th NATO CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Philippe Léveillée, our top performer for the tournament had an excellent tournament. He lost his first round due to not be used to the time control used in the Championship (2 hours for 40 moves and 30 min Sudden death). He came back stronger for the next rounds, not losing for 4 games in a row (+1600, +2027, =2145, =2093). Alex Lambruchini finished well the tournament with 3 wins (+1600, +1754, + 1851).

 5 players of team Canada also participate in the Blitz tournament of the Friday afternoon. For the first year, this tournament was FIDE rated. Well done to Herb Langer who was our top performer with 4.5 points in 11 rounds.

TEAM CANADA INDIVIDUAL RESULTS – 24^th NATO CHESS - BLITZ TOURNAMENT

The highlight of the week was for many of us the closing ceremony. During the banquet, we had a great show from Poland performers. Also, since the Canadian Army will be hosting the 25^th edition of this Championship in 2014, we got the opportunity to introduce our country with Canadian singer Jenny Galt (www.jennygalt.com) who is presently living in Warsaw.  The 25^th NATO Championship will be held at the Citadel of Quebec in Quebec City in September 2014. It will be the first time this Championship will be held in North America and all participating countries are much exited about coming to Canada.

For information about military chess in Canada, you can contact Major Regis Bellemare at regis.bellemare@forces.gc.ca