TAMIU Hosts Chess Tourney, Awards $4000 Scholarship

Kings and queens will quietly clash at Texas A&M International University on Saturday, January 31 at 11 a.m. for the 2004 pre-regional publicity Chess Tournament in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111. All players, regardless of age, are invited to come and test their expertise. Players do not need to be United States Chess Federation members.

The entry fee is $3 per person and first, second and third place prizes will be awarded in all five sections. The proceeds will benefit the United Chess Region VII Tournament, to be held Saturday, February 14, beginning at 8 a.m. at Alexander High School.

Lakshmana Viswanath, director of Computer and Telecommunications Services at TAMIU and senior tournament director, explained the pre-regional would be an excellent opportunity for someone to warm up for the February 14 Regional event.

"Our five sections are kindergarten through third grade, fourth and fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, ninth through twelfth and collegiate or adult. Area high school students should really consider entering, because TAMIU will be awarding a $4,000 scholarship. Other scholarships and door prizes will also be awarded. It's the very first time a regional tourney is being held in Laredo and we're very excited," said Viswanath.

For more information, please contact Viswanath at 717-8384 or e-mail vis@consultant.com. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.