Corus Chess 2007 in storm-swept Wijk aan Zee
18.01.2007 A severe storm (wind-force 10) raged on Thursday 18 January across the Netherlands causing extensive damage and disrupting traffic. The extreme weather conditions also hit Wijk aan Zee where the Corus Chess Organization Committee had to take safety measures. The white and red Corus Chess flags were damaged and had to be removed. The commentary session in the Corus Chess pavilion was cancelled, maybe for the first time in Corus Chess history. The Organization Committee feared the lighting equipment to fall down. Later on –initiated by Arlette Van Weersel, one of the best Dutch female players- a short commentary session was given in the Tournament hall’s Café. Arlette and good old Lex Jongsma animated a small audience, especially when Dutch GM Loek Van Wely was winning against Alexei Shirov.
Chess Pavilion with removed flags
The flags... once proudly blowing in the wind
How sad it was
What else can we say?
One flag was saved in front of the playing hall
Commentary session in the Tournament hall's Café
Commentary session with Arlette Van Weersel & Lex Jongsma
Arlette Van Weersel
Lex Jongsma
(All photos by Frits Agterdenbos)
|
