FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Eric C. Johnson March 18, 1999 (845) 562-8350 Press Release #8 of 1999
Ashley, 33, of Brooklyn, N.Y., scored 6 out of a possible 9 points to finish in second place in the 10-player tournament. GM Georgy Timoshenko (UKRAINE) won the event with 8 points.
Ashley, who already holds the title of International Master, becomes the first African-American player to qualify for the Grandmaster title. The Grandmaster title is an honor awarded by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), an international organization based in Switzerland.
An estimated 600 players worldwide hold the Grandmaster title. Of these, approximately 45 are U.S. players.
Players qualify for the Grandmaster title by collecting a series of norm performances in high-level events. Once a sufficient number of norms is achieved, the player's national federation submits an official title application to the FIDE Qualifications Committee for review.
When a player meets or exceeds the technical requirements, the confirmation of the title is automatic.
The U.S. Chess Federation will be submitting a Grandmaster title application for Ashley at the next FIDE Qualifications Committee meeting, to be held later this year.
For more information about titles and ratings, check the USCF website at USCF FAQ, or the FIDE website at www.fide.com.
For more information about this and other chess events, contact Assistant Director Eric C. Johnson, U.S. Chess Federation, 3054 NYS Route 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553; phone: (845) 562-8350; FAX: (914) 561-2437; World Wide Web: http://www.uschess.org