LETTER. Bella Kamskaya, Esq.

Mr. Geoffrey D. BORG December 27, 2007
Villa Babushka, Sir. A. Freemantle Str.,
San Pawl Tat Targa NXR 06, Malta
Res: (356)214 347 29
Cell (356)994 34729
geoffrey.borg@gmail.com; gdb@nextgen.net.mt

Dear Mr. Borg:

This correspondence concerns International Grandmaster Gata Kamsky who has requested my assistance in preparing for the upcoming 2008-2009 FIDE Grand Prix among other chess competitions. Accordingly on GM Kamsky’s behalf, I would like to address numerous issues that require urgent resolution:
It is my understanding that the player’s commitment to participate in the FIDE Grand Prix series is due by December 31, 2007. Currently there was no official announcement made either by FIDE or the Global Chess BV, the Grand Prix series organizers, regarding 21 top world players that are selected to compete in the Grand Prix. As a result this correspondence is to confirm that Grandmaster Kamsky’s agrees to participate in all four Grand Prix events and that he awaits the official contract and/or the Player’s Undertaking from both FIDE and Global Chess BV.
Further, the selection method for the Grand Prix players, outlined in D.X. regulations for the Grand Prix, is not clear, therefore I would like to emphasize that Grandmaster Kamsky is qualified to participate in 2008-2009 FIDE Grand Prix based on the following:
1. GM Kamsky is the top rated player in the United States for more than 17 years; and
2. GM Kamsky is Number 17 according to the official FIDE Rating as of October 2007; and
3. GM Kamsky is the Winner of the 2007 World Cup and is one of the 4 top players to compete for the World Chess Championship Title; and
4. Prior FIDE announcements regarding selection of the players to compete in 2008-2009 FIDE Grand Prix included 4 players who passed to semi-final stage of 2007 World Cup, that includes the winner; and
5. That the rules for Grand Prix were changed at the Singapore FIDE meeting that took place AFTER 2007 World Cup where GM Kamsky became the winner, and also without a public announcement and/or NOTICE to all potential players who are to compete in the Grand Prix; and
6. GM Kamsky has no other tournaments that may conflict with his participation in 2008-2009 FIDE Grand Prix; and
7. That it is FIDE’s obligation to harmonize the FIDE chess calendar to avoid any conflict between Grand Prix and the World Chess Championship Matches;
Please provide the undersigned with the official response from FIDE and the Global Chess BV regarding the confirmation of GM Kamsky’s participation in 2008-2009 FIDE Grand Prix.
Should you have any questions, please contact the undersigned by e-mail or by tel..
Thank you very much for your attention and consideration. Best Holiday wishes to all.
Sincerely,

Bella Kamskaya, Esq.
General Counsel for Gata Kamsky
Law Offices of Sheldon Martin Krupnick
114 Old Country Road, Suite 544
Mineola, NY 11501
USA

CC: His Excellency Kirsan ILYUMZHINOV, FIDE President office@fide.com
Cc: Bill Hall, USCF Executive Director bhall@uschess.org

USCF Executive Board Members:
Susan Polgar, Chairman susanpolgar@aol.com
Jim Berry, Vice President jaberrycg@aol.com
Randy Bauer, VP Finance randybauer2300@yahoo.com
Paul Troung, VP Marketing & Communications paultroung@aol.com
Joel Channing,VP Business Development joel@channingcorporation.com
Randall Hough, VP Secretary randallhough@yahoo.com
CC: GM Gata Kamsky,