There is a traditional chess day in Lithuanian Seimas (Parliament). This year it was on March 9 which has some historical significance for Lithuania as the first written mention of Lithuania is found in a medieval German manuscript, the Annals of Quedlinburg, in an entry dated 9 March 1009. The chess day involved blitz tournaments and simul for children. Many prominent political figures were present among them FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, speaker of the Seimas of the Lithuanian Republic Dr. Vydas Gedvilas. Also present were Mr. Jonas Milerius, Chancellor of the Seimas, and Mr. Alexandr Cernov, President of the Lithuanian Chess Federation. President Ilyumzhinov awarded Honorable certificates of Recognition for outstanding efforts in chess propagation and development to ex-Speakers of the Seimas of the Lithuanian Republic Mr. Cheslovas Jurshenas and Mr. Vitautas Landsbergis. Mr. Jurshenas is not only a chess amateur, but also he is an organizer of the Seimas Cup 2013. The first tournament hosted only several players, nowadays more than 300 players of different ages participate in this tournament. Mr. Vitautas Landsbergis was the first head of state of Lithuania after its independence declaration from the Soviet Union, and served as the Head of the Lithuanian Parliament Seimas. In 1952 he placed third in the Lithuanian chess championship, after Ratmir Kholmov and Vladas Mikėnas.
In group A few grandmasters, myself and local Vidmantas Malishauskas was among participants. The handicap formula was too much for Vidmantas, because one minute against nine is not easy to handle even against much weaker opponent. I managed my time better and won all three games with this extreme time control. Against local young talent Laurusas I had five minutes and this game was crucial to decide the first place. I won and secured first place. The winner’s cup will stay in Seima and they just engrave my name onto it. Still everybody got some nice presents from Lithuanian Chess Federation and especially children were very happy with the event. Full results
Jaan Ehlvest
