
Photo impressions of the 2009 US Women's Chess Championship
By Betsy Dynako

First and last: before the final round nine Anna Zatonskih and Yun Fan shake

A show of affection before the commencement of hostilities (round 4, draw in
54)

IM Irina Krush in action

Sabina Foisor, Alisa Melekhina, Yun Fan, Chris Bird, Battsetseg Tsagaan

The ladies applaud the announcement that there will be a repeat in 2010

Arbiter Carol Jarecki gives WGM Camilla Baginskaite her IM Norm certificate

Irina Krush, Chris Bird, Anna Zatonskih, Rusudan Goletiani, Iryna Zenyuk.
Anna gets the winner's cake from the Sagalchik family...

... and her US $15,000 first prize check from Rex Sinquefield

Anna feeling good about the tournament win and her big check

Anna feeling good about her Susan's
Costume Shoes

Best friends: Iryna (Zenyuk) and Irina (Krush)...

...posing at the closing ceremony

Likewise, if not quite as appealing: Ben Finegold and Chris Bird

USCF web editor Jennifer Shahade, Anna Zatonskih and GM Ben Finegold

A chessboard for the chief, signed by all the grateful players
Tony Rich, the Executive Director of the Chess Club and Scholastic Center
of Saint Louis, presents Rex Sinquefield, President & Chairman of the Board,
and his wife Jeanne a chessboard signed by all the participants of the 2009
US Women's Championship.
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Photography has been a passion of Betsy's from a very
early age, and she began to hone her skills as the photo editor for
Millikin University's student newspaper. Today she is regarded as one
of the premiere chess photographers in the United States, always providing
top-notch coverage of events from Supernationals to the US Chess Championship.
In 2004, Betsy's work appeared in a group showing titled, "Endo
Expressions," at the ARC Gallery in Chicago. "I consider photography
my art," she says. "I am so a classically trained singer but
photography has become a profession. As a singer I know I did a good
job when I move someone to tears, as a photographer I wouldn't mind
doing the same one day. In general I am blessed to do what I love."
Betsy uses a Nikon D3. When she can she will grab a Canon
from a friend for a few shots. Her favorite lens is her 17-200mm. All
pictures in this report are by Betsy Dynako.
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2009 US Women's Championship – Final Standings

The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3
organization that opened in July 2008. Founded by retired investment fund manager
Rex Sinquefield, it has more than 500 members. The club offers free classes,
discounted tournament entry fees and discounted merchandise for club members.
For more information, please visit the web
official site, or call 314-361-CHESS.