Sep 01 2008
Trading chess futures
The 17 years old Norwegian Magnus Carlsen is taking the chess world by storm. 17! From Norway. Ranked 6th in the world, with men old enough to be his father. could be #1 if he wins the Grand Slam Chess Final Masters on Tuesday in Bilbao, Spain.
“Whatever its benefits, his education is probably not the key to his future. Regardless of the outcome of the tournament at Bilbao, which ends Sept. 13, if he continues to be a top player well into his 30s, Magnus could earn millions, as Mr. Anand has and as did Kasparov, who retired from chess in 2005 at 42. By the time Magnus is 25, his father said, he expects that his son will have enough money for the rest of his life.”
It’s not that long ago that chess players live in poverty, in the USA (they do well in Europe, and elsewhere). The Internet has decreased the age to becomea grandmaster, but their earning power has accelerated. “Last year he spent more than 200 days on the road playing and earned $250,000 after expenses, his father said. Given his results this year, his earnings will surpass that.”
Sam Querrey is playing Nadal in the 4th round, sweet 16. He doesn’t look good, lost first set 6:2. Mardy Fish is waiting for the winner of this match for his next quarter adventure. All Americans? Not likely. I’m disappointed that the Williamsese will face each in quarter finals. Too early! Jennifer Capriati had always a bad luck drawing Steffi Graff in the semis ..