02/03/2005

   New York Knights become the 2nd official US Chess League Team


  The New York Knights, managed by two time women's chess champion WIM Jennifer Shahade, join the San Francisco Mechanics as the second team inducted to the league. Their matches will be played at what is likely the most well known chess club in the United States, the Marshall Chess Club.
   New York will be starting with 3 of the most famous New York City players on their roster. Former US Woman's Champion, Irina Krush, will be playing for New York. Irina made huge headlines when she won the US Women's Championship at just 14 years old. Also joining the team will be the true ironman of New York, IM Jay Bonin. Jay Bonin is famous in the New York area because if there is a chess tournament going on, you can bet your life Jay will be there. Jay plays chess almost every day of the week, and lives and breaths the game. WIM Jennifer Shahade will also be part of the team, operating as a player/manager for the Knights.
   "People have been asking for a league like this for years, and it should be great. I really love playing in team events, and this one is great because I get to represent my city, I get to play with my friends in New York and prove that we are the best place for chess in the country." said Jenn Shahade. "We also have some advantages right off the bat. Jay Bonin just scored 5.5/6 against top level GM's in the weekly New York Masters event in back to back weeks. That's not the kind of result you can have by accident. Jay is clearly underrated and should be a huge asset to the team." 
   Also with two women on the squad already, the Knights will be able to have an average rating of 2420 instead of 2400 in the matches that they play both females. (Click here for more info). With Jenn Shahade's high profile personality and popularity in the chess world, she should do a fine job of recruiting talent to the New York squad.
    The Knight's logo went public today as well,






        With New York City as the home to the greatest chessplayers in America's history , and to the most historic club in the nation, they should be a perennial front-runner in the US Chess League.



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