From: Matt Casters <matt <at> NETPOINT <dot> BE>
Date: 24 mar 1997
Subject: Re: Spreading shogi in the west - another anecdote (1)

>>Shogi. Intrigued, Verkouille immediately wanted to know what this game was
>>all about that it kept Japanese from playing Chess. Verkouille fell in love
>>with the game the moment he learnt it. He started a Shogi club, organized a
>>Shogi tournament and the rest, as they say, is history.
>If I am right, he was alredy dead by some sickness.  Before he went to
>heaven he left money to shogi falks in Belgium to use it for shogi.  The
>falks now use it for the shogi tournament held every year in Gent for
>memory of Richard Verkouille.  It is an impressive story for me, if only my
>memory is correct.  I am sorry in advance if Mr. Verkouille is still alive.

You are not in error.  The shogi-tournament is called "The Richard Verkouille
memorial" and is held this year in the month of may.  I will send complete
information about this tournament to Shogi-L in a few days.

regards,

Matt Casters