From: "George I. Fernandez" MINDSPRING COM> Date: 4 feb 2000 Subject: Shogi World Championship (Amateur Overseas Championship) Dear Shogi fans, On behalf of New York Shogi Club and United States Shogi Federation it gives me great pleasure to formally announce the upcoming Shogi World Championship (Amateur Overseas Championship), to be held at Ramada Inn, Armonk, New York on May 19-21 2000. Hosted by New York Shogi Club and Sponsored by Nihon Shogi Renmei, United States Shogi Federation, Inc., The Japan Foundation, Yomiuri Shinbun, R & C Tours Co., Ltd., Trans Orbit Co., Ltd., and Centurion International LLC. The tournament will feature top level amateur players from within the U.S. and around the world, a large cash prize fund and other prizes (in all sections), and an impressive group of visiting Japanese professional players. Sponsored by the Japan Fund, Nihon Shogi Renmei will send Mr. Hiroki Iizuka 5 Dan and Mr. Shinya Sato 4 Dan. Additionally, Mr. Akio Ishikawa 6 Dan, Chief Advisor of the US Amateur Championship will attend the Tournament. The following pros are also expressing their interest to participate in this event: Mr. Toshiyuki Moriuchi 8 Dan; Mr. Yaichio Ohno 6 Dan; Mr. Hirotaka Nozuki 4 Dan; Ms. Hiroe Nakai Ladies 5 Dan; Miss Yamato Takahashi Ladies Shodan; and Miss Akiko Nakakura Ladies 2 Kyu. Ten days ago, advance notice of this event was formally distributed to organizers of 39 shogi organizations worldwide [I didn't know that there were so many!] and we have been receiving many enthusiastic replies thus far. If you have not been contacted by the official representative of your shogi club/organization please feel free to inquire directly (see contact info below) as to how you may be able to participate in this event. Numerous individuals who win qualifying events, to be held in their respective clubs/countries (see details at the web site), will receive free round-trip air ticket and hotel vouchers (free accommodations). Players of all levels and spectators are welcome! Complete information, in both English and Japanese, regarding this event can be found at: www.webcom.com/nyshogi All communications relating to this Tournament should be directed to Mr. Shigeki Masui of New York Shogi Club, who is acting as the Executive Director of Public Relations and Communications, by way of E-mail or FAX. His E-mail address is smasui banet net, and his FAX number is (914) 467-7818. Please note that the 2000 U.S. Shogi Championship tournament, also scheduled to be held in New York this Spring, will now be held in the Fall in order to accommodate this international tournament. Hope to see many of you there! George George I. Fernandez President United States Shogi Federation 28-30 34th Street, Apt.#6-O Long Island City, NY 11103 Home Telephone:(718)956-5382 Pager:1(800)Sky-Page, Pin#1149515 E-Mail:g.fernandez mindspring com