The cover problem is by Kerttu Kaila, who passed away in the end of August.
She was the wife of Osmo Kaila, but also a composer of her own right.
A major part of this issue is devoted to the PCCC meeting in Jurmala, Latvia.
The organisation of the meeting deserves every credit, especially as the number
of organisers was rather modest. But quality counts once again for more than
quantity: Ilja Ketris did a great job!
As in the European Championship in Antalya earlier this year, GM Milan Velimirovic
was in charge of the solving competitions. The problems in the WCSC were easier
than usually, perhaps the easiest ever. This resulted in a very close contest
among the top solvers: the world championship title was decided on time, because
both Piotr Murdzia and Georgy Evseev solved faultlessly. Additionally, the bronze
medalist, Michael Pfannkuche, was just 0,5 points behind the top two.
The Finnish solvers did not fail nor excel. Kari Karhunen managed the best individual
effort with a GM result in the Open. The Finnish team result was perhaps below
average.
The next congress will take place in an interesting place: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The trip there will not be cheap, but surely worth every Euro! There will be
more information on this in future ST issues. Before Rio, it is possible to
participate in the European Championship in Belgrade in the beginning of May
2009. This event will surely be an enjoyable one.
Shortly after the congress Ilja Ketris sent us the helpmate in three award 2006–7
for ST. As so often during the past years, Christopher Jones was successful
in his favourite genre.
The autumn meeting of our society takes place in October and the annual meeting
of our society & Finnish Championship in Quick Solving in the end of February.
On p. 109 we have the Paha Pähkinä (A Hard Nut To Crack), selected
by Neal Turner. This time there is a helpmate in four for us all!
Sampsa Lahtonen is known to our readers for his quest for tasks and records.
His activity can be followed in the web site of Tim Krabbé. This time
he has broken two records by Dittman and Khanian, see p. 110 and http://www.xs4all.nl/~timkr/chess/chess.html
The traditional Finlandia prize was given this year to Milan Velimirovic, known
for his versatile activity on almost every field of chess composition. On p.
111 we give three examples of the skill of this marvellous composer, showing
original thinking and technical ability.
The originals columns start from p. 112. We appreciate your contributions and
so do our solvers and readers, perhaps also the judges. The next ST is due to
appear in November.
Published 21st October 2008