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No Longer a Checkers Disaster, the Saga Continues Some More

The long-awaited match is over, and Alexander Moiseyev is World Champion, by a score of 8-2-25. See Moiseyev - King World Championship Match 2003. Ron King says that he had not properly prepared for the match, and I think that is probably a very accurate assessment, although Alex must have played very well indeed to win by such a margin. Games 27 and 28 were controversial, as there was a problem with the clock in game 27, and there were long delays, with King losing on time, reportedly in a winning position.

The frustrations below are old (but fascinating) news:

See the addendum for later news.

It took me a while to notice, but the ACF has stripped Ron King of his 3-Move World Championship. Other national organizations still consider Mr. King the World Champ. What is going on?

• In 2000, Alexander Moiseyev won the U. S. National Championship, and became the official challenger to Mr. King's World Title.
• In 2001, Mr. Moiseyev played a match with William Docherty who had won the British Championship, and also wished to challenge. Mr. Moiseyev won the match 5-4-11.
• In 2001, the ACF sent a contract to Mr. King, setting a deadline of 60 days for negotiations (until November 10, 2001). The contract offered a prize fund of only $3000. Mr. King reportedly found that unacceptable.
• Mr. King made certain demands, which the ACF did not agree to. After 60 days, the contract had apparently not been signed, and the ACF board of directors voted unanimously to strip Mr. King of his 3-Move World Title. And they have barred Mr. King from the upcoming 2002 Marion Tinsley Memorial 3-Move National Checkers Tournament, in Las Vegas, which qualifies the winner to challenge for the World Title.
• In 2002, Mr. Moiseyev played a match with Elbert Lowder (next qualifier in line in the 2000 National Tournament) for the 3-Move World Championship. Mr. Moiseyev easily won the match 12-0-17.

World Championship negotiations seem to be a battle of wills. Certainly chess has recently had a sad history, in that regard. Checkers has also experienced this before. What a waste; it can only hurt the game that we love. Also see Lester Balderson's letter to Ron King and Alexander Moiseyev's letter to checkers players.

Addendum:

It is Feb. 2003. The World Championships would seem to be back on track. Ron King and Alex Moiseyev are negotiating for a match. They have signed a contract, and a venue remains to be chosen. A tentative date for the match is 11-12 March, 2003. I must congratulate both players and everyone else concerned. This is the best news I have heard in a long time.

Now it is Apr. 2003, and the Match has fallen through, with Ron King refusing to sign a contract. Mr. Moiseyev will apparently play a match against someone else.

Now it is May, 2003, and the Match is back on! It will begin on Oct. 13, 2003, in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. Please donate. See http://irishdraughts.org.

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