Sixty qualifiers from 44 states are at Texas Tech to compete for the most prestigious all-girls national chess championship in the United States. Many of the chess players, their parents, siblings, and coaches arrived July 25. Volunteers welcomed players and their families to Lubbock and transported them to their dorm rooms on campus. Upon arrival at Gordon Hall, players met me, Polgar Committee Chairperson Dewain Barber, Assistant Chief TD Chris DeLeon, and Stephanie Ballom from the Texas Tech Knight Raiders Chess Team. The opening ceremony Sunday was spectacular. It was held at Frazier Pavilion. Barber welcomed everyone, and ...

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