BACROT AND PAHTZ WIN MAJOR EVENTS

Etienne Bacrot , 16, won first place at the tournois du Championnat de France 1999 (French National Championships) in Besancon last week, winning all of his 8 games in a field of 16 contestants. Two years ago Etienne became the youngest Grandmaster in history at age 14.

"After winning the Bermuda Grandmaster Tournament in January and the Lausanne Young Masters event in May, the French national title is my third victory this year." said Etienne. What a year!

"In Besançon, I had the chance to meet our prestigious Kasparov vs. The world opponent, Garry Kasparov. People were very enthusiastic about his appearance there. Garry played a simultaneous match (known as a "simul") and won all his 25 games, which was not a big surprise. I am pleased to be back with the World Team in our effort to defeat the World Champion. "

Elisabeth Pahtz , 14, won first place on August 29 in the German Women's Individual Championships at Chemnitz in the former East Germany, winning seven games and drawing two with no losses. This victory made her the youngest national champion in German history. Two years ago, at age 12, Elisabeth became Champion of the German Federal States in the under-20 category.

World Champion Kasparov was so impressed by Elisabeth's playing at a tournament in Hamburg last year that he immediately contacted the German Interior Minister and insisted that she be granted an annual stipend of $20,000 for her chess studies. She currently trains with her father at their home in Erfurt.