By CONTRIBUTED

Published on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 12:00pm |

• Sports

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Perhaps, it was the magic touch of the ceremonial first move in Game 1 by Tori Whatley of North Augusta, that helped propel chess Grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov to victory in Round 1 against the most powerful female chess player in history, Hungarian Grandmaster Judit Polgar, as the two squared off in a Sicilian-theme match on Hilton Head Island the week of February 22nd.

 The match, hosted by Jeff Smith, a business consultant, and ardent supporter of chess, was held in the presidential suite at the Hilton Head Marriott Spa and Resort with only seven guests invited to physically view the games as they took place.  

Thousands, worldwide, followed the tournament as it was broadcast live on the internet.