Michael C. Proof is USA’s Newest IM and SIM
(posted 5 July 2008)

SIM-elect Michael Proof

Bob Rizzo has issued the following press release:

"With his recent win in the ‘9th Pan American Team Championship’ vs. SIM Carlos Sosa Patino (PER), Michael Proof has earned the ICCF Senior International Master Title (Mike had earned the IM Title only two weeks prior). With one game still remaining in that tournament, he has already clinched first place on Board 3, scoring 11.5/14 points and thereby exceeding the 11.0 point SIM Norm for a category IV tournament with 16 players. Mike had previously earned a SIM Norm in WS/MN/013, once again exceeding the SIM requirement of 10.0 points with a final overscore of 11.0. He had been ‘playing under the radar’ until the Fall 2007 ICCF rating list was published with Mike first appearing in 33rd place (2436 rating) of all active USA players. It is quite possible that his performance in the Pan American will help the USA team to a medal as all 4 boards appear headed for plus scores. Mike has been so kind as to annotate one of the games that helped earn his titles. Michael added, “This is a game against IM César Capablanca. He (César) told me he is the captain of the Cuban team and a cousin of the great José.” Judge for yourself whose style is more like the former World Champion. Also shown is the game (without annotations) which clinched the SIM Title for Michael. These tournament results and examples of his play are ample ‘Proof” that Michael is a force to be reckoned with in correspondence chess. – Q.E.D."

Click here to view the two games (one fully annotated by SIM-elect Michael Proof) in replay format