The Sudoku cult shows no sign of abating, and the holding of the World Championship in Italy, earlier this year, has done nothing to buck the trend. And the emergence of a hitherto unknown Czech woman, as the undisputed queen of the game, has only added to the intrigue…
Jana Tylova is an unassuming young woman. She expected to gain little more than mere experience, from representing her country at a tournament to find who held the greatest sway over the 81 cells that have recently locked millions in their confines.
After a scratchy start, Jana finished the first day in the eighth place, and barely qualified for the second round of nine, which was held on the second day of the championship.
Speaking to Sudokuvillage.com, a site dedicated to the growing Sudoku community, Jana revealed how grueling it had been.
"On the first day all the competitors had to solve some 45 puzzles each. The top nine contestants from the first day entered the final - the Weakest Link system."
After a demanding second round, the knockout tournament saw nine players reduced to three, with Tylova still in contention.
Jana was typically modest as she recalled the moment: "After six tough Sudokus, just three remained - two Americans and me. They were really very good during the competition, I was very happy I could compete with them ..."
Jana was speaking in an exclusive interview she gave to www.sudokuvillage.com. Sudoku Village is promoted by Geostar Publishing LLC, a US-based e-publishing company. The community is a sequel to the company's highly successful eBook titled: "How to Solve every Sudoku Puzzle" ( http://www.HowToSolveEverySudokuPuzzle.com ).
The interview was aimed at revealing the secrets of solving the hardest Sudoku puzzles in the shortest possible time to the community members of Sudoku Village. And who better to ask than the world champion?!
The site itself is on its way to becoming as popular as the game itself.
"It's the most wonderful thing - and the only interesting feature in the whole internet services because I'm totally addicted to Sudoku," says a member of the site.
When asked by sudokuvillage.com about how Jana got the opportunity to represent her country at the world championship, Ms Tylova revealed: "In February, I participated in the Czech Sudoku Championship, which I won. The first six competitors from this contest were chosen to represent the Czech Republic at the World Sudoku Championship in Italy."
Jana admitted that she owed a debt of gratitude to the Internet, without which she could not have become queen of the game which has displaced crosswords as an intellectual pastime.
The questions came hard and strong, as the Sudoku Village interviewer subjected the champion to pressure that was almost as intense as what she had faced at the World Championship.
The following is a sampling of the questions hurled at the recently crowned queen of the Sudoku grid:
"How did the internet help you in learning to solve Sudoku or becoming the World Champ?"
"How do you solve Sudokus fast? Can you give us some vital tips?"
"How did you learn to solve Sudoku at the professional level?"
"Do you use any specific methods to solve Sudoku? If so, which ones?"
"What is your advice to all of us at Sudoku Village on how to improve our Sudoku problem solving skills?"
Ms Tylova proved equal to the task, as she answered all the questions with panache becoming of royalty.
To read Jana Tylova's responses to these questions and more, log on to www.sudokuvillage.com.
Membership to the site is absolutely free. Registered members can avail a host of privileges including participation in a free Sudoku contest, carrying a cash prize of US$ 25 every day, and a free weekly eMagazine of Sudoku and other puzzles.
Sudoku Village, with over 2,800 members (who have joined in less than a month of launch), represents a cross section of Sudoku addicts from all over the world.
About The Author:
Membership to 'Sudoku Village' is free. Members (over 2,800 now) can avail a host of privileges including participation in a free Sudoku contest carrying a cash prize of US$ 25 every day, and a free weekly eMagazine.
Fishing in Canada... A True Northern Adventure
If you are looking for a fishing trip to remember, then one of the locations you should consider is Canada. Canada offers some of the best Saltwater and Freshwater fishing around. There are a wide area of rivers and ponds, freshwater lakes, and saltwater streams to choose from. Fish and wildlife are very abundant to make any tourist or Canadian happy. There would not be any reason for you to be unhappy.
Canada has the ideal water where the fish are abundant. There are plenty of shops and establishments that sell fishing gear and tools. Fishing in Canada is divided into two groups. They are the Lake Water Fishing, and the Salt Water Fishing. The two groups are totally different, especially in Canada.
Canada is most famous for its salmon fishing. Salmon are known for the great size and beauty. This type of fishing is enjoyed and is very rewarding because of the wide variety and abundant salmon. In Canada there are the Coho, Sockeye, Chinook and the Chum salmon. If you are looking to do this type of fishing there are many guides that specialize in salmon fishing adventures.
Saltwater fishing is popular on the 3 coasts of Canada. They are the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. This is a chance for the shark and tuna fishing. A lot of big saltwater are caught only on deep seas, and that is what these coast offer.
Ice Fishing is also an option for you if you would like to experience fishing in Canada. There are also ice fishing guides that could assist you in your trip. They will ensure your safety and enjoyable experience in Canada. Ice fishing requires special gear, outfits and techniques that require the help of a skilled ice fishing guide. Many tourists who come to Canada for ice fishing can rent ice huts to keep them warm and away from wind.
For safe fishing there are many things that are advised. It is always recommended that you have a fishing guide who knows the area and are specialized in each fishing type. You should also bring your normal safety gear like a compass, cell phones and flashlights, or anything else you feel you would need in an emergency situation.
About The Author:
Fishing in Canada... A True Northern Adventure. Learn more great fishing tips and techniques at http://fishing.helponline.info/
Toronto Taking Ownership of Red Sox's Beckett!
The Toronto Blue Jays are making noise in the American League East and are doing so with a patchwork starting pitching staff and a less then stellar middle infield. Last night they took apart prize free agent Josh Beckett who has had his way with the rest of the American League, but is struggling mightily with Toronto.
The right-hander, who entered this season without a single regular-season start against his new division rivals, grabbed wins against Toronto, New York, Baltimore and Tampa Bay in his first start against each club.
Yet against the Blue Jays, the only team to see Beckett more than once this year, the 26-year-old is demonstrating steadily diminishing returns. Beckett beat the Jays on April 11 (seven innings, one run), claimed a no-decision on April 21 (7 1/3 innings, five runs), another no-decision on May 3 (five innings, four runs) and a blowout defeat on Tuesday (4 2/3 innings, seven runs).
Beckett got destroyed by the Jays in his fourth and most recent outing against them. Beckett allowed a career-worst four homers and matched a career-worst by permitting 10 hits. Beckett now has a 1-2 record and 6.38 ERA against the Blue Jays, and a 6-0 record and 3.43 ERA against all other clubs.
The concern for the Red Sox is how all the other teams will respond when they get a second peek at Beckett as the season moves into the second quarter.
As for Toronto they are getting a MVP year out of center fielder Vernon Wells who hit three bombs last night to bring his total to 43 RBI's and 12 homeruns, while Troy Glaus now sits at 17 dingers and 43. The Jays middle infield began the year with Russ Adams and Aaron Hill, but Adams has a throwing issue and was sent down and Hill only has 1 homerun and 12 RBI's.
Why are the Jays near the top of the Al East?
1. Roy Halladay is 6-1 with a ERA of 2.88 and an incredible WHIP of 1.03.
2. B.J. Ryan collected his 12th save in 13 opportunities Tuesday tossing a scoreless 1 1/3 innings. Five of his 12 saves have come in appearances of longer than one inning.
3. 29 is the umber of days the Jays have spent at the top of the AL in team batting average through Friday. The Jays were hitting a combined .301 for the year, easily the highest team average in the majors.
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