The Asheboro Open

Hall of Champions

The Asheboro Open 61 Grand Champion

Life Master Chris Mabe

(Winner, Worst Tee Shirt Contest LOL)

September 2010

We had a daunting task this month:  how to attract a reasonable crowd one week after the North Carolina Open?  September is usually one of our smaller "tournout" months, averaging 21.4 players over the last 5 years (I wish that the .4 player would get his act together LOL).  However, September somehow felt different going in.  Perhaps it was the great chess atmosphere generated by a record-breaking NC Open, or maybe it's just that Zoo City Magic.  No doubt it had something to do with twin towers LM Chris Mabe and SM Ron Simpson, our headline acts for this month.  Chris jokingly (!?) issued a direct challenge to Ron that he would absolutely win the NC Grand Prix this year, and he is off to a good start after a convincing round three win against Simpson.  Mabe's shutout performance earned him clear 1st place, and $160.00 in BIG TOURNAMENT cash.  For his part, SM Simpson had plenty of bragging rights, having cinched 1st place in the 2010 NC Grand Prix.  He looked quite contented playing on his huge "BARELY LEGAL" new chess set from NC Grand Prix sponsors www.chesscentral.com.  Charlotte Expert Jonathon Munnell had a great tournament, and was undefeated with 2.5 points to earn clear 2nd and $80.00.   Asheboro alumnus Daniel Solarez showed up with his lovely wife, and played with a lot of heart to win the $40.00 class prize with 2.0. 

We were glad to see NCCA President and Chess Expert Gary Newsom competing in Asheboro this month, and fellow Expert Patrick McCartney--who was fresh off of a spectacular performance at the NC Championship--missing the title of NC Champion by a mere half point.  I also want to mention Derek Laureano, new to the NC Chess scene and hailing from Florida, Charlotte player  Marnzell Hand, who attended his first Asheboro event, and Lou Kirk--new to chess but making great strides early on.  Last but not least, a shout out to LM Chris Mabe, who proved that he could win without his lucky Led Zeppelin tee shirt!

Expert Jonathon Munnel

Second Place, Championship Section

September 2010

Look  for some of the exciting games in the NC Chess Games Database.

Congratulations to our September 2010 Champion!     

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The Asheboro Open 62

Anish Kottu (L) and Philip Miller

First Place Tie, Candidates Section

Honorable Mentions, Tee Shirt Competition 

September 2010

In spite of tying for 1st place, our winners in the Candidates Section this month still earned top-tier money with $120.00 each!  Phillip Miller regularly plays in the Charlotte area, and has been steadily gaining strength over the last two years.  His 3-0 performance earned him 49 USCF rating points in addition to his prize money.  Anish Kottu is a regular in the Raleigh area tournaments, and a scholastic sharpshooter who is ready to drive to the hoop against stronger-rated opponents.  Anish was also perfect at 3-0, and picked up a whopping 137 rating points.  Something tells me this talented player may still be underrated!  Consider yourself warned!  Also playing in the section was new Asheboro Chess Club member Homer Cantrell, who is back into rated chess after 16 years!  Homer has beaten the best players in our club, and nearly pulled off a 3-0 of his own.  He just needs to get his "tournament legs," then you better look out.  This guy is a solid competitor. 

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*The 2011 North Carolina Grand Prix*

A Win is a Win, So Everybody is In!

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