is proud to announce
The Asheboro Open XV
Results
Total Players: 33
Total Prizes: $690.00
Cross table: USCF Crosstable
PHOTOS: The Asheboro Open X
Section Winners:
Championship
(Open; 1700-UP):
1st:
2nd:
Class:
Candidates (1699-1450):
1st:
2nd:
Class:
Club (1449-Below):
1st:
2nd:
Andrew Dejong, Dr. Walter High
Class:
Some Thoughts on The Asheboro Open XV
from William "Tom" Hales, Organizer & Chief TD
August 12, 2006 turned out to be a great day for chess. I want to thank all who participated, making it a
BIG TOURNAMENT experience that was unforgettable.
Thirty three players from all across North Carolina came together for a day of friendly competition. We want to especially thank first timers Lee Cecil, John D. Sailer, and Jonathan McNeill for giving us a try.
In the Championship Section, former NC Champion Alan Patrick continued his winning ways, but chess wizard Eugene Tiselsky worked chess magic and earned his share of 1st place as well. Both went a perfect 3-0. Tiselsky picked up 113 well-deserved rating points as well! Mike Eberhardinger and Ambrose Jacobs turned in solid 2-1 performances to split the class prize. Congratulations winners!
In the Candidate's Section, two "young guns" prevailed. Yuki Wakiya and Jonathan J. Lang finished with 2.5 each to tie for 1st place. Greensboro's own Stephen Styers did not qualify for a prize, but his two draws against the 1st place finishers plus a win netted him some rating points. Rising chess star David High earned the class prize at 2-1. Applause!!
The Club Section was fiercely competitive this month, with many of scholastic chess's notable names in attendance. When the action was over, young Hiroki Wakiya emerged as the clear winner with the only perfect 3.0 score. The second place result was an unusual 5 way tie: Eric Noden, John D. Sailer, Zachary High, Andrew Dejong, and
Dr. Walter High. Who will win next month? Impressive Chess!
I was elated with our attendance this month. It allowed us to follow our preferred format, with three sections. We have the facilities to easily accommodate 30-40 players, and by utilizing our skittles room, we can handle significantly more. We were back in our regular playing room this month, which was remodeled after a recent fire. I was glad to see better lighting, and slightly more space after the remodel.
Our facilities are large, but far from perfect. Due to some lower sanitation grades at the motel, I no longer
recommend Days Inn for lodging. That being said, I have seen some recent improvements. I am hopeful that the extensive remodeling and revamping in progress will lead to a sanitation grade "A" in the near future.
My assistants and I have been in discussion with Hampton Inn of Asheboro pending these improvements at Days Inn.
While the Hampton Inn is certainly an alternative for us, there are some drawbacks to such a change of venue. That being said, I have a specific list of requirements if Days Inn wants to keep our business. We do have a contract with them through December 2006, which gives them plenty of time to get their act together.
In the interim, we will be taking additional steps to ensure your enjoyment at The Asheboro Open. I intend to
personally check the restrooms for proper stock of hand towels and toilet paper during the tournament. They say
the squeaky wheel gets the grease--and we intend to do a lot of squeaking until things are right. You deserve no
less. We appreciate your patience and support as we work on these very correctable issues.
I want to mention a regrettable incident at The Asheboro Open XV. An employee of Days Inn (who has since been
fired) spilled some concentrated pool bleach near the dining area. Several of our players were using this as a skittles
area, and the sudden odor caused a panic. Some thought there was a gas leak. As a result, we had to interrupt play in the third round for about 5 minutes, and vacate the building.
To the extent this caused distress and interrupted play, I want to extend my apologies to all affected. Days Inn has
hired a new general manager, and he seems to have a level of competence heretofore unseen at this facility. This new
manager is cleaning house, firing the majority of employees and replacing them with better quality workers. I have heard about this, and I have seen evidence of the changes.
We are still committed to the idea of 30+ players each month. When North Carolina Chess thrives, we all win
with bigger and better tournaments. We need your continued support to make this a reality.
I want to thank everyone who helped make The Asheboro Open XIV a success: John Davis, who always helps out
with setup, and Assistant TD Robin Johnston, who came in early to help with final preparations. Most of all, I want
to thank YOU, the chess players of North Carolina, for your continued patronage. We will keep working hard to
earn your business.
The Asheboro Open XVI is September 9th! CHESS is exploding in North Carolina! Come be part of the action!
Sincerely,
William "Tom" Hales, Chief TD
The Asheboro Open
chess@triad.rr.com
Asheboro Chess Club subscribes to the "Activity Means Members" philosophy of the
US Chess Federation. Rated chess attracts new members, and helps regain those who have
lapsed. We want to thank everyone who participated, and we encourage you to support other
tournaments and clubs in the area:
http://www.ncchess.org/tournaments/index.htm
http://www.ncchess.org/clubs/index.htm
Asheboro Chess Club meets Tuesdays from 6:00pm until 10:00pm
at the W.H. Moring Arts Center, 125 Sunset St, Asheboro, NC 27203
Enter parking lot at Bicentennial Park, turn left, and we are right next
to First National Bank. Look for sign 125 Meeting Room.
We are USCF affiliates, and sponsor a variety of rated events.
Visit our website for more info: www.asheborochess.com
or email me with questions or comments: chess@triad.rr.com