is proud to announce
The Asheboro Open XXVI
Results
Total Players: 37
Total Prizes: $825.00
Cross table: USCF Crosstable
PHOTOS: The Asheboro Open XXVI
Section Winners:
Championship
(Semi Open; 1700-UP):
1st:
2nd:
Class:
Candidates (1300-1699):
1st:
2nd:
Class:
Club (UNR-1299):
1st:
2nd:
Class:
Some Thoughts on The Asheboro Open XXVI
from William "Tom" Hales, Organizer & Chief TD
We were thrilled to see the strong turnout this month. August is usually one of our better months, but with thirty-seven players we were still up 12.2% from last year! (Now if I could just figure out how to get 12.2% at the bank!) Our total prize payout came to a whapping $825.00 cash. Our goal is to make this one of the best chess experiences and values you can find.
The tournament was not without a few pinch points. Two of my favorite scholastic players were bummed out over our new policy of limiting the Championship Section to no more than 14 players. One decided to not play at all, which caused me some grief. However, I had to stick to my guns on the issue. While we did not finish with a clear winner in that section, the limit of 14 players had its intended effect: there was a chance for a clear winner. After the draw demon reared its ugly head several times, we still found ourselves with a three way tie--and that's okay. Such is the nature of Swiss System tournaments.
After careful consideration, and consultation with some experienced players and tournament directors, I have decided against using accelerated
pairings at The Asheboro Open. Many players don't like the idea, and I must include myself within this group. While it would allow more lower rated players into the top section, they would not get paired up as they want due to the accelerated pairings. The limit of fourteen players is straightforward, and will offer the opportunity for a clear winner the majority of the time. In a perfect world, I would be able to offer all players exactly what they want. The best I can hope for is to be as fair as possible to everyone.
I appreciate everyone's patience with the slow update of the web site this month. The death of Laurin Keller hit me hard, and put a damper on my chess enthusiasm. Honestly, I just didn't want to see, hear, or think about chess for a while. I've never had more fun playing chess than with Laurin. It has made me think of all the chess friends I've made over the years, and how much they have meant to me. North Carolina has lost a good man, and a strong player with a lot of potential.
The Asheboro Open will be renamed The Laurin Keller Memorial in August. The Asheboro Open XXVII will never be played, but will be skipped. This is to honor the memory of Laurin Keller, and to express our feeling of loss. I will be displaying some photos. We will try to get the Greensboro News & Record to come out and do a story. This will be a tribute to Laurin that we hope will bring a small measure of comfort to his grieving family.
Join us on August 25th, 2007 for The Laurin Keller Memorial. Many of Laurin's friends have expressed the idea of an annual event. I am looking at the possibility of organizing one. North Carolina is blessed with a fairly full schedule of monthly tournaments right now, so my initial plan is to consider organizing a three day event in the Greensboro area.
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 9:00pm
at the Asheboro Public Library, 201 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203
Free Wireless Internet, Books, DVDs, and More!
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