is proud to announce
The Asheboro Open XXVIII
Results
Total Players: 20 (19 Paid, 1 House)
Total Prizes: $400.00
Cross table: USCF Crosstable
PHOTOS: The Asheboro Open XXVIII
Section Winners:
Championship
(1600-UP):
1st:
2nd:
Class:
Candidates (UNR-1599):
1st:
2nd:
Class:
Some Thoughts on The Asheboro Open XXVIII
from William "Tom" Hales, Organizer & Chief TD
I had pretty much expected that we would take a statistical plunge in number due to being scheduled the week before the LPO, and just two weeks after the Laurin Keller Memorial. We were also still dealing with the afterglow of the SW Virginia Open, which drew a huge number of North Carolina players. Despite dropping 31% from last year, I was encouraged by the turnout this month despite the "perfect storm" of mitigating factors. We will have fun making it up next month! This tournament was not about quantity, but QUALITY. It also turned out to be one of the most memorable in recent memory.
FIDE Master Ron Simpson kicked off the Championship Section for us, despite a back injury which nearly sidelined him. It would have been completely understandable had he chosen to not show, but we certainly appreciate his commitment to this event. Charlotte's Patrick McCartney was another strong member of the Championship Section, which included four former TAO Champions. I guess we still all expected that NC's unstoppable chess force FM Ron Simpson would dominate as usual, but Greensboro teenager Jacob Parrish played perhaps the game of his life and managed to defeat him in round two. The game featured some great chess, and the added element of time pressure. FM Simpson, however, was quick to point out the Parrish played both precisely and brilliantly to earn the victory. Fortunately, we captured the moment on video (see our results page).
Parrish did not have long to savor his victory, but had to face a determined Patrick McCartney for first place honors. McCartney would not yield to the former TAO Champion, and finished the day with 3-0 to win clear 1st place. We want to congratulate him on his fine performance and victory.
In the Candidate's Section, Asheboro's own Jonathan McNeill (a.k.a Mr. Moneybags) walked away with clear 1st place for a startling 150th time. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration; let's just say we are proud of Jonathan. We hope to see him in the Championship Section soon!
Two of our players ended up having some words. I always hate to see this happen, because chess should be a game of skill and good sportsmanship. The matter was resolved, with one player apologizing to everyone (for his loud and overheard comments), and both players apologized to each other. The former apology was instigated by me, but the latter happened spontaneously. I refrain from naming the two players, but thought it appropriate to mention the matter. Please remember, if there is a problem, it is always appropriate to get the tournament director. Profane language has no place at a chess tournament, and may lead to severe penalties including automatic forfeiture of a game, or expulsion from the tournament.
I want to thank Ralph Buske for coming up from South Carolina to play. We have also had players from Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. When we can draw people from out of state, it makes me feel like we must be doing something right!
Join us on October 6th for The Asheboro Open XXIX. We will work hard to make the tournament a great chess experience for you!
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