The Asheboro Open
Hall of Champions
The Asheboro Open 54 Grand Champion
Future Master Reynaldo Diaz of Greensboro
February 2010
Who would have predicted that the lowest-ranked player in the Championship Section would emerge victorious in Asheboro this month? Well, I've said it before: Anything can happen in Asheboro, and does! As the tournament began, Greensboro's Reynaldo Diaz was lamenting the fact that he got promoted into the Championship Section, and then to top that off, he got a first round bye! Fate has a way of finding you, and after two convincing wins, he emerged with three points and sole claim to first place. This also earned our friend the $135.00 cash prize. Reynaldo is living proof that nice guys do sometimes get paid!
Allan Jiang Juicing Up for Round Three
Another drama unfolded as Allan Jiang nearly missed the tournament due to snow. I suggested a "first round bye" option, so he arrived virtually snow-free for round two action. Not only did Allan seem to have a great time, but he finished clear second after unleashing a startling mating net against Expert Patrick McCartney in round three. This earned the scholastic powerhouse $60.00 and thirty rating points. Asheboro Chess Club alumnus Daniel Solarez had a solid showing at 2-1 to win the $25.00 class prize. This included an upset win against NCCA President Gary Newsom in round one action.
Look for some of the the tournament games to be posted soon in the NC Chess Games Database.
Congratulations to our February 2010 Champion!
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The Asheboro Open 54
Dr. Joseph Graves
First Place, Candidate's Section
February 2010
Dr. Joe Graves took no prisoners this month with a smoking 3-0 shutout to claim first place and $135.00 legal tender. Dr. Graves hails from the Greensboro area, and is Dean of University Studies at NC A&T University. He has distinguished himself with dozens of publications including two important books, "The Race Myth," and "The Emperor's New Clothes: Biological Theories of Race at the Millennium." When academia can spare him, he prowls the halls of the Lauren Keller Memorial Chess Club looking for chess victims. Don't make the mistake of underestimating this fierce competitor!
Scholastic wonder Austin Liu continued his winning ways with a strong 2.5 performance to win $60.00 and clear second place. Austin's amazing run over the last few months can be demonstrated in two ways. First, his current rating is 1255, but after this event, it will be 1611! Secondly, he currently stands in clear second place in the North Carolina Grand Prix for both the overall and most active prizes! Let's see...most active and rapidly improving. Is there a connection here?
Henry Johnston squeezed out a class prize win with 1.5 points to win $25.00.
Scholastic Shooting Star
Austin Liu
Congratulations!
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The Asheboro Open 54
Lucas Hausrath (L) and Sean Pollock
First Place, Club Section
February 2010
It is unusual to have two perfect scores in a group of ten players, but Swiss lightning sometimes strikes. Lucas Hausrath has experienced a steady rise in North Carolina chess over the past 18 months, and is nearly ready to jettison his provisional rating status. Sean Pollock is a Asheboro resident and regular at Asheboro Chess Club. He came to us as "postal" player less than a year ago, more accustomed to extremely slow time controls. Sean may be one of the most underrated players in North Carolina, and we expect his rating to climb rapidly as he adjusts to faster time controls. Pollock is studying photography, and enjoys running. Lucas and Sean shared first place honors at 3-0, and divided the spoils for $97.50 each. Retired Army Ranger Joe McDonald, also an Asheboro regular, mopped up the remaining competition to win the $25.00 class prize.
You Can't Beat 3-0...Excellent!
*The 2010 North Carolina Grand Prix*
A Win is a Win, So Everybody is In!
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