The Asheboro Open
Hall of Champions
The Asheboro Open 56 Grand Champions
FIDE Master Ron Simpson (L) and Expert Patrick McCartney
April 2010
It was exciting to have former NC Champion FM Ron Simpson back in the mix this month. He headlined a high pressure Championship Section which included several Experts. When the pawn storms abated, FM Simpson and Expert Patrick McCartney had both cut 3-0 swaths through the field without facing one another. Still, the large turnout coupled with an excellent payout percentage left them well-rewarded with $137.50 each. Mark Gragg and Zakir Ahmed split the $45.00 class prize with 2.0 each.
Look for some of the the tournament games to be posted soon in the NC Chess Games Database.
Congratulations to our April 2010 Champions!
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The Asheboro Open 56
Chris Barnett
First Place, Candidate's Section
April 2010
Despite an oversized section of 16 players, Chris Barnett pulled a "Highlander" and earned undisputed first place honors this month. Not bad for someone who only started rated chess this January! His perfect 3-0 performance earned him a whopping $185.00 first prize, plus about 200 more rating points. Chris now has a 1744 provisional rating, but my hunch is that he may be quite a bit stronger. Second place and $90.00 went to Aaron Peeks of Burlington. Aaron stepped up for chess in another big way this month, bringing a carload of young competitors with him. Kudos to him for making it possible for so many to compete! Taco TD Jon Achelpohl shared the class prize with Bradley Fowler, each with two points.
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The Asheboro Open 56
Derek Chen (L) and Christopher Borges
First Place Tie, Club Section
April 2010
Armed with more maturity than many adults, players like Derek Chen and Christopher Borges bode well for the future of North Carolina Chess. But who needs to speculate on the future? These two gentlemen are making a name for themselves now! After perfect 3-0 performances, each was awarded a cash prize of $137.50. Even better, they are learning the value of patience and persistence: a winning combination. Asheboro salutes these two young competitors! The $45.00 class prize went to Kevin Banas this month, who returned to rated chess after a five-year hiatus. Welcome back! His 2.5 point performance was matched by Tony E. Sanders, whose rating took him out of contention for the class prize.
*The 2010 North Carolina Grand Prix*
A Win is a Win, So Everybody is In!
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New Feature: Last Month's Champions