2006 US Junior Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2006
Press Release #40 of 2006

Contact: Alan Kantor
(931) 787-1234 #128

Ten Youngsters Compete in Dallas For U.S. Junior Invitational Chess Championship

(CROSSVILLE, TN) What happens when you bring ten of the most highly qualified youngsters to Dallas, Texas? If it is at the Marriott Dallas/Addison Quorum from July 15-21, 2006, then they will vie for the title of 2006 U.S. Junior Invitational Chess Champion. What a story this was for FIDE Master Robert L. Hess (rating: 2422), from New York. Hess won his last four games to take first place with seven points. For his efforts he received a $500 scholarship, an invitation to the 2006 World Junior, and a place in the 2007 U.S. Chess Championship.

Finishing in second place, and beating Hess in head-to-head competition, was Jake Kleiman (rating: 2336), from Tennessee. Kleiman lost the last game to FM Igor Schneider, from New York, which kept him from being crowned the champion. He scored 6.5 points anyway which was good enough for the number two spot along with a $300 scholarship.

FIDE Master Salvijus Bercys, from New York, finished strong with a solid finish accumulating 6 points along the way, earning him a $200 scholarship. After losing to Hess in the first round, Kazim Gulamali, from Georgia, went undefeated and scored 5.5 points which was good enough for fourth place and the $100 scholarship. The tournament was organized by Luis Salinas and directed by Francisco Guadalupe.

1 FM Robert L Hess NY 2422 12749774 (FIDE 2358) (2022036) 7.0
2 Jake Kleiman TN 2336 12683681 (FIDE 2271) (2020041) 6.5
3 FM Salvijus Bercys NY 2464 12909023 (FIDE 2368) (12802212) 6.0
4 Kazim Gulamali GA 2349 12680172 (FIDE 2302) (2024764) 5.5
5-6 FM Igor Schneider NY 2435 12726345 (FIDE 2367) (2019043) 5.0
5-6 Daniel J Ludwig FL 2377 12717400 (FIDE 2391) (2024322) 5.0
7 Mackenzie Molner NJ 2366 12662506 (FIDE 2280) (2021722) 4.5
8 Joel Banawa CA 2371 12922625 (FIDE 2260) (2024055) 3.5
9 Benjamin Coraretti TX 2000 12705539 (FIDE 1974) (2024306) 1.5
10 Adam S Maltese NY 2358 12578045 (FIDE 2216) (2022850) 0.5