Webster University Junior Mara Kamphorst played the role of a hero for Webster University at the 2013 US Amateur Team Championship in Chicago this past weekend. Her upset win again Adream Liang (Wisconsin) in the final round gave her team, the “Oppan Gorlok Style”, a crucial victory for a third place tie finish.
Mara has not had much time to play or study chess recently as she is taking a full load in the fall and spring semester while maintaining a nearly 4.0 average. Her teammate, Jake Banawa, also played an important role in the team success as he scored 3 wins and 2 draws on board 2.
Webster’s other team, the “Gorlok Express”, also finished with a 4-1 overall match score to tie for 3rd. Paul Truong (Jr) scored 1 win and 2 draws against much higher rated opponents to contribute to his team’s success.
The US Amateur Team Championship is the most prestigious amateur team event in the United States. This is the first time Webster University sent teams to this event. It gives our less experienced players the opportunity to compete and improve.
In the super strong IL Blitz Championship with 55 players, including 5 grandmasters, Webster junior GM Denes Boros scored an impressive 9-1 score to finish a full point ahead of the field. The only loss he had was to his own teammate GM Anatoly Bykhovsky as they split 1-1.
Congrats to all!
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Nice job Mara!