Over 200 Chess Enthusiasts Battled at the 2007 U.S. Junior Chess Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joan DuBois
February 27, 2007
Press Release #2 of 2007
The 2007 U.S. Junior Chess Congress was held in Anderson, Indiana for the second straight year over the weekend of February 10-11. Over 200 participants dodged the snowstorms and crowded East Side Middle School for the six round event.
Winning the 18 & under section was Travis Blazer from Anderson Highland High School. Travis won the section by edging out top-seeded Boris Xu on tiebreaks. Lafayette Jefferson High School pulled away late to take the team crown.
The 16 & under competitors were combined with the 18 & under and dominated the weekend. Evan Hanley finished first on tiebreaks with five wins. The next three finishers all represented Canterbury School, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, who were never challenged for the team prize.
The 14 & under section featured the first perfect score as top-seeded Akash Umakantha won the section a whole point ahead of second. The Knightmare Chess Club from Columbus, Ohio won the team prize, followed by the host, East Side Middle School, in second.
Click here to read the full press release by the USCF.
It is meaningless to have a tie-break in a 5-round Swiss among players on 100% score. You can’t do better than beat the players you are given.
Sean Vibbert won the 10 year old and under section for the second straight year with the same score. All he needed in the final rounds was a draw to win at both events. Perhaps he is too cautious? What would you do? Go for the rating points, or guarantee yourself the big trophy?
I cannot believe. Clear winner of tournament and still complaint about draw. His decision for draw or not. Good job and congratulations to all winners.