By Jack Peters, International Master
March 8, 2009
LA Times
The Western States Single Grade Scholastic Championships attracted 304 players two weekends ago in Ventura.
Winners by grade: Armen Sarkissian, 5 1/2 – 1/2 in grades 9 to 12; Brendyn Estolas, Jonathan Homidan, Sammy Kennedy, Alexander Pearson, Derrick Lee Sia and Alexandra Simon, each 4 1/2 -1 1/2 in grades 7 and 8; Gore Badikyan, 6-0 in grade 6; Jonathan Gunn, 6-0 in grade 5; Shyam Gandhi, Felix Gao, Christina Kao and David Minasyan, each 5-1 in grade 4; Leo Kamgar, 6-0 in grade 3; Aaron Householder, 6-0 in grade 2; Annie Wang, 6-0 in grade 1; and Ethan Minoofar, 5 1/2 – 1/2 in kindergarten. In addition, Daniel Giordani scored 5 1/2 – 1/2 to win an invitational section for high-rated students.
The tournament was a joint production of the AAA Chess Club, American Chess Academy and California Youth Chess League. Harut Keshishian of AAA directed.
Source: http://www.latimes.com
Jack Peters should be a GM. He’s also an excellent chess columnits.