Xiao Cheng, Ga. State Champion
Xiao Cheng is the new Georgia State Champion, having scored 4.5 points in the Championship section.
Joseph Moon, U2000 Winner
Joseph Moon won the U2000 section, after an exciting blitz playoff against Boris Xu (each player having 4.5 points). Joseph won the playoff after the third blitz game. This was the first year the GCA implemented a blitz playoff to resolve ties. Are we turning into FIDE? :) Chances are if you ever tie me in one of these tournaments, you’ll get the trophy since I’m not the greatest blitz player.
Chima Umeakunne, U1600 Winner
Chima Umeakunne won the U1600 section with 4.5 points.
Congratulations to all the winners. Be sure to check out the Georgia Chess magazine for in-depth coverage of the tournament.
At the GCA meeting three people were elected to positions, all running unopposed:
Scott Parker, President
Rich Mielke, Secretary
and Henry Moon, 2nd Member at Large (no picture)
Amongst other topics, the subject of introducing online tournament registration was mentioned. That gets an enthusiastic vote from me. Online registration would have saved me $12 for this tournament. Don’t put it off — embrace procrastination now.
I played in the U2000 section and scored 3 points. I was pleased since I haven’t played in tournaments since last September. I also got to play my new 1.d4 repertoire with White (I’ve never opened with 1.d4 before) three times, and gathered a lot of useful lessons.
Here’s some highlights:
Jones - Kilgore, 2006
Black to Move
White just reacted to the threat on g2 with Re3, intending threats down the g-file. Was this a strong move? Solution
Kilgore - Hedger, 2006
White to Move
White is a pawn up and has worked hard to damage Black’s pawn structure on both sides of the board, followed by trading down to a king and pawn endgame. How does White now go on to win the game? Solution
Bedell - Kilgore, 2006
Black to Move
White has just played Qc1, with ideas of sacrificing on h6. Should Black allow this? Solution
