By NM Leland Fuerstman
Asheboro, NC 11-9-13: A grand total of 52 players from cities and towns all over North Carolina converged upon the luxurious Randolph Mall's grand ballroom in order to participate in Asheboro Ron Simpson Memorial. Just prior to the first round, Asheboro Chess Club Organizer Tom
"Terrific"
Hales spent a few minutes remembering our friend and
champion FM Ron Simpson for whom this event was
dedicated. A "ceremonial chessboard" was designated as "Bd:1"
and set up in the center of the playing hall for Ron;
because, that was where you could always find him!
May he rest in peace... When this author arrived, (See Game 1237)
the place was a "madhouse!" Team
Fayetteville sent 4
warriors (photo sans Team
Captain Larry Williams!) and thanks
to the herculean effort of club Coach Scott
Plaster from Lexington who brought 11 players from Atkins
High School, a record 52 
players
participated. Yet, the pairings were always
promptly posted and the event ran quite smoothly! In the
final round of the Top Section, NM
Craig Jones (2241) who brought a contingent of 6 from the Durham
Academy, squared off
against NM Robin Cunningham (2229) from Chapel
Hill. In short order, a Draw allowed each
player to score 2.5-.5
and pocket $127.50!
Class prizes were taken by NM
John Smithwick (2042) from Wilmington
and Michael Watson (2076p)
from Fayetteville each with 2-1
winning $20. In the Candidates
Section, Richard Valenziano (1778) scored 3-0 and took home $170! Clear 2nd Place
was Derek Chen (1631) with 2.5-.5
winning $85! Class
prizes went to "Little" Joe Little (1592) and 11 year old Durham Academy
upstart Christopher
Chaves (1693)! each winning $20. In the Club Section,
Andrew Rayle (1414) reported a perfect 3-0 and pocketed $170! while Stephen 
Kohl (1333)
was clear 2nd Place with 2.5-.5 winning $85. Class
winners were Ian Layzer (1258)
and Joe McDonald (1114) each with 2-1 winning $20. In the Booster
Section, Henry Peng (1006) turned in a
perfect 3-0 and
collected $170! while
Caleb Jones (252) scored 2.5-.5
and took home $85.
The Class prize went to William Moretz (541) who
scored 2-1 and won $40. In order to observe
all results, see "Crosstable."
A total of $1,180 was
shared by the winners for a whopping 90.77% payback!! This
flawless event was Organized and Directed
by the honorable Tom Hales, Senior
TD. An enjoyable time was had by all! Next
Asheboro
event is January 18, 2014.