Marginal Success; Six Champions Crowned $3,600 in Cash Prizes Paid
Charlotte, N.C. 10-12-03: A grand total of 82 of North and South Carolina's most competitive chessplayers converged upon the Adams Mark Hotel in Charlotte in order to participate in the 2003 Carolina Class Championships. A total of $3,600 was paid to 33 different players! Clear 1st Place in the Open Section was Expert Keith Eubanks (2058)
from Columbia, SC who scored 4-1 and pocketed $250. Equal 2nd-3rd were NM Harold Mouzon (2195) and Jim Burden (2183) each with 3.5-1.5 and winning $50. Top Under 2100 was Chris Mabe (2004) with 2-3 winning $100. 2nd Place was Michael Curcuru (2082) with 1.5-3.5 winning $50.
The Class "A" Title was won by Matthew Woffordof Chapel Hill, who scored 4.5-.5 and took home $250. Equal 2nd-3rd were Eugene Davenport (1807) and Ian Sanders (1771) each scoring 3.5-1.5 and pocketing $100. Top Under 1900 were Bob Moore (1700) and Tom Adams (1850) each with 2.5-2.5 winning $25.
The Class "B" Title was won by Bernard Baker (1729)of Charlotte, who scored a perfect 5-0 and won $500. Equal 2nd-3rd were Bill Slone (1669) and Noah Blach (1490) each with 4-1 and winning $100. 2nd Under 1700 was Tom Brown (1544) winning $100.
The Class "C" Title was won by Jiri Janko (1506) of Charlotte, who scored 4-1 and pocketed $300. Equal 2nd-4th were Spencer Singleton (1527), (T)Ankit Jivan (1505) and Jim Ulaky (1500) each with 3.5-1.5 winning $60. Top Under 1500 was Matthew Green with 3-2 winning $120. Equal 2nd-4th Under 1500 were Winfred Gatlin and Kert Edward each with 2-3 winning $30.
The Class "D" Title was won by Clyde Plyler (1336) of Monroe, who scored 4-1 and won $250. Equal 2nd-4th were Tony Hicks, Lorne Slone and Michael Brown each with 3.5-1.5 winning $33. Top Under 1300 was Craig Hamilton with 3-2 winning $100. 2nd Under 1300 was Thomas Paradis with 1.5-3.5 winning $50.
The Class "E" Title was won by Sean Villone (1188)of Charlotte, who scored a perfect 5-0 and won $250. Clear 2nd was Michael Easterwood with 4-1 winning $100. Equal 1st-4th Under 1100 were Ilgin Birsan, Ben Blach, Doyle Dewbre and Robby Broadbent each with 3-2 and winning $37.
Special thanks to NCCA President Neal Harris for his continued support of North Carolina chess. And, a very special "thank you" to our benefactor Mr. Frank Newton, Sr. for coming to our rescue. And, finally, this tournament would probably not be possible without the superb work provided by Pairing Director Rob Morse and Floor Director Bill Nash (neither of whom were compensated for this event) Thank you all. LF
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