CCC News & Views

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CCC NEWS &VIEWS 7-29-99

Vacca Yields Draw To Wells; Leads With 3.5; Ruffin Leads Lower Section With 4-0! 
Thirty-two artists, sportsmen and scientists journied to our sacred mecca more commonly known as Wendy's Wednesday evening for Rd:4 of Wendy's VI.  In the Top Section, because of a conflicting business meeting, FM Dr. Luigi Vacca (2425a) was granted a request to play his Rd:4 game against NM Garrick "Outlaw" Wells (2252) on Sunday past at Boarders Books at the Arboretum.  Though  Dr. Vacca had built up a 15 minute time advantage, Wells was able to equalize the position.  The "good Doctor," taking  no chances, then played a series of repeating moves and agreed to Draw on move 36. (See Game 0057)  Also in the Top Section, NM Leland Fuerstman (2000) employed an almost identical strategy with his Yugoslav Attack against Gary Newsom's (1917) Pirc-Robatch Defense (See Game 0058)  as he had played against W.F. Newton II in Game 0001 as seen in  the CCC Games Archives. The only other Top Section winner was newcomer Justin Daniel (1937) who, in time trouble, snagged a piece, and finally the game from Michael Curcuru (1830).  McCartney-Griffin, Liu-Newton and Lucas-Taefi have each adjourned. In the Middle Section, leader CCC Sergeant at Arms Jerome DeBell (1493) has adjourned a losing pawn ending versus recent returnee Joe Crump (1500) while Paul Calloway, (1716) and CCC Website Advisor Carl McKern (1508) each won with the Black pieces against Spencer "Jazzman" Singleton (1499) and Richard Tomlin (1500a) respectively.  In addition, Doug "REman" Millsaps (1620) drew with Mike Eberhardinger (1621). In the Lower Section, leader Timothy Ruffin (1230) posted his 4th consecutive victory as he narrowly defeated Daryl "Flash" Gordon (1304) in a Queen and Pawn ending. Other Lower Section winners were: Fred Schulz, Brandon Brown, Chris Newsom, Travis Newsom, Helton Clavijo, and Don Norwood!  Norwood (783), (who is currently receiving chess instructions from yours truly), upset CCC Lower Section Representative Alphonse Ashamalla (1348) who was rated over 550 points higher!  Keep it up, Don!  All results may be viewed in Current Crosstable.  GOOD LUCK AT THE LPO!! 

Twenty of the area's most talented competitors participated in Midtown XX on July 17.  In the Top Section, NM Leland Fuerstman (2000) returned somewhat to form as he dispatched long time nemesis Richard Stancil (1684) in Rd:1 and Iranian superstar Tarokh Taefi (1741) who had just upset Expert Robert Spurrier (2046) in Rd: 2,  (See Game 0056)  before agreeing to a quick draw by "reputation" with CCC favorite son W.F "Frankie" Newton II (2150) in the ultimate round. Playing a slightly stronger schedule, Newton upended Patrick McCartney (1927) in the first round, and returnee to competition Michael Kliber (1999) after an horrific time scramble in Rd:2. Each winner won $60. In the Lower Section, Thomas "Turnaround" Hayes (1373) edged out Nick Bambara (1137) in the final round to score a perfect 3-0 and take home $80. Spencer "Jazzman" Singleton was clear 2nd with 2.5-.5 winning $40.  Honorable mention to Joseph Feiler (1076) who scored 2-1 winning $20. Fuerstman directed. 

Two of the Charlotte Chess Club's finest did our club proud last weekend at the S.C. Open held in Ft. Mill, S.C.  In the Under 1800 Section, Donald "Sky" Hofer (1538) upset Hungarian Superstar Andras Bader (1629) to take clear 1st Place and $220.  In the Under 1200 Section, upstart Brandon Brown (1138) continued his winning ways by upsetting at least 4 players with ratings 300 points higher than his on his way to taking clear 1st Place and $110.