CCC News & Views
NM Leland L. Fuerstman, Editor
      Greetings from Charlotte N.C, USA, Earth to    everyone out there in cyberspace, and welcome to the Charlotte Chess Club website. We have finally entered into the ultra modern age of instant communication. In this column, I will strive to report a weekly synopsis of the previous meeting to include current standings, annotated games, and other interesting anecdotes for your reading, viewing, and listening pleasure. Our goal is to eventually provide our members with a "realtime" site which will instantly produce current information about chess with the touch of a button! We welcome your comments and contributions 
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Fuerstman Bests Newton, Grabs Lead in Wendy's XI; Ashamalla Rolls, Upsets DeBell!
Twenty-eight of the most brilliant minds in the state paid homage to the chess Gods Wednesday evening and competed in Rd:2 of Wendy's XI. On Board:1, NM Leland Fuerstman's (2031) prayers to Caissa were apparently answered as he upset CCC Favorite Son William F. "Frankie" Newton (2188) to lead with 2-0. (See Game 0083)  Also, in the Top Section, NM Garrick "Outlaw" Wells (2254) notched the victory over David Jaap (1821), Patrick McCartney (1861) turned the tables on Mike Eberhardinger (1631) and NM Daniel Liu (2000) split the point with Gary Newsom (1901). In the Middle Section, CCC Lower Section Representative Alphonse "Amazing Al" Ashamalla (1250) won his 7th consecutive tournament game by registering a splendid upset over Jerome "Bouncer" DeBell (1589); second week in a row that "Amazing Al" has upset players with ratings of 300 points higher than his own! Also, in the Middle Section, Mike Isner (1509) eaked out a win over newcomer Slobodan Sinanovic (Unr) while Paul "Shuttleman" Calloway (1641) drew with Doug "Sky" Millsaps (1563). In the Lower Section, Daryl "Flash" Gordon (1302) and John Meyer (952) defeated Lee "R&Bman" Richardson (1284) and Timothy Ruffin (1237) respectively to lead the section with 2 points. Other Lower Section winners were: Sam Christopher, Joe Shirlen, Don Norwood and G. Scott Edmiston. For all results see (Current Crosstable).  See ya' Saturday at Denny's!

Thirteen chessplayers dressed in Santa outfits shared the yuletide spirit as they competed in the final CCC 3 rounder of the Millennium. In the Top Section, NM Leland Fuerstman (2004) bounced back from his horriffic loss of the preceeding Wednesday to equal the score of Todd "Flowers" Trower (1964) who had upset CCC favorite son  William F. "Frankie" Newton II (2160) in Rd:2.  Each scored 2.5-.5 and took home $60. In the Lower Section, Anthony Smith (1137) unwrapped three early Christmas gifts scoring 3-0 and winning $40. In deference to Mr. McCartney, he played a tough schedule and only lost to one lower rated player. Fuerstman directed.

Samuel Christopher & Don Norwood   NM Daniel Liu

Patrick McCartney & Gary Newsom

Paul Calloway & Jerome DeBell    Frankie Newton & Todd Trower

John Meyer  Todd Trower

CCC "Favorite Son" Expert Frankie Newton (2145) came face to face with "Ex-CCC Favorite Son" NM Matthew Hoekstra (2250). With the State Title in his sights, fatigue, the clock and the relentless determination of his opponent left Frankie dreaming of what might have been. Still a darn good showing for the aspiring Master; It's only a matter of time! Also, in the Championship Section, NM Daniel Liu (2050) scored 2.5-2.5. 

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In the Under 2000 Section Randy Lovelace (2002) and Patrick McCartney (1771) yielded only two draws each as they tied for 1st-4th with 2 out-of-staters?!? all with 4-1.

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 In the Under 1600 Section Jerome DeBell (1529) grabbed a share of 3rd place with a 4-1 result while Carl McKern (1500) scored 3-2. 

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(For a more detailed description of the events of the N.C. Championship see the CCC "Message Board" at

Congratulations are in order for CCC member Justin Daniel who, at the tender age of 15 has, according to the USCF December Rating Supplement, achieved the Title of Expert with a published rating of 2019. Justin, who recently relocated from Charleston, S.C.with his father, Kevin and family, is a highly motivated and intellectually stimulated "home taught" student. (Where have we seen this before?) His recent results at the Charlotte Chess Club include wins over NM Leland Fuerstman (2018) and Harold "Wyn" Mouzon (2190). We are honored to have such an extremely talented and polite young man in our mix. Watch out Frankie!! Here comes Justin!!!