CCC News & Views

Click Below To View  USCF Most Current Ratings

Wendy's IX (Finally) Ends In Three Way-Tie Wendy's X Title Still Up for Grabs!
The exchange proved to be adequate enough,

minds" turned out to compete in Rd:2 of Wendy's X. In the Top Section, leaders Expert Justin Daniel (2019) and NM Leland Fuerstman (2005) have adjourned an "obviously drawn" R&P vs R&P ending while Gary Newsom (1941) and NM Daniel Liu (2050) have also adjourned.  In addition, Patrick McCartney (1840) defeated Tarokh Taefi (1734).  In the Middle Section, Randy Hight (1545) beat back CCC Internal Affairs Committee Chairman Paul F. Lucas (1674), Paul Calloway's (1662) "Smitty" took care of Mike Eberhardinger (1603) and Carl McKern (1518) and Mike Isner (1499) drew. Also, in the Middle Section, Don "Sky" Hofer (1492) took down John Meyer (Unr). In the Lower Section, Helton Clavijo's (1265) long streak of wins abruptly came to an end at the hands of Timothy Ruffin (1234). Lower Section Leaders with 2 points are Brandon Brown (1208) and CCC Lower Section Representative Alphonse Ashamalla (1268)  For all results see "Current Crosstable."

Call it an experiment if you'd like, but the concept of "quick chess" (G/29) seems to be catching on. Though this author was upset in Rd:1 by tournament co-winner Mike Eberhardinger, the spacious, well lighted facility, superb steak and mashed potatoes dinner, and friendly waitresses and management made it all worthwhile!  A rather light turnout of only 8 players witnessed Eberhardinger and Patrick McCartney agree to a "quick" Draw in their final round encounter each scoring 2.5-.5 and taking home $60. "We'll do this again in about a month. It was fun!" LF 

---

Newton Finishes Strong, Captures Midtown XXV Title; Ulaky Perfect in Lower Section

Fourteen chessplayers from around the state competed in Wendy's XXV which took place on 11-20-99.  Expert W.F. "Frankie" Newton (2145) barely survived a Rd:2 time scramble against Gary Newsom (1964) before defeating NM Leland Fuerstman (2005) in the ultimate round.  For his efforts, Newton took home $80.  Equal 2nd-3rd with 2-1 were NM Fuerstman and Patrick McCartney (1771) whose entry fees were returned. In the Lower Section, James Ulaky (1099) turned in a perfect 3-0! to pocket $60. "Pistol" Pete Danker (1304) and Samuel Christopher (1095) were =2nd-3rd with 2-1 winning $15 each.  

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. 

---

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. 

---

 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. 

---

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

www.charlottechess.com/bbs 

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!!! 

Would someone please give me one good reason why our sovereign State Championship is Open to players from all states and/or countries? From the best of my recollection, back in around 1975, the NCCA decided to allow "out-of-staters" to play in order to bolster the prize fund! Ten years later, when I was elected President of the NCCA, that rule was voted down.  And I might add that the prize fund for the 1985 N.C. Championship was four times greater than it was this year! with NO "OUT-OF-STATERS! Allowing OoSP's to compete totally defies the very idea of determining the true champions of our own state! It is simply unfair to all who are in contention.  We have other tournaments in North Carolina for that: The LPO, the Land of the Sky, etc. We need at least 1 sovereign one. 
Secondly, who came up with this ridiculous idea of allowing players to re-enter? What is this, your "Mulligan" like in golf?  Again, that scheme surfaced in the mid-seventies with your big money tournaments; but certainly not with your State Championship.  And finally, the tournament's improper design rendered the prize fund unappealing.  It is now, and has always been the responsibility of the NCCA to obtain sponsorship in order to defray expenses and increase the Prize Fund.  The current administration simply did not do this.  If these changes are made, and they certainly should be, maybe I will grace them with my presence next year! LF