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Finally, after three weeks, the adjournment between Experts Frankie Newton and Justin Daniel has ended in a Draw.  Therefore, sharing the Top Section honors in Wendy's XIII are Expert Frankie Newton (2145), Tarokh Taefi (1734) and NM Leland Fuerstman (2005) each with 3.5-1.5. 

Twenty-eight happy-go-lucky chessplayers converged upon our sacred weekly gathering spot more commonly known as Wendy's on Wednesday evening to compete in Rd:3 of Wendy's IX. In the Top Section, NM Garrick "Outlaw" Wells (2254) tricked NM Leland Fuerstman into capturing a "poison pawn." When the smoke cleared, the latter player's resignation had advanced "the Outlaw" to the penultimate round with the untarnished score of 3-0. Everyone looks forward to the showdown next week between Wells and Newton. Also in the Top Section, Expert Frankie Newton (2145) defeated upstart Justin Daniel (2019) while Patrick McCartney (1771) upset Gary Newsom (1941).  In the Middle Section, Don "Sky" Hofer (1492) edged out Jerome De Bell (1529) while CCC Internal Affairs Committee Chairman Paul F. Lucas (1674) took care of Mike Isner (1499).  In addition, Mike Eberhardinger (1603) defeated Doug "Sky" Millsaps (1644).  In the Lower Section,  Helton Clavijo (1265) achieved a minor upset by defeating David Roman (1369) to lead with a perfect 3-0!

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!!! 

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