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Ken Horne Memorial Open, September 8-9, 2001This annual event, dedicated to the memory of one of Nevada's most respected chess organizers and representatives, attracted 31 players in two sections.Open SectionThe Open Section, with ten players, featured the participation of the 3rd ranked player in the U.S., GM Alex Wojtkiewicz, and top ranked Nevada player, Patrick Hummel. Of course, the GM won with 4.5-.5, drawing very quickly with Patrick in round four. Hummel finished second at 4-1, being held to a draw by Nachum Salman in round three.In the last round, all of the games played determined the falling of the dollars. Of note, B player Fred Parks won his first two games, tieing briefly for the lead, then losing his last three. John Carr won the U2200 prize with 3-2. The U2000 prize was split between Alan Amici, John Trivett, Carmelo Fabia, and Fred Parks. Fabia defeated Parks in a drawn bishop ending. Amici lost the exchange and a long ending to Wojtkiewicz. Carr sacrificed a piece to beat Trivett. Under 1800 SectionTwenty-one players entered this section, including some very promising scholastic players trained by Dan Conver. Ed Silakowski and Brad Zentmyer, two very strong B players, won the event with identical 4.5-.5 scores. Their third round problematic bishop vs. knight ending was drawn.In the last round, Ed defeated Stormy Newton (B) by mating him in sudden death a queen+pieces up; and Brad cried out "time" in what was the worse position to win from top ranked Edward Tan. Tony Harvey, playing in his first tournament in many years, won the U1600 prize at 3.5. Melvin Summer was 2nd U1600 with 2.5. Top U1200 was Kenny Chen at 2.5. Top U1000 was Andrew Wilder with 2.5. The top scholastic player was Jen Yamaguchi with 3.5. Sam Cutter was the 2nd scholastic player with 3. GM SimulA delayed flight from New York caused the postponement of a simul by GM Wojtkiewicz from Friday night to Saturday night, after the third round of the tournament. Only five players faced him and it was over in 22 minutes. Score: GM 5, Las Vegas 0. |