Round 4 Recap Copeland Leads with 4 points

Going into Round 5 Sam Copeland leads with 4 points.  Leo Rabulan, Keith Eubanks, and Ian Bell sit at 3 points each.
Full Crosstable
Board1 Game

Board2 Game

Leading contenders for the U2000 trophy
Ian Bell, Keith Eubanks 3 points
Adam Holmes and Steve Boshears 2 points each

Leading contenders for the U1600 trophy
Currently with 2.5 points Shaun McCoy
Marty Anderson and Daniel Smith with 2 points

Leading contenders for the U1200 trophy
Charles Stevenson with 2 points
Eli Moore and Ed Stewart with 1.5 points

Club Champs Update Post Round 3 Quick Results

Next week a showdown between Sam Copeland and Keith Eubanks looms, each with 3 points each.

Sam Copeland defeated Leo Rabulan and Keith Eubanks claimed the point against James MacDougall.

Adam Shaw, as white, defeated Gil Holmes.  According to my records is the seventh time this match up has occurred in recent history.

Ian Bell grabbed a pawn and hung on against Daniel Smith.

Steve Boshears claimed the point against Richard Watts.  Charles Stevenson was up early on but Marty Anderson came away with the point.

Shaun McCoy defeated Birney Blind and Mike Mayfield ground out the win vs Ed Stewart and Eli Moore claimed the point against Luke Copeland.

Most likely Club Champion and runner up is in the running for leaders Sam Copeland and Keith Eubanks.  Leo Rabulan and 4 others sit at 2 points each.

Leading contenders for the U2000 trophy
Currently with 2 points
Ian Bell
Adam Holmes
Steve Boshears

Leading contenders for the U1600 trophy
Currently with 2 points
Marty Anderson
Shaun McCoy with 1.5 points

Leading contenders for the U1200 trophy
Charles Stevenson
Birney Blind
Eli Moore
Ed Stewart

MacDougall wins the 2013 Club Championship!!

James MacDougall (2027) outlasted Randal Gingerich (1726) in a sharp position with time running low for both players to finish in clear first with 4.5 points and win the 2013 Columbia Chess Club Championship!! The Runner Up in 2009 & 2010 took a first round bye, then reeled off four straight wins to claim his first club title in a field of twenty seven!

Ben Caiello (2023) won over Adam Shaw (1817) as Philipp Lamby (2225) defeated Chris Labrecque (1632) and really put the pressure on Board 1 as a draw would have created a four way tie for first! Ben takes home the Runner Up Trophy on tie breaks over Philipp.

Josh Lewer (1411) took the point from Christian Dunlap (1066) to finish with 3.5 points and win the U1605 Trophy on tie breaks over Randall. Christian took home the U1205 Trophy beating out five other eligible players.

Andrew Manion (1340) found the win over Jordan Anderson (1245) and claimed the Top Jr. Trophy finishing with 3.5 points.

Leo Rabulan (2112) finished with a win over Ralph Buske (1341), Birney Blind (1242) claimed the point as Shaun McCoy (1414) snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Paul Potylicki (1509) outlasted Dan Quigley (1801) and Jared Whiting (780) took the point from Guna Yarramareddy (803)

Congratulations to all the 2013 Trophy Winners! Rated results are HERE.

Next week is Ashland Quick XXXVI.

The State Scholastic Championship is this Saturday here in Columbia! Good Luck to our Jr players that are competing!

Upcoming Tournaments:

Apr 13 - Yadkin Valley Senior Quads I, Dobson, NC
Apr 20-21 - 5th Senior Open, Travelers Rest, SC
Apr 27 - Lowry Grand Prix, Evans, GA
May 24-26 - South Carolina Open, Greenville, SC

Be sure to check the SC Calendar & NC Calendar  for a full list of weekend events.

MacDougall & Gingerich to play for the Big Trophy!!

Sixteen players continued their quest through round 4 in search of the hardware. James MacDougall (2027) kept his cool as Ben Caiello (2031) pushed for the win and eventually over pushed handing the point and a share of the lead to James. Randall Gingerich (1525) continued his solid play and defeated Adam Shaw (1818) to position himself for a shot at the Club Title when he meets James on Board 1 in the Final Round.

Philipp Lamby (2222) bounced back with a win over Leo Rabulan (2085) as Mike Mayfield (1367) continued his run of success with a  win over Gil Holmes (1832). Philipp, Ben & Mike all sit on 3 points, just a .5 point off the leaders heading in the final round so a draw on the top board could open doors.

Jordan Anderson (1245) continued climbing up the crosstable winning a wild shootout with Shaun McCoy (1414). Josh Lewer (1389) outlasted Daniel Smith (1476), Andrew Manion (1326) won over James Price (1246) and Dan Quigley (1807) broke into the win column taking the point from Birney Blind (1242).

The Final Round is Thursday, March 21.

There will be an U1400, three round tournament at the Library in April & May. Full details will be posted later.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Apr 13 - Yadkin Valley Senior Quads I, Dobson, NC
Apr 20-21 - 5th Senior Open, Travelers Rest, SC
Apr 27 - Lowry Grand Prix, Evans, GA
May 24-26 - South Carolina Open, Greenville, SC

Be sure to check the SC Calendar & NC Calendar  for a full list of weekend events.

Round 3, A Night of Upsets!!

Eighteen players battled in the Third Round of the Club Championship and ratings didn't mean much as there were three upsets and a draw.

Ben Caiello (2032) took control of Board 1 and stands alone at the top moving a step closer to his first Club Championship with an upset win over Two Time Club Champion Philipp Lamby (2222). James MacDougall (2027) took care of business on Board 2 with a win over Mike Mayfield (1367) and will try to capture Board 1 from Ben in the penultimate round next week. Adam Shaw (1818) won over Christian Dunlap (1047) and will face Randall Gingerich (1525) on Board 2 next week after Randall scored the upset win over Leo Rabulan (2085) in the evening's longest fight.

Gil Holmes (1832) wore down a stubborn James Price (1246) and Chris Labrecque (1667) outlasted Birney Blind (1242). Shaun McCoy (1414) scored the win over Mark Woodman (1026), Josh Lewer (1389) settled peacefully with Jordan Anderson (1245) and Andrew Manion (1326) upset Dan Quigley (1807).

The Penultimate Round is Thursday, March 14.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Apr 20-21 - 5th Senior Open, Travelers Rest, SC
Apr 27 - Lowry Grand Prix, Evans, GA
May 24-26 - South Carolina Open, Greenville, SC

Be sure to check the SC Calendar & NC Calendar  for a full list of weekend events.

Three lead after two Rounds of The Championship!

Twenty players competed in Round 2 of the Club Championship. Philipp Lamby (2222) successfully defended Board 1 from Gil Holmes (1832) as Ben Caiello (2032) wore down a stubborn Josh Lewer (1389) to keep pace at the top of the crosstable.

Leo Rabulan (2085) saved the half point in a wild game with Adam Shaw (1818), James MacDougall (2027) picked up the point over Jordan Anderson (1245), Randall Gingerich (1525) took the point from Ralph Buske (1430) and Christian Dunlap (1047) secured the point from Julie Sheil (1058) to round out five players tied at 1.5 points.

Chris Labrecque (1667) broke into the win column with a victory over James Price (1246). Daniel Smith (1476) scored over Andrew Manion (1326), Birney Blind (1242) won over Guna Yarramareddy (780) and James Doyle (1136) settled peacefully with Mark Woodman (1026).

Round 3 is Thursday, March 7.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Apr 20-21 - 5th Senior Open, Travelers Rest, SC
Apr 27 - Lowry Grand Prix, Augusta, GA
May 24-26 - South Carolina Open, Greenville, SC

Be sure to check the SC Calendar & NC Calendar  for a full list of weekend events.

Club Championship is Underway!!

Twenty players began their quest for the big trophy in Round 1 of the Club Championship. While there were no upsets in the opening round most of the games were tough, lengthy battles.

Philipp Lamby (2222) is seeking his third Club Title and survived a stiff test from Dan Quigley (1807) in the evening's longest game. New club member Leo Rabulan (2085) scored the win over Lendel Robinson (1765) on Board 2. The games from Boards 1 & 2 can be viewed HERE. We plan to have the live broadcast running for Round 2.

Co-State Champion Ben Caiello (2032) who is seeking his first Club Championship, brought home the point from Chris Labrecque (1667) as Gil Holmes (1832) picked up the point from Daniel Smith (1476) and Adam Shaw (1818) scored over Ralph Buske (1430) to round out the top half of the field.

Josh Lewer (1389) was able to solve the problems thrown at him by Birney Blind (1242) to pick up the point and lead the lower half of the field. Mike Mayfield (1367) took advantage of an opening miscue by James Doyle (1136) to grab a quick point, James Price (1246) successfully returned to the board with a win over Guna Yarramareddy (780) and Jordan Anderson (1245) joined the list of first round winners scoring the point over an improving Jose Escobar (UNR). Andrew Manion (1326) avoided being upset by Christian Dunlap (1047) in this round's only draw.

Round 2 is Thursday, Feb 28. Register or check in by 7:15!!!!

The first Lowry Grand Prix is this Sat, Feb 23. Around a dozen players have pre registered so there should be a pretty good turnout to start the series!

The Final Round of the U1200 Library Tournament is Monday, Feb 25.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Mar 2 - Knights Templar I - Charlotte, NC
Apr 20-21 - 5th Senior Open, Travelers Rest, SC
Apr 27 - Lowry Grand Prix, Augusta, GA

Be sure to check the SC Calendar & NC Calendar  for a full list of weekend events.

Casual Night

Over a dozen players came out for some stress free chess tonight. The usual blitz & bughouse battles were contested and Edsel Pena, Cody Kyzer and Philip Lamby stopped by to get in some play ahead of the Club Championship that begins next week.

The Snowstorm Special is THIS weekend in Summerville! Check the Charleston Chess Club site for full details.

The Club Championship begins next week! Here are the details:

Five round Swiss. One round a week for five weeks. Club members only, can join on site.

Entry fee $10 ($2/rd if joining in late). One bye allowed, No last round byes. Register/check in by 7:15 to be paired each week!! Rounds start at 7:30.

Open Section only, Game 75 +30s incr. Accelerated Pairings will be used. Trophies to 1st, 2nd, Top U1605 and Top Jr. Trophy winners also receive 1yr club membership. Based on participation, a Top U1200 or Top Unrated trophy may be added.

We plan to broadcast boards 1 & 2 live. Link will be available on Home Page next to Crosstable link. 

The first of the Lowry Grand Prix Series is on Sat, Feb 23. Prizes will be awarded based on points accumulated over the six tournaments. A good start early could put you in position to challenge for first later in the series. Don't miss this first one!

Upcoming Tournaments:

Feb 16-17 - Snowstorm Special, Summerville, SC THIS WEEKEND!!
Feb 23 - Lowry Grand Prix, Columbia, SC
Feb 23 - Reverse Angle 31 , Charlotte, NC
Apr 20-21 - 5th Senior Open, Travelers Rest, SC
Apr 27 - Lowry Grand Prix, Augusta, GA

Check SC Calendar for full details.

Eubanks wins third Championship!!

Keith Eubanks (2134) won his second straight club championship and third overall by defeating leader and eventual Runner Up Ben Caiello (1917) in the final round of the 2012 Columbia Chess Club Championship!! After taking a first round bye Keith battled back through the field scoring four straight wins running his club championship win streak to nine straight games!

Chris Labrecque (1530) took the Top U1600 prize with a win over Top Jr Player Dan Caiello (1603). Bill Taylor (1809) scored the win over Joey Dean (1423) who took home the Top U1200 trophy by scoring three upsets and boosting his rating from 1153 to 1423 gaining a whopping 270 points in this event!

In other final round action, Adam Shaw (1796) settled peacefully with Gil Holmes (1819), Paul Farb (1903) scored a final round win over Cody Kyzer (1476), Klaus Johnson (1822) picked up the point from Richard Watts (1309), who gained 106 points in this tournament! Darell Hunt (1518) finished in the win column outlasting Shaun McCoy (1338), David Boyd (1471) picked up the point over Mike Meekins (998), Lendel Robinson (1632) won over Christian Dunlap (944) and Andrew Manion (873) took the last round point from Ron Labrecque (1051).

Congratulations to the winners! Twenty nine players competed, the final crosstable is HERE.

Ashland Quick XXX is Thursday, March 29. Game 20 Quads. Quick Rated only. Entry fee $10 for club members, $15 for non-members. First place each quad $20, Second $15. Quad may become a Swiss based on the number of entries. Register by 7:15. Round 1 starts at 7:30.

Check the SC Chess Calendar and the NC Chess Calendar for upcoming weekend events.

Ben Cailleo leads going into the final round!

Twenty two players competed in the Penultimate Round of the 2012 Club Championship.

Ben Caiello (1882) outlasted Adam Shaw (1837) on Board 1 to move into clear first heading into the final round. Keith Eubanks (2116) took advantage of an opening miscue, then finally broke the stubborn defense of Chris Labrecque (1366) to set up a final round showdown to defend his title.

Joey Dean (1153) bounced back to take the point from Cody Kyzer (1480) and score his THIRD upset of this tournament! Gil Holmes (1834) picked up the point over Shaun McCoy (1389). Dan Caiello (1601) won over Josh Lewer (1187) as Ralph Buske (1501) settled peacefully with Richard Watts (1243). Paul Farb (1941) got back in the win column over Lendel Robinson (1624). Klaus Johnson (1835) saved the .5 point in a sharp battle with Mike Mayfield (1300). Mike Meekins (986) broke into the win column with a victory over Andrew Manion (UNR), Ron Hinds (1817) split the point with Darell Hunt (1346) and Birney Blind (1177) took the point from Ron Labrecque (1063).

Next week, March 22 is the final round of the Championship.

Casual play is available every Monday evening at the St Andrews Regional Library on Broad River Rd from 6:00 - 8:30. Around a dozen players have been coming out for some Stress Free Chess.

SC Sr. Open Mar 24-25 - Travelers Rest. Hey you kids!! Stay off my pawn!!! ages 50+: must have been born before 3/24/1962

The Big Enchilada II will be held Mar 30 - Apr 1 in Raleigh. This is a new tournament that got off to a good start last year.

The SC Open will be in Greenville May 25-27. Full details coming soon.

The Columbia Open is scheduled for August 17-19. Full details coming soon.

B Caiello & Shaw tied for Championship after round 3!

Twenty four players competed in Round 3 of the Club Championship. Ben Caiello (1882) kept his hold on Board 1 taking the win over Cody Kyzer (1480) as Adam Shaw (1837) won over Joey Dean (1153). Ben and Adam will face off in Round 4.

Keith Eubanks (2116) stayed a .5 point off the leaders with a win over Gil Holmes (1834) and Chris Labrecque (1366) scored an upset win over Paul Farb (1941). Keith and Chris will battle on Board 2 and the winner will get a final round chance to snatch the big trophy. Chris has one win over Keith in a thrilling game at Ashland IX so another upset is possible.

Bill Taylor (1820) leads the pack of 2 pointers after outlasting Darell Hunt (1346). Ralph Buske (1501) finally wore down the stubborn defense of Mike Meekins (986) and Richard Watts (1243) finished the mission scoring the upset over Ron Hinds (1817) after letting the upset win slip away last week.

Dan Caiello (1601) took the point from new member Andrew Manion (UNR), David Boyd (1461) won over Christian Dunlap (984), Shaun McCoy (1389) scored the win over James Doyle (1195), Mike Mayfield (1300) got in the win column with a victory over Ron Labrecque (1063) and Lendel Robinson (1624) won over Birney Blind (1177).

After three rounds the 2012 championship has been a bloody one with no draws yet! A "Make them prove it" attitude has led to some long games in drawn positions leading to one side finally cracking. The final two rounds should be just as exciting as no less than 10 players are still in the trophy hunt.

The Penultimate Round is Thursday, March 15.

Casual play is now available on Monday nights from 6:00 - 8:30 at the St Andrews Regional Library on Broad River Road. No membership required. This is good chance for new players to come out play!

March 17 is the Augusta Spring Rapids . If you are interested in going check at the club for car pooling opportunities.

The Checkmate Hunger charity tournament in Lexington is being rescheduled. Check back for the new date.

SC Sr. Open Mar 24-25 - Travelers Rest. Hey you kids!! Stay off my pawn!!! ages 50+: must have been born before 3/24/1962

The Big Enchilada II will be held Mar 30 - Apr 1 in Raleigh. This is a new tournament that got off to a good start last year.

Mark your calendars! The Columbia Open is scheduled for August 17-19. Full details coming soon.

Four tied for the lead after two rounds!

Eighteen players battled in the second round of the Club Championship with four players moving to the top of the standings with 2 points.

Ben Caiello (1882) defended Board 1 from Klaus Johnson (1835) as Adam Shaw (1837) outlasted Bill Taylor (1820) on Board 2. Two unexpected challengers have risen to the top of the standings! Cody Kyzer (1480) upset last week's board 1 winner Ron Hinds (1817) and Joey Dean (1153) scored his second upset with a win over Lendel Robinson (1624). Ben and Cody are expected to square off on Board 1 and Joey will battle Adam on Board 2. Will the upsets continue or will order be restored?

Keith Eubanks (2116) began his title defense with a win over Darell Hunt (1346) and Chris Labrecque (1366) took the point from Birney Blind (1177) to move into the 1.5 point score group.

Eleven players are sitting on one point and looking to get back in the title hunt. This group is led by Paul Farb (1941) who bounced back from a round 1 loss finally beating a determined Richard Watts (1243). Erik Murrah (1691) found the win over a stubborn Josh Lewer (1187) and Ralph Buske (1501) scored the quick point over Christian Dunlap (984).

Next weekMarch 8, is Round 3 of the Club Championship.

The first Award Standings for 2012 have been posted.

Casual play is now available on Monday nights from 6:00 - 8:30 at the St Andrews Regional Library on Broad River Road.

March 17 is the Augusta Spring Rapids . If you are interested in going check at the club for car pooling opportunities.

The Checkmate Hunger charity tournament in Lexington is being rescheduled. Check back for the new date.

SC Sr. Open Mar 24-25 - Travelers Rest. Hey you kids!! Stay off my pawn!!! ages 50+: must have been born before 3/24/1962

The Big Enchilada II will be held Mar 30 - Apr 1 in Raleigh. This is a new tournament that got off to a good start last year.

Club Championship is Underway!

Round one of the 2012 Club Championship was very intense as twenty two players competed in hard fought battles with bloodshed all through the field.

Ron Hinds (1817) set the tone for round 1 scoring the upset win on Board 1 over Paul Farb (1941) to get things off to an exciting start! Ben Caiello (1882) successfully defended Board 2 from Erik Murrah (1691) as Adam Shaw (1837) escaped with the point from Lendel Robinson (1624). Klaus Johnson (1835) claimed the win over Dan Caiello (1601). Gil Holmes (1834) took almost the entire 90 minutes to finally grind out the win over Daniel Smith (1505) in a same color Bishop endgame. Clocks read 8 s for Gil and 2 s for Daniel when the game was finally decided! Bill Taylor (1820) secured the point from Ralph Buske (1501) to finish out the top half of the field and create a six way tie among the 1800 players after round 1.

The bottom half of the field was just as hard fought with Cody Kyzer (1480) finally prevailing over Birney Blind (1177), Darell Hunt (1349) outlasting Julie Sheil (1090), Richard Watts (1243) securing the point over Ron Labrecque (1063) and Josh Lewer (1187) scoring a first round win over Mike Meekins (986). New club member Joey Dean (1153) scored the upset win over Shaun McCoy (1389) showing a fine endgame technique to win a Queen vs. Pawn on the 7th endgame.

Twelve players stand on 1 point heading into round 2. With number 3 seed Paul Farb getting upset in the first round, defending champ Keith Eubanks and number 2 seed James MacDougall taking first round byes the battle for the big trophy looks wide open!

Round 2 is Thursday, March 1. If you missed the first round you can still enter and play!

Casual play is now available on Monday nights from 6:00 - 8:30 at the St Andrews Regional Library on Broad River Road. If there is enough interest we may offer quick rated chess.

The Chess Players of Augusta are very active now and are just down the road. Be sure to check out their schedule for some quick and/or dual rated play. Their next Sat tournament is the Augusta Spring Rapids on March 17. Their first Sat tournament drew 22 players and was well run. If you are interested in going check at the club for car pooling opportunities.

March 17 is the Checkmate Hunger charity tournament in Lexington. This is a game 75, four round swiss.

SC Sr. Open Mar 24-25 - Travelers Rest. Hey you kids!! Stay off my pawn!!! ages 50+: must have been born before 3/24/1962

The Big Enchilada II will be held Mar 30 - Apr 1 in Raleigh. This is a new tournament that got off to a good start last year.

A nice mix of tournaments coming up with something for everyone! Get out and play!

Club Championship begins Feb 23!

The Fifth Columbia Chess Club Championship will be held from Feb 23 - Mar 22. Last year was our largest field with thirty four players. Keith Eubanks claimed his second title and only Keith and Philipp Lamby have won the club championship to date. Philipp has moved to Texas leaving Keith the clear favorite to win the 2012 Title. It looks wide open behind Keith with a surging Ben Caiello, steady Paul Farb and always improving Adam Shaw. And let's not forget two time runner up James MacDougall who could mount a serious challenge for the big trophy.

In addition to the Champion and Runner Up trophies hardware is also awarded to the Top U1600, Top U1200 and Top Jr Player, so everyone has a chance at a trophy! Unrateds will be based on performance after four rounds.

Here are the details:
Five round Swiss. One round a week for five weeks. Club members only, can join on site.

Entry fee $10 ($2/rd). One bye allowed, No last round byes. Rounds start at 7:30.

Open Section only, Game 90/d5. Accelerated Pairings will be used. Trophies to 1st, 2nd, Top U1600, Top U1200 and Top Jr. Trophy winners also receive 1yr club membership.

Casual play is now available on Monday nights from 6:00 - 8:30 at the St Andrews Regional Library on Broad River Road. If there is enough interest we may offer quick rated chess.

The Chess Players of Augusta are very active now and are just down the road. Be sure to check out their schedule for some quick and/or dual rated play. Their next Sat tournament is the Augusta Spring Rapids on March 17. Their first Sat tournament drew 22 players and was well run. If you are interested in going check at the club for car pooling opportunities.

March 17 is the Checkmate Hunger charity tournament in Lexington.

Reverse Angle 26 is coming up on Feb 25 in Charlotte. RA25 drew 62 players so if you're looking for a big tournament with a one day schedule here it is!

SC Sr. Open Mar 24-25 - Travelers Rest. Hey you kids!! Stay off my pawn!!! ages 50+: must have been born before 3/24/1962

The Big Enchilada II will be held Mar 30 - Apr 1 in Raleigh. This is a new tournament that got off to a good start last year.

A nice mix of tournaments coming up with something for everyone! Get out and play!

B Caiello wins A25 - Tims takes Amateur Section

Twenty six players competed in Ashland XXV as Ben Caiello (1880) cruised to another tournament win with a last round victory over Gil Holmes (1804). Paul Farb (1946) finally wore down Lendel Robinson's (1628) stubborn defense to tie for second with Darell Hunt (1387) who scored a last round win over Ralph Buske (1501). Dan Caiello (1575) took the point in an upset win over Ron Hinds (1817).

Ron Tims (1389) dominated the Amateur Section scoring his fourth win with a victory over Ron Labrecque (1063) in the final round to finish with 4.5 points after taking a second round bye. Mike Mayfield (1300) bounced back with a win over Birney Blind (1177) to finish tied for second with Shaun McCoy (1285) who escaped with a win over Christian Dunlap (984). Cody Kyzer (1480) picked up the point from Richard Watts (1230).

Next up is Ashland Quick XXIX on Feb 9. The Club Championship will begin on Feb 23.

The 38th Snowstorm Special is coming up Feb 11-12 in Charleston.

Be sure to check out Chess Players of Augusta. Rated play is now available in the Augusta area!

Eubanks takes the 2011 Club Championship!!!!

Thirty four players battled for the 2011 Club Championship with Keith Eubanks (2027) defending Board 1 in the final round defeating Erik Murrah (1701) to finish with the first perfect score in the Club Championship and claim his second Title in dominating fashion!

2010 Champ Philipp Lamby (2188) defeated Paul Farb (1900) to take clear second with 4 points. Edsel Pena (1986) took the point from Dave Vetterlein (1800) as George Morton (1728) won over Ralph Buske (1489).

Birney Blind (1194) outlasted a determined Mark Woodman (1177) to take the final round point and secure the Top U1600 Trophy with 3 points. Russell Thurmond (1600) finished on a positive note with a win over Shiva Balasubramanian (1302) as Jason Arthur (1404) claimed the point from Alex Humphreys (830).

Paul Lowry (1108) secured the draw against David Boyd (1317) and it was enough to allow Paul to win the U1200 Trophy with 2.5 points. Richard Watts (1130) defeated Mike Meekins (954) to finish with a win.

Max Witherell (1204) defeated fellow Jr Player Christian Dunlap (916) to win the Top Jr. Player Trophy with 2 points. Amazingly, all five trophies were won outright! Each trophy winner also receives a one year club membership.

Thanks to everyone for making this the largest, strongest and most competitive Club Championship to date! Congratulations to the Trophy Winners!

Next week is Ashland Quick XXIV.

Be sure to check the Club Message board for the poll on trying the 30s increment instead our usual 5s delay in Ashland XX. Please give feedback on the message board or at the club Thursday evening.

Eubanks still perfect going into the Final Round!!

Twenty four players compete in Round 4 of the 2011 Club Championship.

Keith Eubanks (2022) defeated co leader Paul Farb (1908) and now stands alone at the top a full point clear of the field, ready to reclaim the title he won in 2008. Four players are tied at 3 points for the Runner Up spot led by Philipp Lamby (2190) who bounced back to win over Adam Shaw (1699). Also on 3 points are David Vetterlein (1800), who found the win over Steve Boshears (1626) in a tough Knight ending and Erik Murrah (1691), who had a solid upset win over Paul King (1924). Edsel Pena (1986) returned to pick up the point from Russell Thurmond (1600) .

Ralph Buske (1452) secured the draw with Gil Holmes (1805) as Birney Blind (1233) won over Mike Meekins (982) and both trail U1605 Trophy leader Mike Mayfield by .5 point.

Mark Woodman (1045) took the point from Christian Dunlap (851) to pull even for the U1205 Trophy with Paul Lowry (1060), who settled peacefully with Jason Arthur (1404).

Richard Watts (1129) split the point with Alex Humphreys (830) and Max Witherell (1110) defeated Mark Acklie (952).

The Final Round of the 2011 Club Championship will be Thursday, March 24. Trophies will be awarded that night.

The Border Battle is being contested this weekend in Cornelius, NC. Check the SCCA Website for updates over the weekend.

Here are the Team Rosters (Cola Chess members are in bold):

SC Champ: Philipp Lamby; NC Champ: Craig Jones

SC HS Champ: Kenzie Moore; NC HS Champ: Samuel Xin

Team South Carolina:

Expert--Keith Eubanks and Stephen Welt
Class A--Bill Taylor and John Vonderlieth
Class B--Joerg Lohse and Karl Bossmeier (Day 1) - Ron Gaskins (Day 2)
Class C--James Brown and Daniel Smith
Class D--Shiva Balasubramanian and Michael Boone
Class E--Torri Whatley and Gordon Miller

Team North Carolina:

Expert---John Timmel and Peter Giannatos
Class A---David High and Bill LeFew
Class B---Mike Eberhardinger and Mark Biernacki
Class C---Shawn Spencer and Anthony Cato
Class D---Ray Hight and Rudy Abate
Class E---Walter High and Ethan Yen

Eubanks & Farb lead after Three Rounds!!

Twenty eight players battled in Round 3 of the Club Championship and two are left with perfect scores heading into the penultimate round.

Keith Eubanks (2022) upset defending champ Philipp Lamby (2190) and Paul Farb (1908) upset James MacDougall (1993) moving both to 3-0 and setting them up on Board 1 next week.

Paul King (1924) survived against Cody Kyzer (1252) and David Vetterlein (1800) won over Shiva Balasubramanan. Adam Shaw (1699) took the point from Birney Blind (1233), Erik Murrah (1691) scored the win over Jaime Sanyer (1185) and Steve Boshears (1626) defeated Mark Woodman (1045).

David Boyd (1330) settled peacefully with Mike Mayfield (1275) and both lead for the U1605 Trophy with 2 points. Gil Holmes (1805) survived to claim the point from Daniel Smith (1313) while George Morton (1728) took the point from Christian Dunlap (851). Russell Thurmond (1600) won over Richard Watts (1129), Paul Lowry (1060) picked up the point from Alex Humphreys (830) and Jason Arthur (1404) returned and scored the win over Mark Acklie (952). Mike Meekins (982) broke into the win column with a victory over Max Witherell (1110).

Two rounds to go and all six the trophies are still up for grabs! Trophies will be awarded to First, Second, Top U1605, Top U1205 and the Top Jr. Player. Who will claim the hardware??!!

Round 4 will be Thurs, March 17.

The Border Battle between SC & NC will be March 19 & 20 in Charlotte. The Columbia Club is represented by State Champ Philipp Lamby, Expert Keith Eubanks, Class C Daniel Smith & Class D Shiva Balasubramanian. Good Luck Team SC!!

Club Championship - Round 2

Twenty eight players compete in Round 2 of the Club Championship with around another ten playing casually and watching the battles rage.

Philipp Lamby (2190) outlasted Edsel Pena (1986) on Board 1 to move to 2-0. Keith Eubanks (2022) defeated Paul King (1924) as Paul Farb (1908) won over George Morton (1728) creating a three way tie at the top. Ben Caiello (1509) scored an upset win over Russell Thurmond (1600), David Boyd (1330) defeated Richard Watts (1129) and Mike Mayfield (1275) escaped with the point from Daniel Smith (1313).

David Vetterlein (1800) broke into the win column with a victory over Dan Caiello (1420) as Adam Shaw (1699) outlasted Cody Kyzer (1252) and Erik Murrah (1691) defeated Shiva Balasubramanian (1236). Steve Boshears (1626) took the point from Birney Blind (1233), Ralph Buske (1452) won over Alex Humphreys (830), Jaime Sanyer (1185) picked up the point over Mark Acklie (952), Mark Woodman (1045) won over Mike Meekins (982) and Christian Dunlap (851) scored the win over visiting G.M. Boykin (1111).

Round 3 with normal pairings is Thursday, March 10.

***Breaking News*** Dan Caiello ties for the SC Scholastic Championship and wins the Denker Trip!!!

The Club Championship Begins!

The 2011 Columbia Chess Club Championship kicked off with twenty-four players competing in Round 1. This is our strongest tournament to date with thirteen players in B Class or above! If you missed the first round you can still join in Round 2 with a .5 point first round bye.

Defending Champ Philipp Lamby (2190) defeated Gil Holmes (1805) to begin his title defense. Keith Eubanks (2022) was able to grind out a win over David Vetterlein (1800) in the evenings longest game. James MacDougall (1993) scored a first round win over Adam Shaw (1699) and a returning Edsel Pena (1986) was able to survive against Erik Murrah (1691). Paul King (1924) took the point with a little help from Steve Boshears (1626) and Paul Farb (1908) defeated Ralph Buske (1452) as the top half suffered no upsets in Round 1.

In the second half of the accelerated pairings Cody Kyzer (1252) won over Mark Woodman (1045) as Shiva Balasubramanian (1236) scored his sixth straight win defeating Mike Meekins (982). Birney Blind (1233) posted a win over Christian Dunlap (851) and new member Alex Humphreys (830) scored the upset win over Jaime Sanyer (1185). Daniel Smith (1313) was held to a draw by Richard Watts (1129) and Mike Mayfield (1275) settled peacefully with Drew Plyler (1054).

Round 2 will be Thursday, Mar 3. Pairings will be accelerated for this round then normal pairings take over.