Author: kmkorsmo

Pullman High School won the first Eastern Washington Championship tournament played at Cheney High School on January 25. 30 students took part in the high school section, which was won by Chewelah senior Ben Patterson. Cheney High finished second and qualified for the state team championship along with Pullman. Third place went to Odessa High School and fourth place went to Paideia High School.

Libby Center, led by individual Champion Nicholas Wilson, topped the 19 player Middle School tournament held at the same location. Congratulations to all of the winners!

The NWSRS cross table for both events: Chess Event: Eastern Washington Regional Champ.

Club returned from its holiday break with a night of USCF-rated g/15 quick chess on Thursday, January 2, and a a few players returned to club after multiple year absences to shine in the tourney. Antonius Raelund, last seen locally at the 30th Collyer Memorial, returned after wandering the region for awhile. He had a successful night, sweeping all four games to top the 10 player field. Michael Cambareri (3.0) was second. Khai Le, absent from club since early 2008, scored 2.0 to win the under 1500 prize.

Eight of the eleven contestants at club on December 19 took part in a round robin blitz tournament that was won by Ben Patterson with a 6.5 score. Michael Cambareri finished second with 6.0.

The popular Turkey Quads, played November 7-14-21, are now complete. Quad A was won by the third seed, John Frostad, while Vibi Varghese won Quad B, Grant Larocca and Jeremy Burnett tied for first in Quad C, Devin Wolford won Quad D, and Tristen Santilli won Quad E. Way to go, everyone! The event drew 20 players competing in five sections.

The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for TURKEY QUADS (Event 202411216392)

The club will sponsor a g/60 USCF-rated quad on Saturday, December 14, in conjunction with the Frosty Pawn scholastic tournament at St. John Vianney school. Craig Moore is directing. The event will be played in a separate room from the scholastic tourney. EF is $20 and rounds are at 10-12-2 or ASAP. Contact Craig at craig.moore04@gmail.com to enter.

Cam Leslie scored an impressive 10.5 of 11 to win the 12 player blitz competition at club on October 24. He drew with second place finisher Ben Patterson (9.5). Michael Cambareri took third (9.0) and Ben Legard was fourth at 8.0.

Youngsters.Karl Keener and Stanley Deng shared 1st and 2nd prizes (3.5 from 4) in the Queen’s gambit even on Saturday 10/11, a fitting end to a tournament held alongside the scholastic event held by Inland Chess Academy. The two players were the only perfect scores heading in to a decisive round 4 game. Down three pawns to one in a king-rook endgame, Keener held even against Deng’s a-file pawn push to split the top prizes.

In the U1400 section, Sam Bethman took the top prize and the biggest upset prize. In all, only four of the ten entries in the open section were Spokane Chess Club regulars. The rest included middle and high school players testing their mettle in open play.

High school senior Ben Patterson won the 2024 Eastern Washington Open, played September 21-22 at the West Central Abbey, with a score of 4.5. He drew with Dave Rowles in the final round. Rowles, Eric Billaux, and Drew Bunch finished second with scores of 4.0. You can find a larger story on the EWO page (link above).

The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for 2024 EASTERN WASHINGTON OPEN (Event 202409229352) .

For the first time ever, the Eastern Washington High School Championship and the Eastern Washington Middle School Championship, are scheduled to be held in Spokane County! The events will be played January 25, 2025 at Cheney High School. The high school event will also double as the Greater Spokane High School Championship. There is no entry fee to compete in either event, but advance online registration is required.

The links to the event flyers: 2025 Eastern Wa. High School Chess Championships (northwestchess.info) and 2025 Eastern Washington Middle School Chess Championships (northwestchess.info).

Cam Leslie defeated Michael Cambareri 3-0 September 21 to claim the City Championship. Cam won both games with white on his way to claiming the title. The defending champion, Ryan Ackerman, has moved to the west side and was unable to defend his title. Cam and Michael won their won through a candidates tournament to meet in the match that was played in conjunction with the Eastern Washington Open. Congratulations, Cam!!