August 24 saw the final round of the annual Ajeeb Quads, and the winners of each section were determined by the final four games of the night. Jack Johnson bested Pat Kirlin to win Quad C in a hard fought game that was next to last to finish. Jack finished 3.0, while the other members of the section finished tied for second with a point a piece.
Just prior to the conclusion of that game, Griffin Herr topped Walter van Heemstede Obelt in hard fought endgame to win Quad B with 2.5 points. The winner of the mini-Swiss (section D) was Matt Goodale, who prevailed over Johnny Buckner with a pretty queen sacrifice that led to a checkmate via pawn promotion. The position had been challenging with both sides having mate threats. Buckner, Nathan Garza, and Pat Nance tied for second with 2.0 scores. All four of the top finishers are comparatively new to over the board play.
The top quad featured the last game of the night. Michael Cambareri and Ryan Ackerman engaged in a slug fest, with each having opportunities for mate in two when the game ended with Ryan flagging in the complex position. The conclusion was entertaining for spectators as the two young men kept finding defensive moves that simultaneously threatened to win. The victory left Cambareri alone in first place with a score of 2.5.
The USCF cross table link: US Chess MSA – Cross Table for AJEEB23- 23AAJEEB (Event 202308314442)
One response to “Exciting Finishes in Ajeeb Quads”
Entertaining battle between Michael and Ryan to say the least. Great game lots of respect from both sides!