South Suburban Chess Wars XII

On March 20, 2016, the Glenwood Chess Club hosted Chess Wars XII. A total of 30 players were in attendance.

However, in the experimental Non-Rated Section, nobody entered. But, not wishing to waste pre-bought and labeled medals, Club President Ken Windmon and the article’s writer begged and pleaded for two happily content spectators to join the fracas, dangling free entry as a carrot.

Ralph Bielobradek, who brought his two sons, and Joe Emole, a 1900 rated former Open Chess Wars Winner, who brought his first place U1650 chess student with him, accepted the challenge. Emole blitzed the tournament organizer, and nabbed the 1st Bounty Hunter Prize while Windmon defeated Bielobradek.

In the second round of this Quad, Emole had a gracious heart and forfeited his match against Windmon, thus putting him (Windmon) in the “Catbird’s Position” to snatch the top prize. In a tough match, Bielobradek could not get past this Assistant TD.

In round 3, the 2 GCC staff members were due to do battle. However, Windmon, throwing his weight around as “Top Dog”, politely suggested that the organizer play Alex Ramirez, in a rated game, so that he would not be idle as he (Ramirez) received his full point by, for lack of an opponent. Ken added that our match would take place in the final round. Based solely on the stated facts did this match occur.

Alex won this match and sent “his Henchman”, Eric Mendenhall, the eventual 3rd place winner in the U1650 section, to emphasize that this match, unplanned or not, still met the guidelines of a “Bounty Hunter Match” (When a GCC member is “whupped” by a non GCC player) Alex received the prize! It was all Windmon’s fault.

Eventually, in the 3rd and final round, Windmon leading in material, but down on time offered a draw, which was accepted and the two staff members took 1st and 2nd place. Bielobradek and Emole rounded out 3rd and 4th place respectively.

In the U1250 section, new to the club competitor, Lin Yuhan had 3.5 points to win first place. James Marchert Sr., Elkin Alvarez, Daniel Barack, and Margery Allen took 2nd through 5th place.

In the competitive U1650 Division, Joe Emole’s student Patrick Kut took first place with 3.5 points and the top tiebreak. Ignace Bielobradek with the same 3.5 score took 2nd. Eric Menenhall, Zach Warsh, and Alex Ramirez, took 3rd through 5th place.

In the Open Division, Ryan Richardson took 1st with 3.0 points. Eric Luster, Marty Franek, Geber Bugia took 2nd through 4th all via tiebreaks with 2.5 scores. Kubat Gundogdu claimed 5th place. Note: Both Eric Luster and Geber had to leave the tournament early due to unexpected obligations

This according to the participants appeared to be another enjoyable event. However, today’s tourament was particularly meaningful to the Glenwood Chess Club.

Jorge Barrera, a Chess Life photographer and writer was present to take photos for publication of a feature/article in a Future Chess Life Edition about the club.

We are very proud and grateful for this opportunity as it proves that sometimes, a sincere concern to help others, less fortunate than ourselves is rewarded with a recognition that is “Humbly” and appreciatively accepted!

For more information about Glenwood Chess Club, activities and events, please visit us at glenwoodchessclub.com.