Amanov Wins Tim Just Winter Open

GM Mesgen Amanov swept the Open section of Tim Just's Winter Open XXIV, defeating Hongshun Xu, Gavin McClanahan, Gregory Bungo, Andy Appelbaum and Michael Auger. Experts Auger and Appelbaum shared second at 4 points with NM Eric Rosen.

Bryce McClanahan similarly swept the Reserve Section, with Nathaniel Kranjc, Tony Christian, Joe Delay, Gee Leong and Kevin Davenport tying for second with 4 points. Bryce defeated Adream Liang, Rachel Ulrich, Christopher Girardo, Christian and Davenport.

Crosstables

The Tournamemt was held the weekend of January 9-10, 2010 at the Double Tree Hotel in Oak Brook, a locale new to it, although familiar to Chicago-area chessplayers.  The tourney was organized by Just and Wayne Clark, with Gary Janssen the chief TD.  Playing conditions were good, and the event well-run.  Imagine my surprise when I showed up about 15 minutes before the opening round to find the pairings already up!  PayPal seems a great boon to efficient organizing.  A total of around 80 people participated.

It was a good way to ring in the new chess year of 2010.