Illinois Players Light it Up at the World Open

Along with picnics, parades, and fireworks, the fourth of July weekend is also known for World Open, one of the premier chess events held every year in the Philadelphia area. This year’s $200,000 plus prize fund attracted many strong players from all over the world, as well its share of chess hustlers and chess characters from across the nation. Over 1000 players participated in this year’s chess extravaganza. 23 of those chess devotees made the trek from the state of Illinois, and brought back their share of the big bucks and rating points. Read on for a recap of some of those performances.

In the Open section, Grand Master Mesgen Amanov scored 6.5/9.0, including a big win in round nine against Georgian GM Tamaz Gelashvili. GM Amanov joined five others who were just a ½ point behind co-champs Gata Kamsky and Michael Adams, with each earning $1735. Amanov also picked up 30 rating points to 2606.

In a very competitive U2400 section, Jonathan Kogen scored 5 points, and gained 48 rating points to 2149.

Illinoisans hit it big in the U2000 section, where Aakash Meduri, Renee Ancheta, and Robby Hecht tied for first place with each scoring 7.5 points and taking home $5521.60. Meduri also gained 78 rating points to 2036, while Ancheta  picked up  67 to 2050, and Robby Hecht gained 52 rating points 2022. Dan Gannon finished with 7.0/9.0, and picked up an astounding 125 rating points to 1976 while earning $1156.50 for his efforts.

In the U1800 section, Elchonon Daitchman scored 6.5 tied for 7^th place and took home $325.67. He also picked up 78 rating points to 1822.In the U1600 section, William Jackson scored 6.5 and gained 95 rating points to 1640. Meanwhile, Wladyslaw Bogulowiczc scored 6 points and picked up 74 rating points to 1574.

In the U 1300 section, Ryszard Dyrek tied for second with a 7.5 score and earning $3503. He also picked up 94 rating points to 1335.

Also of note, super trainer Shiva Maharaj  lent support to his fellow Illinoisans by visiting the tourney venue on Friday evening, July 1st.

Complete World Open results can be found here. All pictures are courtesy of NM Eric Rosen.