Last week we welcomed back players to our Super Saturday Quads on May 22! As always, a big thank you to everybody who came to play! And a special thank you to our first-time participants: Sanjeev, Anisha, Samidha, and Sreekar! Let us look at the highlights:
In Over 1000 Section 1, we had one of our strongest sections ever in a special six-person tournament! All the participants had a rating of at least 2050, and the games were all even and very high-quality. In the end, there was a tie for first between Yuvanshu and Yassamin, who both finished with 2 points. Alexander, Ethan, and Gary were remarkably close behind with 1.5 each. Again, there were many excellent games, so it is difficult to choose just one for game of the week. Still, the game between the winners was exciting, featuring many sharp tactics. You can look at the game here: https://www.chess.com/game/live/15443607313. Nicely done to all!
In Over 1000 Section 2, we also had a stronger section than usual. Coming back, Rouven recorded another great triumph and finished with a perfect score. In a few games, he was put under significant time pressure, but continued playing calmly and accurately. Through slow improvements, he was then able to win. Good work Rouven!
In Over 1000 Section 3, the victor was Zachary with 2.5/3 points. He has his own amazing streak going: this was his third tournament victory on the bounce. This time, his combinations provided the win. In particular, he used the knight-queen combo to devastating effect in his first and third games. Congratulations Zachary!
In Under 1000 Section 1, Sophia took first place with 2.5/3 points. Coming out of the openings in her games, she often faced tough positions, but always found the tactical ideas to gain a comfortable advantage. Great work Sophia!
In Under 1000 Section 2, the winner was once again Jakob. His remarkable streak continues: this was his fourth tournament victory in a row, and his fifth in the last six. It seems right now that there is just no stopping him, because he once again finished with 3 wins out of 3. Again, congratulations on the streak Jakob!
In Under 1000 Section 3, we had another extra-large section made up of 6 participants. After three games, nothing could separate Evan and Yujeong, who tied for first place with 2.5 points. Dhruva was close behind them with 2 points. As a matter of fact, the two winners played each other in the last round, and a draw was agreed in a complex rook-and-knight endgame. For Yujeong, it was his third victory in a row, as well. Amazing job to all!
In Under 1000 Section 4, the winner with a solid 2.5/3 was Leon. One of the many things he did well in his games were endgames, because he always seemed to be able to gain the upper hand, even in not the best of situations. Great job Leon!
In Under 1000 Section 5, the tournament was won by Avyay. He displayed a sharp eye for tactics such as pins, as well as for free pieces that he could take, in his games. And even when put under pressure, he always found a good defensive move. Congratulations to Avyay!
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