News
Six Illinois Players Earn $4400 at '15 Kings Island Open
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
- Created: 17 November 2015 17 November 2015
With an outright winner and two co-champions, Illinois was well-represented at the 24th Annual Kings Island Open. Due to construction at the Kings Island resort, the event was held in Blue Ash, Ohio November 13 - November 15. It was conducted in seven sections attracting 293 players.
David Wallach was the champion of the Under 1700 finishing 4.5. Wallach drew Kentucky's Alan Kindred in the final round to close out the win. Kindred finished at 4.0 in a six-way tie for second. David earned $1450 for his efforts.
In the Under 2100, Ricky Wang's 4.0 was good enough to include him in five-way tie for second place behind Hafez Tari of Ohio who scored 4.5.
Illinois Chess Community Loses Cindy Berry
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- Written by Joshua Flores Joshua Flores
- Created: 07 November 2015 07 November 2015
On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, the world lost a wonderful person and our chess community lost a remarkable supporter of our sport.
Cynthia (Cindy) Berry, beloved wife of National Master Vince Berry -- and one of Illinois' top 50 players -- quietly passed on while her husband and close friends surrounded her in support and love.
For detailed information regarding services please reference www.giancolafuneral.com .
FM Aung Zin Wins 2015 Illinois Senior Open
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- Written by Bill Feldman and Carl Dolson Bill Feldman and Carl Dolson
- Created: 05 November 2015 05 November 2015
With a fifth-round victory over Fred Allsbrook, FIDE Master Aung Zin has claimed the Illinois Senior Champion title at the 2015 Illinois Senior Open. Crosstables have been posted.
Only a fourth-round draw with FM Marc Lonoff kept Zin from the perfect score. Sharing second place with 4.0 / 5 were Lonoff and Class A-player Richard Easton.
The players competed in a single section, with prizes awarded to top scorers U1900, U1700, and U1500.
Chicago-native Emory Tate Passes Away at CA Tournament
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- Written by Bill Feldman Bill Feldman
- Created: 22 October 2015 22 October 2015
International Master Emory Tate, Jr. has passed away at the age of 56.
Tate was born on Chicago's westside but grew up in northern Indiana where years later the Emory Tate Extravaganza was being held in his honor. Still, the Chicago-area was home to many of Tate's amazing chess accomplishments.
Tributes are pouring in for the much-admired Tate who claimed more than 70 victories over grandmasters despite never achieving that status himself. His US Chess ratings peak was 2504 after the 1997 US Masters in Oak Brook when he tied for ninth place with authors Larry Kaufman and Josh Waitzkin, as well as Illinois' own Andrew Karklins, among others.
Morton Chess Instructor Saves 16 Children From Attacker
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- Written by Carl Dolson Carl Dolson
- Created: 16 October 2015 16 October 2015
76-year old chess instructor James Vernon is recovering from surgery after a Columbus Day knife attack at the Morton Public Library.
Vernon, a Caterpillar retiree, was holding a chess club at the Peoria-area library when a 19-year old knife-wielding intruder entered the room threatening to kill someone.
The quick-thinking coach calmed the intruder, and maneuvered between him and the room's door, allowing 16 children and three of their mothers to escape.