August 1, 2017
Congratulations to Christopher Shen (OH), rated 2307 who scored 5/6 in a tie for first place with Justin Wang (TX), rated 2330. Shen and Wang drew each other in Round 5 and it set the stage for the final round where both of them needed a win to stay on top. There was a field of eight Masters and fourteen Experts among the forty-eight participants. Both Christopher and Justin were declared Co-Champion of this Championship Invitational Event. Winner on tie-break was Christopher who will receive a $5,000 College/University Scholarship to the school of his choice.
There was a five way tie (4.5/6) for Second Place which included Owen McCoy (OR), Aydin Turgut (IL), Justin Chen (NY), Jason Yu (WA) and Pieter S. Heesters (MD). Justin Wang (TX) was also the winner of the $500 Chess Scholarship for best result under the age of 13.
Further details can be found here: https://www.barberchess.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Barber-Standings.pdf
Illinois clear first in State Team Competition
Congratulations to Illinois on their First Place finish (14/18) ending any doubt that their state team average (2242) was strong enough to take the top spot. Their team was lead by Denker representative, Zhaozhi [George] Li (5/6). Barber representative, Aydin Turgut (4.5/6) and National Girls representative Marissa Li (4.5/6) who completed the effort. Second Place team, Washington state had a team average (2172) and was ½ point behind Illinois followed by Texas (2180) who took clear Third Place with ½ point below.
State Team winners in the Under Sections were Alabama (Under 2100), Indiana (Under 1900) and Idaho (Under 1700). Complete results can be found at: http://www.denkerchess.com/wp-content/uploads/State-Team-Standings.pdf