US Masters to Kick off in North Carolina
March 11, 2010
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Viktors Pupols and Justus Williams, two players preregistered to play in the 2010 US Masters
The US Masters kicks off soon in Hendersonville, North Carolina at the Quality Inn Suites. There is a choice of three schedules (March 13-21) with four byes allowed in rounds 1-5 in case players can only make one weekend.  Organizer Kevin Hyde told CLO, "If they only have one weekend free, they can start with 2 points out of 4 and still play 5 games." See complete details on the website and also read about concurrent events for non-masters. 

According to Hyde, "The two most interesting pre-registrants are coming the farthest and are at opposite ends of the age spectrum.  Viktors Pupols (in his 70s)  from Washington State and Justus Williams (age 11) from New York." Although Justus is still an expert, the event is open to juniors (Under Age 21) who are rated over 2000. It's a good opportunity for them to play against tough opposition and perhaps break master themselves.

"I am also expecting with high probabability the 'Southeastern Masters' Ronald Simpson, Craig Jones, Klaus Pohl, Maurice Dana, and Neal Harris."

See a preview by Michael Bacon on chess.com and keep your eyes on CLO next week for games and news from the event.