Jeffrey Xiong
So far the main event has had few surprises, with the top seeds mostly holding on in the first two roundsin all four championship sections (K-6, K-5, K-3, and the unpredictable K-1 section).
NM Jeffrey Xiong along with a large group of experts including Tommy He, Christopher Wu, and KesavViswanadha are all 2-0 in the K-6 championship section. With a large group of “A” players chasing themdown, including last year’s K-5 winner Allan Beilin, the tournament’s final five rounds promise someexciting action in the tournament’s top section. In the team standings Daeil Wright JHS from Illinois isthe team to beat with four strong 1800-1900 players on their roster.
In the K-5 championship section, USCF experts Cameron Wheeler, Roland Feng, and VigneshPanchanatham lead the way. They will also have a tough road ahead of them with a strong group of topplayers tied with them going into the tournament’s second day. The K-5 section also has a clear favoritein the team standings. With three strong “B” players, Laurel Mountain Elementary from Texas should bearound the top of the standings as the tournament winds down.
K-3 championship section Aravind Kumar and Rayan Taghizadeh are the rating favorites, while Rayan has started 2-0, Aravind was nicked for a half a point against Stefan Jelenkovic.
For a detailed examination of the ever improving K-1 championship section, read Kele Perkins’ K-1preview article.
Check back for a final report as the last pawn is pushed on Sunday evening, which will include photos and some exciting games. Stay posted on pairings and results at uschess.org/tournaments/2011/elem/.