The United States Chess Federation - Lenderman Leads in Arizona

Lenderman Leads in Arizona

By Daniel Rensch
June 1, 2009
GM Timur Gareev gives a simul, Photo Shauna Rensch The 2009 Copper State International presented by Abstrax, Inc. continues on in Mesa, AZ this week. The tournament began Friday with two rounds. Saturday morning gave the local community a chance to get involved by taking on GM Timur Gareev in a Simultaneous Exhibition in which two of Arizona’s young players, John Williams and Luke Harmon, fought hard to earn draws. GM Alejandro Ramirez then engaged the group in a lecture covering recent games of GM-elect Robert Hess and answered questions about his own road to GM. GM Ramirez also helped tournament organizer and player Danny Rensch draw tickets for the raffle that boasted Diamondbacks tickets, Monroi’s, and House of Staunton sets used as the top boards in the tournament and signed by the players. GM Ramirez and tournament organizer FM Daniel Rensch draw for the raffle, Photo Shauna Rensch The players resumed play on Saturday and Sunday. After the conclusion of round 5 on Sunday evening, IM Alex Lenderman was in the clear lead, with 4.5/5. GM Timur Gareev followed in clear second with 4. Lenderman's wins included victories over GMs Ramirez and Izoria and the following win over IM Barcenilla. With five rounds to go, Alex is aiming for his first GM norm, and is on the right track so far. 3213 IM Alex Lenderman faces IM Rogelio Barcenilla, Photo Shauna Rensch Tied for third with 3.5/5 are GM Julio Becerra, GM Alejandro Ramirez, GM Alex Yermolinsky, IM Rogelio Barcenilla, IM Dean Ippolito and Marc Esserman. At the half way point it is still anyone’s tournament and the next five rounds promise to be filled with exciting games as norm chances begin to take shape. Stay tuned to americanchess.net for the most up to date standings as well as access to live games powered by Monroi.com. Check out the information for the tournament as well as the pairings, standings, schedule, and watch the games live!