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FM Joseph Mark Bradford of Texas Takes Title of 2006 U.S. Senior Open Chess Champion

By Presidential Proclamation - October 9th - National Chess Day in America

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Anand, Aronian Winners in Mainz

Kasparov and Karpov Share First in Blitz Exhibition

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National News

FM Joseph Mark Bradford of Texas Takes Title of 2006 U.S. Senior Open Chess Champion

The United States Chess Federation (USCF) held its’ 26th annual U.S. Senior Chess Championship at the Gaylord Opryland hotel in Nashville, Tennessee Aug. 27-Sept. 1. Under the direction of Chief Tournament Director Carol Jarecki, 43 chess enthusiasts, over the age of 49, battled through six rounds (one game per day) which led to Joseph Mark Bradford, achieving this year’s title of 2006 U.S. Senior Open Champion after scoring 5.5 points. Bradford holds the title of FIDE Master and is rated 2518.

Second place was secured by Walter J. Shipman (2218) of California with a 5.0 score; Third-fourth-fifth was a tie between: Ilya Solonkovich (2074) of New York, Goran Pestic (2020) from New Jersey and Frederick K. Kleist (2010) of Washington with final scores of 4.5. Tied for 5th & 6th with 4.0 were: Henry Robinson (2264) of Tennessee and David G. Rupel of Washington.

Section Champions were:

Under 2200: Haryanto Daud (2054) of California and Arnulfo Benesa (2002) of Illinois with 3.5

Under 2000: Dan E. Mayers (1965) of Idaho with 4.0.

Under 1800: Three-way tie between, Semen Pisman (1769) of New York, Alan B. Himber (1761) of Florida and Rodney C. Wright (1652) of Kentucky with 3.5.

Under 1600: James Aaron Beardsley (1535) of Tennessee with 3.5.

Under 1400: Co-champs were Larry Manzer (1232) of California and Ralph Hennings (1230) of California with 2.5 scores.

This event is unique in that all players must be current members of the USCF and also aged 50 and above. In addition to prizes being offered for the “Open” section, age section prizes were offered for: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and over 75.

For additional information: Tournament Crosstable: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200609014501 and Official webpage: http://uschess.org/tournaments/2006/senior/.

By Presidential Proclamation - October 9th - National Chess Day in America

October 9, 1976, President Gerald Ford, the nation’s thirty-eighth president, declared National Chess Day. As we approach that date, and the 30th anniversary of its inception, we would encourage state and local clubs to commemorate the day in some way, perhaps with a tournament or an education program about chess in their communities.

Interestingly, National Chess Day began in South Carolina. It was created by the late Bill Dodgen, who was President of the South Carolina Chess Association for a number of years. It was originally a state chess day in South Carolina, but Bill quickly expanded it to a nationwide effort, and was appointed National Chess Day Chairman. Bill’s idea was to encourage local and state chapters to organize events to bring in beginners and others who played chess but had not joined the USCF.

We can continue Bill’s vision by establishing special tournaments, community awareness events, and even contacting your local media. This is a great opportunity to expand Chess Awareness. After your National Chess Day event, be sure to email any articles or information to Chess Life editor Daniel Lucas, dlucas@uschess.org. Photos are also appreciated.