(CROSSVILLE, TN) What happens when the top juniors get together? They got together in Kings Island, Ohio to participate in the 2005 Junior Invitational Championship. It was like a bulldozer ran through the competition as Daniel Fernandez (2399), from Florida, emerged victorious as he went undefeated scoring eight points in this 10 round event. Finishing tied for a distant second through fourth with six points were John Bartholomew (2444), from Minnesota, Robert Hess (2336), from New York, and Mackenzie Molner (2318), from New Jersey. By coming in first, Fernandez earned the right to play in the 2005 U.S. Championship and face off against some of the country’s best.

This event was organized by the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau and directed by Mike Anders. The event is open to the top juniors under 21 years old. Next year the event will be held in Dallas, Texas in July.

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The United States Chess Federation, founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with more than 90,000 members. For additional on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.