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Julio Becerra Wins Turkey Bowl
November 27, 2008
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GM Julio Becerra, 2008 Turkey Bowl Champion
As major Thanksgiving weekend events kick off (The American Open in Southern California, the UTD Invitational and the National Chess Congress in Philly ), it's worth recapping last weekend's 30 Grand Prix point event named after the star of Thursday night's dinner.

 The 7th annual Turkey Bowl was held in Boca Raton, Florida. GM Julio Becerra took clear first with 4.5/5. Julio avoided a pairing with the other GM in the event, Gildardo Garcia because Garcia was upset by Boris Veksler in round four.

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Veksler was stopped in round five by Jeffrey Haskel. Can you figure out what Haskel played in the following position?
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Position after 24.Bc5, Black to Move.


Show Solution



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Haskel-Veskler



Becerra went on to draw against the second place finisher,  IM Dionisio Aldama in round five. He then defeated Haskel in the final round to claim clear first.  Here are two of Becerra's wins from the event, both against young Florida talents.

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Becerra drew one game in the event, against IM Dinoisio Aldama.

Organizer Jon Haskel told CLO about an adult player pining for a trophy: "He was more excited about the possibility of winning one than most scholastic players....He ended up winning the Under 1700 section."
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Organizer Jon Haskel with Under 1700 prize winner, Robert Mitchell.


Haskel said that next year, he should have a sponsor, which will mean increased prize money for the winners. Check out final standings on the bocachess page and the USCF rated results on the MSA page.

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A Turkey face-off


 
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