Puerto Rico and the United States get the best of the April Open Tournament

On April 22, 2008 Bagram Chess Club had their first tournament of the year. We had participation from different countries like Colombia, Puerto Rico and United States. I won the first place putting the name of the 268th Cargo Transfer Company very high. I was undefeated in fourth rounds. The second place was for Lt. Paul Lukehart representing the unit 2/508 INF. He lost only one game. Richard Guyton won the third place representing the civilian side. He had to play tie-breakers games against SSG Jeremiah Mason and SSG Augusto Gonzalez because all of them were tied after the last round. He beat both players to earn the third place. He lost two games.

    The best game I had was against Richard Guyton. We had a very interesting end game, he had two Rocks against one Rock a Bishop and a Knight. He had the initiative but he made a blunder and I capitalize this mistake. In the tie-breakers games we played 5 minutes for each person. In the chess world this is what we call blitz games. It was very interesting because this was the first time all the three opponents had to play blitz games to determine who will win the Bronze Medal.

   Our next tournament will be held on May 13, 2008 in the same place (8 Ball MWR at the Ping Pong Area). Registration starts at 8:00 p.m. Local Time. All community is invited to participate. We will have for the first place a Polo T-Shirt with the International Chess Corporation Logo and the Champion’s name. For the second place we will have a gift and for the third place we will have a medal.  

Writer: Jonathan Barreto Arzola
President of International Chess Corporation