Chess Tournament At Library

Twenty-one participants played in a chess tournament sanctioned by the US Chess Federation, Saturday, January 16, at the C.H. Booth Library.

According to organizer and director of the event, Glenn Budzinski, players were divided into three sections according to playing ability, as determined by ratings, with a winner in each section. The first section was won by US Chess Federation-rated expert Alex Eydelman of Stamford, who was victorious in all three of his games. Randall Shane of Bethel won the second section. He also won his three games.

Group 3, the third and largest of the groups with 13 players, was won by Waterbury’s Scott Hafersat. Similar to the winners of the other two groups, Hafersat had three wins, no losses, and no draws. The second place prize awarded in this group was shared equally by Brendan Gregory of Newtown and local player Druha Karunakaran. Both finished with two wins and one draw each, for a total of 2½ points out of 3.

Mr Budzinski directs the Newtown Chess Club. The club meets regularly every Saturday afternoon, from 1 to 5, at the Booth Library. All are welcome, whether to play or watch. There are no dues and all equipment, including clocks, is furnished.