US Amateur Champion

Wins Chess Tournament

The Third Saturday Open US Chess Federation rated chess tournament was held Saturday, November 28, at the Cyrenius Booth Library. A total of 36 players participated in the two sections of the tournament, with $600 in prizes awarded. Colleen and Glenn Budzinski organized and directed the event, sponsored by the Newtown Chess Club. 

Taking top place was the current United States Amateur Champion and former Newtown Bee chess columnist Hanon Russell of Milford. Mr Russell won all three of his games. Connecticut residents Derek Meredith and Avery Chen tied for second and third places in the Open section of the event, with two wins and one draw each, for 2½ out of 3 possible points.

In the section of the tournament reserved to players rated “Under 1600,” Noah Arthurs of Stamford finished first with 3½ out of 4 possible points. Brendan Gregory of Newtown and Scott Haferstat tied for second/third, with 3 points. Newtown resident Kai Hedin and Caleb Shapiro of Westport tied for the “Top Under 1200” prize with two wins, one draw, and one loss each, for 2½ points.

Newtown residents Steve Landin, Matt Pruner, and Tristan Villamil played in a US Chess Federation tournament for the first time.

The Newtown Chess Club is open to all, free of charge, and meets Saturday afternoons at the C.H. Booth Library. For more information call the library at 203-426-4533.