GM Ivanov Wins Eastern Maine Championship
05.21.10 Massachusetts GM Alexander Ivanov didn't need to play the last round of the Eastern Maine Championship held at Hollywood Slots Casino in Bangor, May 15-16, 2010. Ivanov scored 4.0 points in the first four rounds and that was enough to put him out of reach of the rest of the field.
A new addition to the Maine tournament calendar at a new venue for Maine chess, The Eastern Maine Open attracted 43 players in five sections: Championship, U1800, U1200, One Day U1300 and One Day U900.
GM Ivanov dominated the Championship section winning the tournament going away with 4.0 points in as many rounds. Taking a last-round bye and the first place check for $500, Ivanov (USCF 2606) was able to cut out early. Trailing Ivanov with 3.5 poinst were Steve Abrahams and John Gaspar who was the only player in the Championship field to finish the tournament without a loss or bye. Matthew Fishbein was the sole occupant of the fourth place position scoring 3.0 points with wins over Roger Morin, Aaron Spencer and Gregory Shields. Fishbein received a prize as the top U2000 player in the Championship section.
Jim DuBois topped the U1800 section with an undefeated 4.0 points in five rounds. Just off the leader's pace was John Brady who, also undefeated, scored 3.5 points. George Zimbas was the top U1500 player in the U1800 section scoring 3.0 points.
Unrated New Brunswick player Alexandre Robichaud won the U1200 section with 4.0 points. Benjamin Hansel and Brian Roderick tied for both second in the U1200 section and top U900 players in that section.
In addition to the three sections in the two-day event, there were also two one-day events.
In the One Day U1300, Ethan Bergeron took a draw in the last round to finish in first with 3.5 points in four games. Cheverus High School chess coach Dan Lavallee finished in second place with 3.0 points. Tied for top U1100 in the U1300 section were Bryan Lu and Elias Daiute with 2.5 points.
Vincent DeMarco and Deanna Power had almost identical performances in the U900 section finishing with 3.5 points including a third round draw with each other.
Tournament winner GM Alexander Ivanov
Ivanov was a King Kong of sorts!
Steve Abrahams tied for second in the Championship section with...
John Gaspar
Top U2000 player in the Championship section Matthew Fishbein
U1800 section winner Jim DuBois
One of Maine's most difficult chess players to photograph! John Brady took second in the U1800 section.
George Zimbas scored 3.0 points and received the top U1500 prize.
First in the U1200 section Alexandre Robichaud
Benjamin Hansel tied for second place in the U1200 section with Brian Roderick.
Graham Cooper
Darrell Salisbury
Ray Haines
New Jersey player Ansel Schiffer
Willing the pieces to move! Aaron Spencer
Roger Morin
S. Warren Lohr
Rob Shore
Jeffery Bean
Nicholas Robichaud
Andrea Robichaud
Joel Knight
Dan Fishbein
Lois Morin
Jasper Hansel
The tournament room during Round 4.
Tournament Director Ken Ballou
Hollywood Slots provided a pleasant venue for the Eastern Maine Championship.
Comments
Thanks for the pics. Great to see some old friends back at the chess board. Wish I could have been there.
Posted by: Steve Morgan | May 25, 2010 10:00 AM
This was a well run tournament at a great location. Ken managed with no major problems and his patience showed during the Ivanov-Cooper game, which ended shortly after midnight. Players were all courteous and for the most part respectful of ongoing games. Refreshments were easily available, as was seating in a very clean hallway for non players and those who had finished early. I hope thought is given to future events at Hollywood Slots.
Posted by: Darrell Salisbury | May 21, 2010 3:46 PM
Without people like Alex Relyea, TD Ken Ballou, and contributions by Chess Dreams of Lewiston (Ann and Akagi) the last two tournaments wouldn't have happened.Thank you all...MECA has yet to hold open tournaments in Maine except the upcoming Maine championship in August. It's quite obvious what makes a successful tournament, a willing TD and location. See you in June at Dan DeLuca's tournament in Waterville.
Posted by: roger morin | May 21, 2010 3:38 PM
This was a wonderful tournament. I hope there will be more like it in the state of Maine.
Also, Steven Abrahams won the plaque as "Eastern Maine Champion." Congratulations, Steven.
Posted by: John Gaspar | May 21, 2010 2:14 PM
Thank you for that great report and all the super pictures! I was concerned when I heard the venue was a casino, but I have to say this was the cleanest, nicest and quietest playing venue I have seen. The tournament was very well run. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful and there were plenty of quiet, comfortable places for me to relax while waiting. As a parent, it marked a nice change from the usual cramped conditions.
Posted by: Ilene Schuchman | May 21, 2010 8:12 AM