12.06.10 The Presque Isle/Houlton Tournament played in both Maine cities over the weekend was unique in two ways: it featured a longer time control (G/120) and it was played in two different venues. Six players competed in this event playing between one and four rated games. Roger Morin came out on top with 3.5 points in four games.

Thanks to Roger Morin for contributing to this report.

USCF Crosstable of this event

Flexibility was the watchword at the First Presque Isle/Houlton Tournament with players choosing the number of rounds they would like to play and if, when and where to take byes.

Of the six players participating in the tournament, three of them (Roger Morin, Richard Fontinha and Lance Beloungie) chose to play all four games. Results were as follows: Roger Morin topped the crosstable with three wins and a draw with Richard Fontinha to score 3.5 points. Fontinha and Lance Beloungie tied for second place with 2.0 points apiece. Roger Hardison took fourth scoring 1.5 points and Glenn Snyder and James Francomano went scoreless to tie for fifth.

This tournament added a much-needed slower time control event to the Maine chess tournament calendar. Many players prefer slower games and an argument can be made that the quality of games with longer time controls is undoubtedly higher.

Richard Fontinha (left) plays Lance Beloungie 0-1