09.28.14 FIDE-rated player Sergio Mejia from Guatemala went 3-0 to win the open section of the Aurora Autumnal Equinox tournament played at the Airline Community School in Aurora on Saturday, September 27th, 2014. Twenty-five players in two sections competed in this Maine Chess Player of the Year event. In the U1200 section, John Bapst High School freshman Zack Grindal took first with 4-0 and Airline School's own Sean Neal won the top U600 prize with a 3-1 performance. Here's the illustrated tournament report with USCF crosstables and a selected game.

USCF crosstable of this event

Clear second in the open section was Roger Morin with 2.5 points.

A four-way tie for third place in the open section ensued between: Lance Beloungie

Dan DeLuca

Roger Hardison and

Cameron Wendell

Two players put up 1.5 points with three consecutive draws: Bill Burtt and

Glenn Snyder

And two players put up 1.5 points on one win, one draw and one loss: Joe Powell and

Mike Blankenship

Always a tough competitor: Brian Hurst

Dover-Foxcroft's Josh Shuman

Is Chris Viera about to venture 1...Nf6?

Devan Baird

The Pride of St. Albans: Darrell Butler

Evan Viera

U1200 players (left to right): Zack Grindal (first), Cyrus Grindal (third) and Austin Burtt (second)

The U600 contingent (left to right): Cody Jones (equal second), Clara Parker (equal second), Brady Smith (fifth), Sean Neal (first), Abigail Green (sixth) and Cole Mannisto (equal second)

Thanks to all volunteers, parents, coaches and the kitchen crew! (left to right) Ruby DeLuca Lowell, Emily Lowell, Carlos Guerrero, Janelle Jones, Jackie Wingert and Angela Smith (not pictured). Also a big thank you to the Airline Community School for hosting this event.