01.27.15 Fifty player competed in the 16th Annual MLK Tournament hosted by the Stillwater Montessori School and held on January 19th. The event was played in four sections: Open, K-12, K-8, and K-6 (non-rated). Here is the illustrated tournament report with USCF crosstables.

Thanks to Joe Alex and Andy Bryan for contributing to this report

USCF crosstable of this event

Sergio Mejia took first in the open section with a perfect 4.0 points in four games. He was trailed by Chester Young with 3.0 points and three players knotted up at 2.5 points and tying for third: Lance Beloungie, Ryan Tripp and Dean Astumian. J. Paul Ciarrocchi and John Ellison shared the top U1400 award in the open section.

Zack Grindal and Greg Wadsworth tied for first in the K-12 section with 3.5 points and tied in their individual last round encounter. Brendan Penfold and Aaron Wilson-McFarlane shared third place with 3.0 points.

In the K-8 section, Kell Fremiow was perfect on the day with 4.0 points to take clear first. Close on his heels were Grayson Eaton with 3.5 points and three players with 3.0 points: Nathan Shemwell, Colyn Rich, and Evan Chapman.

First, second, and third in the K-6 non-rated section were awarded to Omair Khan, Isaih Brissette-Hatch, and Peter Clark respectively.

This event was organized by Joe Alex and Andy Bryan and was directed by Steve Wong and Andy Bryan. Thanks to all for helping to make this tournament a great success!

Tournament winner Sergio Mejia (right) plays Ryan Tripp in the final round.

Dean Astumian (left) goes toe-to-toe with Lance Beloungie.

U1400 Co-champion J. Paul Ciarrocchi (foreground left) plays Chester Young.

U1400 Co-champion John Ellison (right) matches wits with Joseph Astumian

Darrell Butler (right) couldn't hold off Brian Hurst in round four.

Winners in the K-12 section

And their cohorts in the K-8 section

The K-6 contingent

Action in the K-12 section

The tournament provided very nice accommodations this year with plenty of space and good lighting.

Tournament directors are often the unsung heroes of the event. After all, the tournament wouldn't happen without them! Here Steve Wong makes a few announcements.