01.07.16 New Brunswick, Canada native Leonardo Cui scored 2.5 points in three games to win the eight-player January Houlton 8 tournament held on Saturday, January 7th, 2017 at the Art Studio in Houlton. This was Maine's first USCF-rated event of the new year. Trailing Cui and tying for second place with 2.0 points were: Ray Haines, Robert Bridgham, and Nathan Gates.

USCF Crosstable of this event

Bob Bridgham looked like he was going to make it a perfect three-for-three going into the final round paired against lower-rated Leonardo Cui who had 1.5 points after two rounds. As it turns out Cui pulled off an upset, notched a full point, and won the tournament with 2.5 points. Ray Haines and Nathan Gates both came up with last-round wins to join Bridgham in second place.

Trailing the leaders were Roger Morin (1.5), Michael Porter and Roger Hardison (1.0), and Lance Belounge (0.0).

Thanks to Roger Morin (left) for organizing, directing, and hosting this tournament as well as contributing photos for the tournament report.