05.14.19 Evan Smith is the 2018-2019 Crusader Cup Champion, scoring 29 out of 32 possible game points. The Crusader Cup Series is a year-long competition consisting of four events: the Bapst End of Summer Tournament, the Bapst Fall Tournament, the Bob Solinger Memorial Tournament, and the John Bapst Open. Smith was trailed by Evan Annis (28/32) in second place and Tala Bayless who finished third with (27/32).

Thanks to Michael Dudley for contributing to this report.

Details of the rules and scoring system for the Crusader up Series can be found >>HERE.<<

US Chess crosstable of the John Bapst Open. This was the fourth of four tournaments in the 2018-2019 Crusader Cup Series.

Wyatt Hendrix won the Open section at the John Bapst Open, the last tournament in the 2018-2019 Crusader Cup Series, with 3.5 points in four rounds. Dan Robbins was just off the lead with 3.0 points and second place.

In the U1400 section, Evan Smith finished equal first with Evan Annis scoring 3.0 points which was enough to catapult him to a first place finish in the Series. Andrew Nevells and Matthew Pellerin put up 2.0 points for equal third.

Leo Wlodkowski and Ian Vilmore scored 3.5 points in the U100 section which was good for a tie for first place in that section. Walker Bayless and Gavin Worcester were a point behind the leaders with 2.5 points and equal third place.

Thanks to all who participated in this tournament and in the Crusader Cup Series. Much thanks also to Maine Chess Association president Michael Dudley who organized and directed tournaments in the Series.

U1400 section co-champion Evan Annis (right) plays Andrew Nevells in round three.

U1000 section players at the prize-giving after the tournament.

Ben Mock (right) plays Roger Hardison to a draw in round three.

Assistant tournament director Meredith Levesque made sure that the tournament ran smoothly.