Richards and Sloniewska Repeat as Maine Women's and Girl's Champions
02.09.20 It was twice as nice for Kathy Richards and Agata Sloniewska at the 2020 Maine Women's and Girls Chess Championships played on Saturday, February 8th at John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor. Both players scored an unbeaten and untied 4.0 points in four rounds in their sections to repeat as Maine Women's and Girls' Chess Champions. Here's the illustrated tournament report with US Chess crosstables.
US Chess Crosstable of this event
Thanks to Michael Dudley and Dan Robbins for contributing to this report.
Long-time Maine chess player, coach, and organizer Kathy Richards cruised to her second title as Maine Women's Chess Champion. Richards scored an impressive four straight wins in the eight-player field to take the title. Congratulations Kathy!
Anna Thomas was just off the champion's pace with 3.0 points and sole second place.
Elisabeth Mock took third with 2.5 points.
In the Girl's Championship, Agata Sloniewska also scored a perfect 4.0 points in four games and won her second-straight title of Maine Girl's Chess Champion. We extend our congratulations to Agata as well!
Tied for second place were a group of four players each who scored 3.0 points including: Tala Bayless, Zoe Dinnerstein, Emma Eckert, and Ebba Hidestrand.
Players were provided a special training session with 2017 U.S. Women's Champion WGM Sabina Foisor who, after the session, took on thirty boards in a simultaneous exhibition. (We will detail those events in a separate post on ChessMaine.net.)
The tournament was a great celebration of women's and girl's chess. We would like to thank all who participated and all who worked behind the scenes to make this event a great success.
2020 Maine Women's Chess Champion Kathy Richards at the board in round four.
And receiving her prizes (cash, trophy, and the winner's bouquet of flowers) from WGM Sabina Foisor.
Women's Runner-Up Anna Thomas
Third place went to Elisabeth Mock with 2.5 points
Anne Witick tied for fourth with...
Lisa Oliver.
Sharon Klein
Kate Ervin
Shannon Levesque
The Women's contingent with WGM Sabina Foisor.
The tournament took place in the John Bapst Memorial High School Library.
Agata Sloniewska (left) is all smiles after winning the 2020 Maine Girl's Chess Championship. Agata received her trophy and congratulations from WGM Sabina Foisor.
Agata Sloniewska (left) plays Zoe Dinnerstein in the final round of the Girl's Championship.
Competition was keen and many hard-fought games were played.
Girl's Championship players with WGM Foisor.
The tournament was very well run and organized. Nametag badges and lanyards were provided to all players, diretors, and special guests.
It's not everyday that you get an opportunity to have a U.S. Champion sign your board.
That's a cool souvenir!
Comments
In particular, I want to also thank Dan Robbins, Wyatt Hendrix, the Bayless Clan, Isaac Thomas, and Eric Dinnerstein for their support of the event. Not only did they help the event to run smoothly, but they contributed to a positive tournament atmosphere where all the participants felt welcome and supported.
And, of course, thanks to all our participants and to Sabina for being our esteemed guest, and to Kathy Richards for being such a deserving namesake for one of our prestigious national qualifying events!
Posted by: Michael Dudley | February 10, 2020 1:15 PM