09.18.21 Thirty-one players in three sections turned out at the Roger J. and Lois Morin Memorial Tournament at the University of Maine Memorial Union on September 11, 2021. The Morin Memorial Tournament is held in September in memory of Roger Morin, a former Maine State Champion and tournament director who was a pillar of the Maine chess community for decades. Lois Morin, Roger's wife, established the tournament in his honor as a fundraiser for the Roger J. Morin Scholarship Fund, which paid out its first scholarships this year to Wyatt Hendrix, Isaac Dinnerstein, and Zachary Brislin. Lois passed away in April 2020.

Thanks to Mike Dudley for contributing to this report.

US Chess Crosstable of this event.

This year, tournament participants had the opportunity to play in three sections: an Open, U1600, and U1000. In the Open section, Aaron Spencer bested the field of six players with 3.5/4 for clear first, with Eli Slaughter (3.0/4) and Brad Workman (2.0/4) following in second and third. In the U1600 section, Gabe Eaton of Brunswick continued his strong play with a perfect 4.0/4 to earn clear first, with William Gallagher (3.0/4) and Garreth Logan (2.0/4) rounding out the top three places. In the U1000 section, Ethan Yu of Bangor emerged from the 19-player section with a perfect 4.0/4 to earn clear first. A five-way tie ensued for second between Thomas Keith, Albert Bai, Molly Tefft, Nathan Tefft, and Derek Thibault; Thomas Keith and Albert Bai went home with the second and third place trophies on tiebreaks.

The tournament raised over $600 for the Morin Memorial Scholarship Fund, ensuring that the Maine Chess Association can continue to award college scholarships to deserving Maine chess players who are graduating high school seniors or continuing undergraduate students. If you are interested in donating to the Morin Memorial Scholarship Fund, contact any MECA board member or make a donation at our Square Store (follow the 'Store' link at chessmaine.net).

Our thanks to the University of Maine for hosting and to all the players, parents, and volunteers for coming out to honor Roger and Lois with a great day of chess. We hope everyone will attend the Morin Memorial Tournament next year!

Wyatt Hendrix (foreground left) plays Eli Slaughter while Ben Mock (background left) takes on Bradley Workman.

The U1600 section

Sam Silberstein (left) plays Avery Zhang in the nineteen-player U1000 section.

Aminzaya Battulga (left) faces off against isaac Klein in the U1000 section.

Tony Huang (left) vs Eric Fochesato

Thanks to all who participated, organizers, directors, parents, drivers, coaches, and volunteers for coming out to honor Roger and Lois Morin.