05.07.22 Chess in Maine continued to show signs of strength in April, as the Maine State Open Championship ran in Waterville from April 22-24, 2022. Boasting the largest field since 1992, the Championship attracted an impressive 64 players in three sections. In addition to a guaranteed prize fund, the tournament offered the opportunity for Grand Prix Points and FIDE ratings to those in the Open section.

US Chess crossable of this event

Thanks to Mike Dudley for contributing to this report.

Taking it all in the Open section with a perfect score of 5.0/5, Will Ravn turned in a stellar performance to earn sole first place and the title of Maine State Champion for 2022. Two-time Co-Champion Wyatt Hendrix came in a close second with 4.5/5. The group tying for third also had a former Maine State Champion: Max Berube tied with Aaron Spencer and Gabriel Eaton with 4.0/5. Ted Belanoff and Alessandro Orjuela of Bowdoin College came in tied for sixth at 3.5/5.

In the U1500 section, two Maine coaches with state championships under their belts cruised to the top spots, Cheverus chess coach Dan LaVallee split first with William Drakon at 4.0/5, and just behind the pace at 3.5/5 was former Bonny Eagle coach Oisin O'Searcoid. Ted Gadomski, Ethan Yu, Joseph Parker, and Sam Silberstein followed in a tie for fourth at 3.0/5.

The U1000 was a first-of-its-kind section in the Maine State Championship, offering players a one-day option in the tournament. In this section, Isaac Klein, Declan Schilling, and Avery Zhang tied for first. After tiebreaks, Klein won the first place trophy, Schilling the second place trophy, and Zhang the third place trophy.

The Maine Chess Association is pleased to sponsor the Maine State Championship every year, and hope that this event will continue to grow! Thanks in particular to Alex Relyea and Nita Patel for their help in serving as FIDE arbiters for the event, and to the Waterville Grand Hotel for playing host! We will see you all at the State Championship again in April 2023!

William Drakon (left) and Dan LaVallee finished equal first in the U1500 section.

Gabe Eaton poses with the coveted trophy.

The tournament room at the Waterville Grand Hotel in Waterville.

It's a French Defense on Board 6.

Nathan Gates (left) matches wits with Lewiston High School chess coach Hayden Tittle.

MECA president Mike Dudley (right) on the move in his game vs Gary Bergeron.

Curt Brock (left) plays Gabriel Eaton in the final round.

Thanks to all who made this tournament a great success.