11.18.23 Twenty players competed in the first-ever Maine Senior Chess Championship for players aged 50 and over on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Bangor High School. Ray Haines took the top spot with a perfect four wins in four rounds. This event was the qualifier for the Annual John T. Irwin Tournament of Senior State Champions to be held on July 27-30, 2024 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Thanks to Maine Chess Association president J. Paul Ciarrocchi for organizing and Maine Chess Association Treasurer Wyatt Hendrix for directing this tournament.

>> US Chess Crosstable of this event <<

The Maine Senior Chess Championship was a four-round, G/60 +5 open event with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 65 and over, Top Female, and Biggest Upset.

Ray Haines was crowned Maine Senior Champion with an unbeaten and untied performance of 4.0 points on four games. Just off the leader's pace and finishing equal second (in tiebreak order) with 3.0 points apiece were: Dan DeLuca, Ed Hatch, Lance Beloungie, and Michael Mulford.

In the 65 and over category the finishers were: Ray Haines (4.0), Lance Beloungie (3.0) and Michael Mulford (3.0).

Jen Winter took home the Top Female prize and Tony Freudig (1300) won the Greatest Upset prize for his win over Glenn Miller (1711).

Winners in the 65 and over group (left to right): Lance Beloungie, Ray Haines, and Michael Mulford with tournament director Wyatt Hendrix.

Tournament organizer and Maine Chess Association president J. Paul Ciarrocchi kicked off the event with a welcome to all players.

A big thank you and congratulations to all who participated in this event!