US Junior Closed

[Jon Burgess]

Eric Rosen from Chicago took on some of the best junior players at the US Junior Closed tournament which ended today in St Louis. (Playoffs tomorrow)
Despite being the lowest rated player in the event Eric proved that a low rating doesn't mean you will do badly in a tournament. As Bobby Fischer always said: "Play the board not the man."

The tournament was played over 9 rounds. Eric scored 3 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses to end with 4.5/9 tied for 5th place out of the 10 players.

To score 50% in such a tournament is a great result. Since Eric is still a young player, who knows how strong a chess player he will become.

Three players came 1st. GM Ray Robson, IM Sam Shankland and NM Parker Zhao all with 6/9 they will have a playoff on 7/20/10.

Congratulations to Eric for doing so well and kudos also to his parents Brad and Andi for helping Eric pursue his goals. Website of the tournament is www.uschesschamps.com

Just in IM Sam Shankland defeated NM Parker Zhao and then defeated GM Ray Robson with the Black pieces to take the Title. Congrats to IM Shankland I really don't think he should quit chess anymore !!!!

Main tournament got rated Eric Rosen's rating moves to 2278 on the new list.

Jon Burgess

[Jdelay]

Congratulations to Eric. Very well played games, all of them. Eric was mentioned very favorable throughout the tournament by Shahade and Finegold as well as many of the other players. Nakamura thought highly of his play and mentioned that his game with Shankland was one of the best of the tournament. So he not only played well, but appears to have impressed many. I would say he made a very good representative from our area.

Joe

[jwiewel]

Congratulations to Eric. ... So he not only played well, but appears to have impressed many. I would say he made a very good representative from our area.

Joe

I'd say he'd make a very good representative from any area, and he just happens to be from ours.