2009 Michigan Open
Photo Credit: Rose Homa
10th seed Dave Kvatadze (left, in his intimidating CCCP shirt) is the new Michigan Champion. Seth Homa (right) and Dr. Tony Palmer shared second. New “A” Player Peter Chen took home the Reserve trophy on tie breaks over Kayeen Kemp. Shango Liao won the Booster, with Ed Mandell, Brian Charette, Antowine Jordan, Max Wilson, and Jalen Wang right behind.
Kevin Czuhai won the special 1989+2009 Combined Score prize, with solid 5-2 scores in both events.
Dave Kvatadze shared his thoughts with us in a short interview after the tournament:
How did you manage to score such a big upset (being seeded 10th)?
I haven’t played in too many tournaments. The past five years, I’ve played mostly on line.
Your toughest game?
My last round game against Ciaffone.
Favorite player?
Grischuk.
Who do you see as the most promising Michigan juniors?
Michael Bowersock and Atulya Shetty.
Has chess made you happy?
Obviously.
Photo Credit: Rose Homa
Tony Palmer (right) scores against Ariel Levi's Dragon in the last round. In the background, Alisher Sanetullaev readies his board for his upcoming game against Czuhai. Dr. Palmer had another superb tournament, as his rating jumped to 2139. "Coaching kids keeps me strong," he said.
A selection of 2009 Michigan Open games can be found here:
http://www.westmichiganchess.com/Shared%20Documents/2009_2/2009michiganopen.htm
The USCF-rated cross tables can be found here:
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200909079391.1