Bottom Half: Czuhai's Time in the Sun
Grand Rapids Life Master Kevin Czuhai won the 2010 Michigan Bottom Half, giving up only a first round draw to local hero Stan Jarosz en route to his victory. Although Kevin has been Region 5 Champion, this is his first (and long overdue) state title. Czuhai played ferociously throughout the tournament, taking risks in every game to create winning opportunities.
2010 Bottom Half State Champions. Left to Right. Kevin Czuhai: the lion rests between rounds at Stan Beckwith's 2010 Great Lakes Open [photo credit: Katie Brumley]; Duane Croel volunteering at the 2010 Ludington Scholastic; Joel Halloran with his Bottom Half trophy. Joel gained over 200 rating points with his 5-0 sweep.
Here is the list of winners:
Over 1900 section: Kevin Czuhai
Under 1900 section: Duane Croel
Under 1700 section: Joel Halloran
Under 1500 section: Vijay Kodali
Under 1300 section: Arkadiy Frasinich
Under 1100 section: Matthew Nolan
A selection of games from the 2010 Bottom Half can be found here:
http://www.westmichiganchess.com/Shared%20Documents/2010/201006bottomhalf.htm
Thanks to USCF Tournament Director Michael Smith, who also provided the list of winners for this report. Michael's USCF rating report can be found here:
http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201006274991.0-12442662