Let's see........copying score sheets like in the fifties - fire alarm in the first round - combining sections - youngest Idaho Open champion ever - First woman champion of Idaho Open - Oldest player to share Idaho Open championship - oldest active Idaho player in attendance........THE END.....Seriously.....how can all that stuff happen in one tournament?

Idaho State University in Pocatello ID hosted the 2010 Idaho Open over the May 1 & 2 weekend. Katie Abderhalden of Boise ID won the tournament on tiebreak from Hans Morrow of Farmington UT, both with 4.0/5 scores. Each player suffered one loss and all of their games were decisive. Abderhalden, who is also the current Idaho women's champion and Idaho scholastic champion, becomes the youngest player and the first woman to win the Idaho Open. Not to be outdone, Hans Morrow became the oldest player to grab a share of the Idaho Open title. This is Morrow's third Idaho Open win; he also won outright in 2001 and 2008. Third place was shared by Jeff Roland, Caleb Kircher and Jim Stark all scoring 3.5/5

Utah's Doug Finch won the U1400 section with a nice 3.0/5 score while due to some obscure rules in the USCF rule book, Carmen Pemsler of Boise was the second place winner. 80 year old chess icon and gentleman Glen Buckendorf of Buhl ID was in attendance and is currently the oldest active Idaho player to regularly participate in USCF events. Historical stuff.

Weirdness emerged early when missing score sheets prompted the organizers to scramble between rounds to make copies of a notebook score sheet donated by early tournament hero Alan Kepple. Players were very understanding with the situation and some made written copies while others temporarily allowed use of their originals for copying between rounds. Very professional behavior by all the players I must say. A fire alarm emptied the Student Union building for about 20 to 30 minutes midway through the first round, and luckily it didn't turn out to be a conspiracy by terrorists to steal socks and underwear from players staying in the rooms across the hall from the playing site.

As usual, TD Jay Simonson did a great job of organizing and directing Idaho events, making it very comfortable for all players with his professional demeanor. Alise Pemsler was seen supplying donuts, bagels and coffee for the participants and I am suspicious that Angie Abderhalden also played a role in this thoughtful venture. If I missed anyone who helped out, please bring it to my attention and accept the deep thanks of the organizing staff for your contribution.

As always, we wish to thank all players and their families for sacrificing time to support the pursuit of tournament chess. It is very much appreciated. I would also like to apologize for any inconvenience the bizarre events of the weekend may have caused.

Respectfully,
Barry D. Eacker
Tournament Director