Reynolds Wins 2008 Southern Idaho Open

CONGRATS to Garrett Reynolds of Boise on his fine victory in the 2008 edition of the Southern Idaho Open chess tournament. Reynolds breezed through the small field to finish at 3½/4, surrendering only a draw in the final round on Board One to Dan Looney of Meridian, who was the only other undefeated player in the event. Looney notched a 2½/4 score to tie for second place with Boise's Kurt Douglas and Fred Bartell of Twin Falls. Douglas' and Bartell's only defeat came at the hands of the eventual tournament champion.

Aleksandr Vereshchagin of Twin Falls and Adam Porth of Bellevue each finished at 2/4 to share the U1400 prize. Both players achieved their result in spite of the fact that their section had to be included with the tougher Open section, so they had to run the gauntlet at every turn.

We would be remiss if we did not welcome first time tournament player Andy Smart of Boise along for the joyride that is tournament chess. He assured me we would be seeing more of him in the future. The long time face of chess in Idaho and ten time Idaho State Champion Mr. Glen Buckendorf of Buhl ID also graciously attended the tournament.

Thanks to all the players who took time from their families and busy schedules this weekend to come and hang out with the rest of us wood pushing junkies. You are what over the board tournament chess is all about. Thanks also go to Obenchain Insurance who has tirelessly sponsored the site for chess events in the Magic Valley since 1991.