Winick, Robledo Top Northern IL Fall Classic

 

Newly-minted Class A-player Jon Winick and Expert Mark Robledo drew in the fourth and final round of the 2013 Northern Illinois Fall Classic, posting 3.5/4 scores and splitting the championship.

The dual-rated tournament was held October 19 in Lisle, attracting a field of 30 competing within three sections. Complete crosstables can be viewed here.

In the Reserve, Gama De Luna scored a perfect 4.0/4 in only his second USCF-rated tournament. In the Booster, the host Aurora Naperville Chess Club's (ANCC's) Matthias Guillet also ran the table 4.0/4 while competing in his first rated event. Matthias recently returned to chess after a multi-decade absence.

 

It was a tournament of personal bests for many:

Winick surpassed 1800 for the first time, posting an 1842 post-event rating.

Armel Peel went over 1600 for the first time, increasing his rating 145 points with his 2.5/4 result. Starting the event in Class C territory, Peel drew a Class B player, beat an Expert and a Class B player, before succumbing to another Expert. Peel adds "Class B" to his chess resume, quite impressive considering his 992 provisional-rating one year ago.

Also posting a 2.5/4 tally, Vic Zaderej eclipsed 1500 for the first time, jumping 70 rating points.

Edward Zhang, taking advantage of his 1586 official October rating, claimed second place in the Under 1600 prize distribution with a 2.0/4 score. Zhang has been a busy camper since the event, claiming the Fifth Grade Championship at the 2013 All Grade and boosting his rating to 1759.

Aaron Maney, Bob Stoltz and Marissa Li split second place among Under 1800's within the Open. All three scored 2.0/4.

Paul Schmitt finished 2.5/4 in the Reserve, claiming second place in the section.

In the Booster, ANCC's Steve Wilson posted a 3.0/4 score, tying for second with Ming Zhang. This was Wilson's debut to USCF-rated play, losing only to fellow club member Guillet in the third round.

Adam Bareket won the upset prize, edging out his brother, Tom, who also staked a claim. Class D Adam defeated a Class B player in the first round, while Class C Tom bettered another Class B opponent in his initial game.

The Northern Illinois Fall Classic represents the third tournament hosted by the ANCC at the training facilities of Molex Corporation in Lisle. The ANCC also hosts open game play Tuesdays at the Turners Club in Aurora on Tuesday nights, and welcomes new members from the I-88 corridor. Details can be found on the club's website.