2014 US Open in Orlando

All Things Chess
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Random observations:

Given that USCF was forced to find a new venue with only six months’ lead time, the Rosen Centre was the ideal compromise between “nice” and “affordable.” Thanks to Jean Hoffman, Franc Guadalupe, & USCF board & staff for making this happen, and to Jon Haskel and the TD staff for making the event so smooth.

We got to chat with Harry Potterites in town for LeakyCon (their consensus was that the sorting hat would put most chess players in Ravenclaw) and the contestants in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant (“Slytherin,” they said). It was a particular honor for me to meet two of the original members of the Tuskeegee Airmen, whose annual convention was in the adjacent space.

There were two outstanding performances that might not show up among the top prize winners. NM David Peng of Illinois (who just turned 11 earlier this summer) was in contention for the title until round 8 and picked up 43 rating points. And Paul Tomaino of Florida, who I had the pleasure of playing and talking to, picked up 94 points: not bad for an 83-year-old (!) dealing with multiple chronic health conditions.

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Of the 389 players listed on the crosstable for the 2014 US Open, 69 were age 12 and under, 55 were ages 13-15, 50 were ages 16-19, 26 were ages 20-24, 170 were ages 25-64 and 23 were age 65 or older.

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And do not forget to thank Pat Smith who was a key person in actually getting the contract with the Rosen Centre done and the advance work largely finished!!