Movses Movsisyan is 2004 Oklahoma State Champion

By Jim Gray

The 59th Oklahoma Open State Championship was held June 26-27 in the wonderful facilities of the Student Union on the OU Campus in Norman. Sixty-four players participated in 3 sections: 18 in the Open, including past State Champions George Hulburd, Sergey Galant and John Dunlap, 19 in the Reserve (U1800) and 27 in the newly-added Booster section (U 1400).

Movses rides again! Surprising absolutely no one, Master Movses Movsisyan (2245) continued his relentless rise to the pinnacle of Oklahoma chess players by winning the Open section and title of 2004 Oklahoma State Champion with 4.5 points, including wins over Galant (2162) and Chuck Unruh (2145). Sergey won 2nd Place outright with a 4.0 score; and top Class A went to Anthony Paolercio (1820) who scored 3.5, including a last-round draw with Movses.

The Reserve section was most competitive from the outset. Jeff Carter (1620), Chris Lofthus (1709) and, all the way from Arkansas, Caleb Taylor (1645) tied for 1st with 4.0 scores, with the plaque and title of Reserve State Champion going to Carter based on tiebreaks. First Class B was won by Bruce Wells (1512) in an outstanding performance.

The Booster section was added to this tournament due to suggestions from many, many OCA members. And based on innumerable comments from participants, this extra section is probably here to stay. It was won by Jeremy Moore (1236) and Ron Whitlatch (UNR) with 4.5 scores, with Moore winning the Booster State Champion plaque and title on very close tiebreaks. Both played extremely well; but in spite of his short-term unrated status, Whitlatch may well be a haunting force to many of us in the future. Other prizes awarded went to Charles Unruh (1132) for First E with 3.5 points; David Luscomb (851) for First F with 3.0; Dave Nichols for First Unrated; and Emily Nasuta (683) for the Upset Prize in her win over my good friend, Tom Pepper (1167). (Whether or not Tom remains my friend after seeing this in print is of course another question entirely!)

Congratulations are extended to Movses, Jeff and Jeremy for their stellar, titled performances and as well to all the winners of 12 plaques and $1600 in cash prizes. Personally I was extremely pleased at the great turnout (64), including six from out of state, and over the fact that the entire event transpired without a sign of an over-the-board or other controversy. Yes, of course, we were all deeply saddened by the news of Ed Hutchens, our dear friend and supporter from Berryville, Arkansas, who passed away very suddenly as he was returning to his hotel room after the last round and whom we shall miss immensely. But in spite of that tragedy, I am unaware of a single player, including Hutchens, who didn't have a thoroughly good time. And after all, aside from the agonizing thrill of the game itself that infects us one and all, fun is the reason we come to these events, isn't it? Not incidentally, if you are interested in seeing the complete Final Standings or playing interactively through dozens of the games from this tournament, you are invited to visit the terrific OCA website at www.ochess.org.

My personal, unreserved gratitude and that of the entire OCA Policy Board go out to Mike Swatek, Michele Swartz and Royal Smith for assisting in various TD functions. Truly special thanks are extended to (i) Diego Acosta, Movses and the entire Sooner Chess Club for hosting this marvelous event and (ii) the OU Union Programming Board for contributing its lovely facilities and good, responsive services throughout the weekend. And lastly, of course, thanks to all the players, helpers, parents and spectators for showing your support by simply being there for this 59th annual championship. Hope to see you for the 60th!