Oklahomans Score Well at National Open

By Mike Swatek

James Grider of Edmond will long remember playing in the U1200 section of the 2006 National Open in Las Vegas on June 16-18. In the last of 6 rounds, he faced the only other undefeated player, Aaron Asay of California, on the top board. When the dust settled, James was tied for 2nd place honors with 5 points and took home 150 new rating points.

Billy Bowden of Edmond also participated in this section with his cousin James. He earned 4 points and tied for 10th place in a field of 64 players. Billy also won the Grand Prize Drawing at the end of the tournament, which included airfare, entry fees and hotel paid next year. He will most assuredly be attending again next year.

That's two fine performances for this chess playing Oklahoma family at the National Open.

Congratulations James and Billy!