UNRUH IS STATE QUICK CHESS CHAMPION

By Jim Gray

        Twenty-three players participated in the 2006 Oklahoma State Quick Chess Championship held May 6 at the Quality Inn in Oklahoma City and, to no one's surprise, Chuck Unruh "struggled" to the title of State Quick Chess Champion and the $100 first prize with a perfect score of 6.0.  First Class A and B prizes were awarded respectively to Judson Temple and Charles M. Unruh, both with 4.0 scores.  Jeff Carter and Milt Strain both had excellent performances (4.5) and shared first and second C Class money, with the C plaque going to Carter on tiebreaks.  D & Under was won outright by up-and-coming junior Kenny Lin (1182) with an outstanding score of 3.5.  Second and third D & Under prizes were shared by Doug Hendershot, Bob O'Neal, Billy Bowden and Robert McDonough, all with 3.0 scores.  And a special, unannounced cash prize was awarded for top Unrated to newcomer Hisham Rafi for his fine 3.0 finish in his very first rated tournament. 

        Champion and Class plaques along with a total of $420 in cash prizes were awarded, and my distinct impression was that a grand time was had by all.  Complete tournament results and many of the games can be found on the OCA website at www.ochess.org.  Congratulations to the winners and gratitude to all the players and helpers are certainly in order.  Very special thanks go out to Charles Unruh for his most able assistance with TD duties  -  and particularly to Jeff Carter who so graciously furnished the playing site.  Hope to see all of you June 24-25 in Tulsa at the 61st Oklahoma Open State Championship.