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Rudy Tia Wins 3rd Annual Waco Open

2001 Waco Open Winner: Rudy Tia

Rudy Tia (2116), of Ft.Hood, took home top honors at the 3rd Annual Waco Open held June 30 at the Salvation Army Community Center.  The Waco Chess Club continued its three year attendance breaking streak as 53 players turned out for the four round g/60 swiss tournament.  This was Tia's second Waco Open win as he shared first place the previous year.  This year the tournament was "all his" as he finished with a perfect 4.0 in the 23 player Open section.

Tia's only scare came during a long battle with Larry Young (1825).  Young got a break but was not able to capitalize with much thanks to the clock.  While Tia was chalking up wins, Larry Kocian (1026), Waco's Scholastic Champion, was stirring the pot as he turned out TWO upsets against Carmen Chairez (1610) and Rory Chambers (1702).  Other notable upsets include: Mason Harry (1375) drew Louis Hornor (1687); Patrick Smithson (1499) beat Ken Henkelman (1708). Second place was shared by 4 players: Samuel Perez (1731), Bryan Pernes (1751), Tim Pernes (1837), and Larry Young (1825). Tom Weiss (1473) and Steve Coyle (1454) shared the C prize.

2001 Waco Reserve Winner-Darieck Foster

The 30 player Reserve section was won by Darieck Foster of Harker Heights.  His last round game against Craig Thornton (1000) was an exciting one as he played on down in material.  Setting a trap, he coaxed Thornton into a combination and suddenly Foster was up in material!  Foster pressed home the win and took home the big prize.  Another Waco Scholastic star shined as Robert Casiano (865) won second place with 3.5 points. The Class E prize was shared by David Harry (1140), Nathan Narragon (978), and Craig Thornton (1000).

Mario Leal directed for the Waco Chess Club.  Special thanks to these people who made my job so much easier: Donnie Briggs, Robert Casiano, John DeVries, Glenn Gilbert, Ken Henkelman, Ken Keil,Windy Leal, Stuart Madsen, Bill Matney, Patrick Smithson, , Gary Lee Webb.  Also, thanks to the news media who help make Waco events special:  KWTX-Channel 10, KXXV-Channel 25, Waco Citizen, Waco Today, Waco Tribune Herald.

SEE THE FINAL RESULTS HERE