Junior Sam S. qualifies for the U.S. Chess Championships

Sam playing chess earlier this year.

In March of this year, 11th grader Sam S. participated in a 2008 U.S. Championship Qualifier event with over 100 other chess players. Sam had 4 wins including one over an international Master, two draws with grandmasters, and only one loss to the grandmaster won the tournament. The top 7 people at the tournament qualify for the U.S. Championship, which is held to determine the national champion. Sam placed 6th and earned a spot to the U.S. Championship being held in Tulsa, Oklahoma May 13th-21st 2008.

Sam is one of only 24 people to qualify for the U.S. Chess Championship.  He will be the youngest player and the only student in the tournament, which will be held May 12-21, 2008.  He is also the first under 18 year old player from California to qualify for the U.S. Championship tournament. Congratulations, Sam!

For additional article please go to: www.uschess.org