Tim Schoessler Wins St Patrick Open
The 2nd Annual St Patrick Open & Scholastic took place this past weekend on 3/14-15, just before major public health restrictions were implemented to slow the spread of Covid-19. The event was moved to the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Billings after the Billings Clinic decided to restrict access to its facilities. This was the site of the 2018 MT Open, and with its natural light and view of the city, is a favorite of many. The tournament was sanctioned by the Montana Chess Association and directed by Daniel Mattson, who also played.
The top prize was earned by Tim Schoessler of Powell, Wyoming. Tim is a second-time winner after winning a share of first last year. Tim was slowed in round 2 with a draw against Scott Caldwell (Potomac) in a Knight and Pawn ending that required some precision to ensure the final pawns were eaten. He then went on to win his final 3 games, the last against Dustin Sneeden (Billings) who was having a stellar weekend at 4/4. Dustin sacked a Rook for a Knight and two pawns, connected central passers, but Tim’s King was able to blockade and hold on for the win. Second place was shared by Dustin and Scott.
Zach Eddy (Bozeman) put forth a fine performance for the top prize under 1600. Most notably he drew with 2nd seed Wilton Strickland (Missoula) with bishops of opposite color and Thomas Walthall (Stevensville), and beat Daltri Freitas (Missoula) in round 5. Felix Castro (Fort Peck) took 2nd under 1600 on tiebreaks, scoring 2/5.
Bradley Fick (Cody) had the biggest upset over Carl Ritterpusch (Billings), a spread of 750 points. Carl is provisional, but the requirement of non-provisional was waived for this tourney.
Despite the anxieties created by the current pandemic, the St. Patrick Open was a successful event with some good chess played, full of good food and drink, camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Joshua Walthall Wins St Patrick Scholastic
The 2020 St. Patrick Open Scholastic Tournament was a great success drawing five new players to their first rated chess tournament.
The tournament was won by Joshua Walthall of Stevensville Middle School, the only non-provisional player in the field. Joshua was able to hold off the field with four wins and one draw, in a tight match with 3rd place finisher Joseph Mattson of Trinity Lutheran. Joshua’s tournament win helped him cross over 600 in his USCF regular and quick ratings. Joe Mattson looked strong in his first tournament since the 2018 Montana Open Scholastic with only one loss and one draw to go with his three wins.
Newcomer Torrin Kale of St. Francis Elementary School put in a strong performance with four wins and one loss in his first rated tournament to earn a clear 2nd place finish.
Everyone had a great time, lets hope we can continue with a great Montana Junior Open in Great Falls!
