(Crossville, TN) The United States Chess Federation (USCF) held its’ 26^th annual U.S. Senior Chess Championship at the Gaylord Opryland hotel in Nashville, Tennessee Aug. 27-Sept. 1. Under the direction of Chief Tournament Director Carol Jarecki, 43 chess enthusiasts, over the age of 49, battled through six rounds (one game per day) which led to Joseph Mark Bradford, achieving this year’s title of 2006 U.S. Senior Open Champion after scoring 5.5 points.  Bradford holds the title of FIDE Master and is rated 2518.

Second place was secured by Walter J. Shipman (2218) of California with a 5.0 score; Third-fourth-fifth was a tie between: Ilya Solonkovich (2074) of New York, Goran Pestic (2020) from New Jersey and Frederick K. Kleist (2010) of Washington with final scores of 4.5.  Tied for 5^th & 6^th with 4.0 were: Henry Robinson (2264) of  Tennessee and David G. Rupel of Washington.  

Section Champions were:

Under 2200: Haryanto Daud (2054) of California and Arnulfo Benesa (2002) of Illinois with 3.5

Under 2000: Dan E. Mayers (1965) of Idaho with 4.0.

Under 1800: Three-way tie between, Semen Pisman (1769) of New York, Alan B. Himber (1761) of Florida and Rodney C. Wright (1652) of Kentucky with 3.5.

Under 1600: James  Aaron Beardsley (1535) of Tennessee with 3.5.

Under 1400: Co-champs were Larry Manzer (1232) of California and Ralph Hennings (1230) of California with 2.5 scores.  

This event is unique in that all players must be current members of the USCF and also aged 50 and above. In addition to prizes being offered for the “Open” section, age section prizes were offered for: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and over 75.  

For additional information: Tournament Crosstable: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200609014501 and Official webpage:  http://uschess.org/tournaments/2006/senior/