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Chess University International, "Historic Event in Dupont Circle," 1 August 2005 (Washington, DC, USA)
An international cast of players from around the globe converged in Dupont Circle on Sunday, July 31 to compete in the inaugural Dupont Circle Blitz Tournament - the first organized chess competition held at the Washington, D.C. landmark in the 38 years since its outdoor chess tables were installed. Organized by the recently incorporated and nonprofit Chess University International Inc., the open tournament featured an impressive roster of notable players, including international master Oladapu Adu, local blitz legend Tom "Toe-Toe Fish" Murphy, National Master Dave "Sherminator" Sherman, and several other masters in a field of 30 players. Considering that the event was put together on little more than a week's notice, the turnout was doubly impressive.
After several hours of peaceful battle, Adu claimed victory, but the tournament featured several surprising upsets and unexpected outcomes. Murphy and local player Charles "Slime Dog" Ragland both scored wins against Adu, and Kabadu Belachew from Ethiopia, played him to a draw. As exciting as it was for participants, the open-air tournament also proved to be a draw for a large and diverse crowd of spectators who stopped by to enjoy the action. It was a true display of blitz -including daring attacks, spectacular collapses, and some friendly trash-talking. CUI director James "Black Knight" Taylor had two words for anyone expecting library-style chess, "Wrong tournament!"
CIU Newsletter (image)!
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