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Keith Eubanks has recently been selected as the state President of the South Carolina Chess Association. The Columbia resident and 2004 state co-champion becomes the first Black player to hold the top position. Eubanks is perhaps known for his tournament activity having competed in a number of major tournaments, primarily on the eastern coast. Eubanks' USCF rating has been as high as 2100 and he maintains aspirations of earning a FIDE title.
His post comes with the added responsibility of bringing exposure to a state which has traditionally had limited chess coverage. The state has been home to a number of strong at different times, but hasn't been able to retain top-level strength. GM Alex Sherzer once played in the state championship and FM Miles Ardaman spent some years there and made a mark. IM Emory Tate has also spent a short stint there. However, for an enthusiastic chess player, such a modest climate for chess could prove prohibitive for permanent residency. Hopefully, Eubanks will change this trend.
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