National Master Karl Tolentino is San Gabriel Valley Chess Club’s 2023 Club Champion. He scored an impressive 6.5 out of 7 rounds in a field of 53 players. The event ran from March 21 to May 2 with an awards ceremony held on May 9. Club President John Wright presented Karl with the SGVCC Champions Cup, a perpetual trophy that now bears his name, as our first Club Champion. Karl has been SGVCC’s top rated player since it reopened in Altadena in October of 2021 and has finished first in 10 of the 14 events we have held. His dedication to SGVCC is most appreciated and he is a very deserving Champion!
Engraved plaques were also given to Best in Rating Class winners. They were as follows:
– Linus Eisenberg, Best Class B and clear second place;
– Henry Castro, Best Expert and Nathan Gan, Best Class A and co-third place;
– Ashley Lin, Best Class C;
– Derek Li, Best Class D;
– Jon Serrano, Best Class E; and
– Leya Daftuar, Best under 1000.
Local FIDE Master David Bassett donated $50 for an Upset Prize Award for most cumulative upset points. Joshua Sang was the winner, gaining 100 rating points for his effort.
Congratulations to all the winners! Our 2024 Club Championship will start in March of next year.