Boston TTC June Open June 2–3, 2001
The Boston TTC June Open was the first tournament ever held at the BTTC. About sixty players of all different levels,
young and old, turned up. The tournament ran very smoothly thanks to the expertise of tournament director David Marcus.
Saturday was the busier of the two days with almost forty of the players competing. The events ran smoothly with play
finishing around 7 p.m.
Eugene Chau defeated his brother Anthony 17,'−17,17 in the Under 12 final. Both boys were quite happy to win
trophies in their very first tournament.
George Zavaliagkos, a member of the BTTC, won the Unrated Event in extremely close matches. First he beat Brad Mongeon
19,21. Then be beat Dana Cohen 22,20. And, finally he beat Adam Gussow 20,'−10,19. George must really like cutting
things close.
On Sunday, the turnout was lighter with about thirty players. Although originally scheduled for Sunday, the junior
events were played on Saturday. This left plenty of tables and time for the Over 40 Seniors to play round robins. Haig
Raky's wicked underspin and smashes were too much for Jim Baird in the final. Haig won 11,12.
BTTC club member Wenli Xue played exceptionally well, defeating 2122 Yin Wang 17,'−15,19 and losing to 2184
Wally Green 19,'−19,19. Previously unrated, Wenli will probably be rated in the low to mid 2100's.
Heng-Chuan Kan, rated 2136, from the MIT TTC somewhat surprisingly reached the final of the Open. Along the way he
defeated #2 seed Wally Green, rated 2184, and #4 seed Art Samek, rated 2159.
At around 4 p.m. two of the six tables were put away to set up a large court so that everyone could watch the finals
of the Under 2250 and the Open. Art Samek from the RITTA used very fast play and amazing counter hits to defeat the always
fun to watch Wally Green from NY to win the Under 2250. It is amazing that Wally was rated just 1260 only five years ago.
In the final of the Open, Heng-Chuang Kan fought hard against #1 seed Ernest Virgo of Connecticut. Ernest, at 2306,
was rated more than 100 points higher than any of the other players. Ernest's strong and consistent forehand and backhand
loops and excellent defensive play ultimately prevailed as he won the final in three games: 17,'−19,15.
Photos
Draw Sheets
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