The 2011 GP Club Championship was held on May 28-29, 2011 at the Grande Prairie Chess Club. This was one exciting tournament as the end result didn't get determined until the final game was finished! All games were decisive in the tournament.
David Miller could have been the sole champion and went undefeated if he would have been able to beat Wade Caughlin in Round 5. Unfortunately for David, Wade was able to beat him in the final round thus causing a 3-way tie at the top.
Defending champion, Wade Caughlin, was put behind in the very first round as he lost to Tim Pradzinski and had to win the remainder of his games to gain his share of 1st place.
Tim Pradzinski was stopped by David Miller in Round 3 when his assault on David's King was insufficient. Tim could have had a perpetual check on David towards the end but chose to fight on to try and checkmate David. But David played correctly and Tim was forced to resign as mate was inevitable on him soon after.
Chris White, who missed last year's club championship due to a car accident, was able to play once again in this year's championship tournament. Unfortunately, favor did not shine on Chris this year and he lost all 3 of his games to the higher rated players. He did beat Chris Kaut however for his only victory.
Our only other participant this year was new club member, Chris Kaut. Chris had only played in one tournament before this one and with a rating of 1255 was at a significant disadvantage. Chris, I am sure, gained some valuable experience from this tournament even though he lost all his games. Chris Kaut's play has improved steadily since joining our club at the beginning of the year and we hope he continues to play over the summer and so that he will be ready for next season.
Here are the results:
- Tim Pradzinski (1974) - 3 / 4
- Wade Caughlin (1964) - 3 / 4
- David Miller (1910) - 3 / 4
- Chris White (1755) - 1 / 4
- Chris Kaut (1255) - 0 / 4
