SD Junior Champ Pt 2 Electric Boogaloo

2024 South Dakota Championship

This year, I had to go across to state to Rapid. I was determined to not leave empty handed

Round 1

Last year, my first round was definitely not easy. Luckily, my first round was against an easier opponent

A nice easy start. I wish the next 2 games were the same

Round 2

A familiar opponent. He was the one I lost to last year in round 1. This is a chance to show growth

This was an absolutely crazy game. I had no expectation to win, but I played well, and chances came. The game lasted 4 hours and I was under time pressure the last 10 moves.

Round 3

Final game of the day and the opponent wasn't getting any easier

This was a well-played game. I made a few mistakes, but considering I played the last 20 moves with serious time pressure I was extremely happy with a draw

Round 4

This marks the start of 2 games on the second day. I must build on the momentum of the first day

I played Lyle last year as well and the result was the same. I was now sitting on 3 points, but there was a challenger on 2.5 points. All was to play for as we entered round 5.

Round 5

New opponent. If my challenger loses or draws, I am guaranteed a share of the title

I did not play a good game, mainly because I was too worried about other games. Still, the result in my challenger's game determines the tournament. I was extremely tense. My challenger was down a pawn, then equal, then down two pawns, then drawing, then losing. And they lost. Making me the two-time South Dakota Junior Chess Champion. To make it even sweeter, the other junior on 2 points drew, making me the sole champion.

This was an amazing tournament, and I send huge thanks to the organizers. I am also grateful for the opportunities granted to me and I cannot wait for the next tournament