After a grueling 93-move stressful round 4, I accepted a draw offer from IM Michael Brooks, of Missouri to split first with Brooks, IM Angelo Young, and my travel companion and friend, NM Gopal Menon.
Below, I posted my round 1 game with notes, but I was able to borrow some pictures from the event from Bethany Carson. All of the photos are credited to Bethany.
The 61st Iowa Open in pictures!
The spacious playing hall was organized with boards 1-5 roped off. Interestingly, I played on board 5 in round 1, board 4 in round 2, board 3 in round 3, board 2 in round 4, and board 1 in round 5. Quite the coincidence.
My round 4 encounter with James Neal- our second match this year- ultimately went a long way in determining the final standings. The game was a tense open Sicilian and I plan to include it in a future article.
NM Gopal Menon - Claudia Munoz (2095), round 4. An interesting French where Munoz did not accept an offered pawn and was soon in a difficult position.
Action from the top boards in round 4: IM Young - Saleem and NM Kosokin - GM Yermolinsky
Co-organizer Peer Saleem [right] (whose effort made the event truly enjoyable for me) stands in front of the playing hall entrance.
