Chris' Birthday Bash -- Player Bio

I think we all had fun playing chess at Chris' Birthday Bash. It was a 5 round tournament of 15 minute games. Because of the 'sharp deadline' of the resturant closing at 10:00 pm, handing out prize funds, recognizing our sponsor and also getting the kids back home and in bed, I changed the time for round 5 to 10 minutes. I hated to do it, and hopefully it was the right call to make.

Let me start with a short bio of the players:

Earl Salazar - Expert and winner of every recent club blitz & quickplay event. I nicknamed him "Duke of Earl", but he rightly deserves to be Blitz King Salazar. I know he'll be on top board in round 5, but who will face him?

Glenn Bidari - Expert, former state champion and true gentlemen of our sport. I expect him to be in the running against Salazar. However, Glenn has taken a short break from the game and it might show.

Chad Badgett - Many people aren't aware that this guy has a good grasp of the game. He's capable of beating the best in the club in blitz and quickplay. I haven't seen him in a while. I wonder if he is in 'chess shape'.

Eric Cornejo - A high-1700 rated player. I have to admit I don't know much about Eric's game.

Eddie Fothergill - Eddie is a new player to me so I know little about him.

Todd Imada - Todd lives by a code of honor and respect. He is coming off a spectacular result at the recent tournament at Bally's in December. I'm beginning to 'wake up' and realize just how good his play is. I'm sure other players are beginning to think the same.

Gabriel Lither - Expert player. I believe Gabriel "Angel of Death" Lither is a Bankruptcy Attorney. "Angel of Death" might be a good nickname to go along with his occupation--just kidding. I'll have to keep the rule book away from this guy! Maybe when we play I'll enter the "Insanity Defence!" Gabriel's plan is to force opponents to declare Chapter 11. I saw him play some excellent chess tonight. He still finished well even though he missed a few breaks. He acted well and thank God I didn't have to charge him with "contempt of court!"

Vivian Xiao - Vivian has been steadily improving. Her day is coming.

Kenny Moody - A mid 1700-rated player visiting from Alanta, GA with moody swings at the board. Last Monday he played fantastic, but he was a little off tonight according to him.

Royce Pereira - An up and coming local chess star. Royce is coming off an excellent performance at last Monday's blitz tournament. He had a set-back in this tournament but came fighting back. But it's not where you place in the tournament that is the true measure of a player; the true measure of a player is in his/her heart. It's the never-give up, never surrender and desire to fight back from your setbacks that is the true measure of a person. Royce proved last night that he has the heart of a fighter by coming back and playing well after his loss. He placed respectably at 9th place.

Ryan Phillips - A deadly opponent. I hate to see what would happen if Ryan ever plays up to his potential. Watch out if he dedicates himself to the game! Of all the players in this tournament, I think Ryan is a 'born' tactician if there is such a thing. Look out for him "down the road."

Danny Quinones - When I think of Danny for some reason I think of Nigel Davies. I don't know why. I know it's crazy. Danny's knowledge of openings is tremendous and I think he plays like Petrosian. Lately, Danny's play as been incredible. He's had some incredible positions against top-ranked opponents only to miss a hard-to-see tactic in the end or fall victim to time. WARNING: Don't ever think for a second that you have a guaranteed win against this guy. You might be shocked to find out you are on the bad end of a Colle-Zukertort attack.

Joshua Quint - Winner of several recent club events. I know he'll be in the running. His game has stepped up to the next level and he has a wonderful knowledge and feel for the game--a most difficult opponent.

Chris Reynolds - Organizer of the event. I know it's difficult to play and be an organizer or TD. It's terrible for your chess. He's better than you think and is constantly improving. One day soon he'll step up to the next level.

Matthew Salazar - Earl's son. Always optimistic. He never quits nor is he ever discouraged.

Michael Thurber - Gentleman and one of the most feared attackers in the club. When he's 'on' he can beat the top club players. If I had to pick one player whose chess abilities that I could adopt then I'd have to choose Mike because of his beautiful attacking games.

Jon Trivett - Jon should probably be called "The Father of Las Vegas Chess" inheriting that title from the late Gordon Barrett. I think it's safe to say that without Gordon and Jon we would all be home playing internet chess. Chess would be dead in Las Vegas. He's also known as the "madsaccer". Lately Jon has been working on his game. In the coming months I believe we'll see him return to form. Personally, Jon was my personal favourite in the tournament as I've always had a heart for the underdog. And, you know what? His game did take a step up tonight. I really believe that. It's always great to see champions of the past come back and show a spark of what made them great. But watch out if this spark ignites into a blast. Anything is possible for this talented player.

Bradley Walker - Bradley looked like Clint Eastwood, as he walked into the room, wearing black and looking like a gunslinger. I didn't know if he was cocky or just good. After his performance I have to say he's good.

Paul McGaugh - your TD for the night. Likes to eat doughnuts and has a hard time spelling chess. Is it CHESS or SCHACH? Not known as a fighter on the board due to his difficultly in escaping from brown paperbags especially when they are wet. Mother hung porkchops around neck so neighborhood dogs would play with him. Has a great tounge for the game and that's about it. Expect a disaster of titantic proportions with this guy around.