Keating Tops Three Masters to Claim 2016 Des Moines Fall Classic

Dr. Robert Keating captured first place in the 2016 Des Moines Fall Classic held November 12 -13 at the Ramada Inn on Army Post Road in Des Moines, Iowa. Twenty-nine players competed in a five round FIDE rated Swiss tournament that included three masters and two experts. This year’s version of the Des Moines Fall Classic was an Iowa Gran Prix qualifier.

Keating won in round five while James Neal II and Valerie Kosokin played to a draw giving Keaton clear first place. Keating finished with 4.5 points while Joseph Wan joined Neal and Kosokin to finish with 4 points each tying for second place.

Michael Takahashi scored 3.5 points to win the U1900 section. Four players, Robert Vance, Eric Vigil, Stephen Lapinsky, and Owen Fieldorowicz all scored 2 points to tie for the U1700 prize.

Five new players from Drake University joined US Chess and participated in their first tournament. One of the Drake players, Shan Abbasi, scored 2.5 points and would have claimed the U1700 prize but unrated players were not eligible for “under” prizes. These new players are a wonderful addition as there is a real need for “new blood” in the Des Moines area.

Keating earned 12 qualifying points while Wan, Neal, and Kosokin each earned 8 qualifying points. Kosokin continues to lead the field with 52.5 points.