Hawkeye Mind Challenge XV

Last time the Hawkeye Mind Challenge WIV was held was 2008. It was won by non other than Director of National Events Pete Karagianis. Running the event was Mark Capron. 18 years later, with a revived University of Iowa Chess Club we are back to run it again.

We started on Friday evening with a 960 blitz event. 960 is the random back row settings that is gaining in popularity in recent days. It is wild with almost no opening preparation, pure tactics. Rei Zhang Univerity of Iowa Chess Club Member came out on top.

Saturday was the main event and the RBO Rated Beginners Open. Siddarth Abhilash went 5-0 for a clean sweep and won the RBO. Shavanth Ravuthu started the Open strong going 3-0 and even with being upset in his last game led the field and won overall.

Sunday, the big guns came out to play in the FIDE Rapid. WFM Irene Fei and LM James Neal fought to a draw in round 3. Round 4 took an unexpected turn with former Iowa Senior Champion Jasmin Julic pulled off a draw against James Neal and it allowed Irene to claim first place.

We look forward to hosting this great Event again, thanks again to Eric Hou president of the University of Iowa Hawkeye chess club for your support.