New England the 2010 USCL Champions
It was a good match that could have gone either way, despite the 3-1 score and despite that the fact the first "game" to finish never started. For whatever reason, Miami's board 3, Charles Galofre, never showed up, which clearly didn't help. Miami struck back on board four in very impressive style, as Nicholas Rosenthal obliterated Alex Cherniack even though he was almost 250 points lower rated.
The result of the other two games were in doubt until very near the end. On board 1, Sam Shankland stood better in an opposite-colored bishop ending that many spectators thought would be drawn (I was much less sure, but I wasn't positive that it was a win, either), but Miami's Julio Becerra failed to hold it: 2-1 New England.
In the last game to finish, Miami's Marcel Martinez had a couple of extra pawns against Robert Hungaski, who had earlier declined a draw. Hungaski had compensation, but it seemed that all three results were possible until near the end. The final move of the game, the match and the USCL season was a nice crusher, and with that the New England Nor'easters were the champs.
(USCL website here.)
Reader Comments (4)
Galofre had car trouble. First forfeit in the USCL history.
For whatever reason, Miami's board 3, Charles Galofre, never showed up
Online, the admins were saying that Galofre's car broke down on the way to the venue, and someone went to go pick him up, but he did not arrive (or was not going to arrive) by the time his clock ran out.
Galofre should have just stayed in his car and played blindfold over his cell phone! Would have increased his winning chance over not showing up at all.
:-)
That apparently wasn't allowed. You needed prior permission to play "off-site." I wonder why they didn't do a last minute substitution and take the time penalty, which has happened before. I guess they thought Galofre would make it.