The NOVA Pumpkin Classic was held last Saturday, October 29, at George Mason Law School in Arlington VA. Over 30 participated, including 13 dan-level players. As usual, the winners took home fine pumpkins, selected by NOVA President Gary Smith. Of note is top winner Dairong Xu, who marched firmly through his top opposition.
The winners were:
First place: Dairong Xu, 5D, 4-0; Zehua Zhao, 4D, 3-1; Joseph Craig, 4K, 4-0; Gary Smith, 10K, 3-1; Robert Cole, 12K, 3-1 and Qidi Xu, 16K, 3-1 (tied); and Andrew Browning, 25K, 3-1.
Second place: Justin Teng, 6D, 3-1; Yanqing Sun, 3D, 2-2; Ryan Hunter, 1D, 3-1; Bob Crites, 7K, 3-0 and Sarah Crites, 9K, 3-1 (tied!); and Antonina Perez-Lopez, 20K, 2-2.
photo: the happy pumpkin crowd; report/photo by Allan Abramson