Greetings From Asheboro Chess Club!  Celebrating 10 Years of Chess Memories!! Important News:  Don't Sweat It!  Air Conditioning Is FIXED!  Wi-Fi Internet is also good to go! As I have mentioned in previous email, the new owners at Days Inn are working hard to get things up to a higher standard.  There has been an end to noise problems, and I am seeing firsthand their commitment to get things right.  I personally saw Superior Heating & Air working on the AC system to have it in top working order for this weekend.       The Asheboro Open XXVI is this Saturday, July 14, 2007.  Last month, thirty six of North Carolina's finest gathered to create chess magic.  Unfortunately, one of the two air conditioners in our meeting room locked up.  We were, quite literally, the hottest tournament in North Carolina!  We made it through this minor emergency with some fans (offered by the owners), cold water, and cool nerves.  My apologies, and the owners, go out to all those affected.    Please note that in this and future events, we will be limiting our sections to no more than 14 players.  This means that when there are three sections, the top section will become "semi open."  Players must either qualify for this section by rating, or be granted an exception by the tournament director.  Exceptions will go to the highest rated players who wish to join the top section first.  Also, fourteen players is the limit, not the desired number. Thirty six players may very well be divided 12-12-12, or 12-10-14.  It will depend on the where the ratings break. We are taking this step for the good of the tournament.  Last month, we had an unusual number in the Open Section. I had to stick with setting things up "as advertised," and so the Championship Section became for all practical purposes a free for all with no chance of a clear winner.  In the end, NM Craig Jones and NM Chris Mabe split 1st with perfect 3-0 scores.  Unfortunately, these two tough competitors did not get the chance to face one another.  I regret this, and have apologized to the two players.    The Asheboro Open is set up a bit different than other tournaments.  In my zeal to replicate a BIG TOURNAMENT Experience, I overlooked what might happen if the Championship Section became too large.  We became a victim of our own success, which I guess is not the worst problem one could have.      I just received an email from someone who will be attending The Asheboro Open this weekend.  He has not played USCF rated chess since 1997:  TEN YEARS!  He may not realize it, but this is what it is all about for me.  I love to see folks return to rated chess, and to think that we may have been even a small part of it.  Who is this player, you ask?  Come and see!  I will make an announcement at the tournament. Pre-registration via PayPal has proven popular.  We had six such registrations last month alone.  It's quick and convenient, and saves you time.