POSTED ON
Posted May 10, 2016 at 5:12 PM - Updated at 5:14 PM
World checkers champ to play in Burlington By Kyle Lubinsky Times-News
Posted May 10, 2016 at 5:12 PM - Updated at 5:14 PM
The 126th Annual N.C. Open Checker Tournament will be held this
weekend at the Econo Lodge Hotel, 2133 Hanford Road, Burlington.
World 11-Man Checkers Champion Alex Moiseyev of Dublin, Ohio, will
attend to practice against the best players in North Carolina before
defending his title in a match later this year in Rome.
“It’s wonderful; it brings dignity to our tournaments,” said J.R.
Smith, secretary of the N.C. Checker Association. “It’s very rare to
have a champion play like Alex Moiseyev, and it speaks to the talent
in North Carolina.”
Moiseyev traveled to Burlington for the World 11-Man Ballot Match,
held Jan. 17, 2015, at the Econo Lodge. He defeated challenger Tim
Laverty of Graham in 12 games, marking his fourth victory against
Laverty.
Dr. John R. Webster of Stoneville, the current state champion, also
will be at this year’s event to defend his title.
“Checkers is an exciting, wholesome family game,” Smith said. “It’s an
easy game to learn and a hard game to master.”
The tournament consists of eight rounds with two games per round.
There are three divisions for players to choose from: masters ($30
entry fee), majors ($25 entry fee), and minors ($20 entry fee).
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Friday. The tournament is open to all
comers, but all must be registered American Checker Federation
members. Memberships will be available for purchase at registration.
Play begins at 9 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. next Saturday.
For more information about the tournament, contact Smith at
336-209-5656 or jrsmithnccheckers@gmail.com.