Date:	   Sun, 13 Aug 2006 
Subject: US Open


Hello chess friends!

Oh my goodness!!!  I just received a prize check for $2000 for SECOND PLACE in the US Open in
Chicago.  I scored 7.5 out of 9 and finished tied with seven GMs and two IMs (top player under
2400 USCF).  GM Yury Shulman took first place a half point ahead.

Highlights:
* Tied for second overall.
* Clear first U2400 ($2000).
* Defeated IM Tim Taylor in round 8.
* Drew GM John Fedorowicz in round 9.
* Only defeat came against GM Zviad Izoria in round 5, ranked #50 in world. 
* New USCF lifetime peak rating of about 2340. 
* FIDE rating up to approximately 2299, almost enough for FIDE master.
* Interviewed for Chess Life and live video on Internet Chess Club.

My longtime student Daniel Schwarz had his ups and downs.  He started well and finished well but
struggled in between.  His score of 7.0/9 in the US Open was good for a share of second place
U2400 (behind me).  He also ended up with 3.5/6 in Denker after a disappointing last round game. 
Nonetheless, he stands to earn roughly a 10 point rating gain from this week.  Congrats!

Michael

P.S. I am on vacation with little or no internet access starting Monday, August 14.  I will return
to California on Tuesday, August 22.  I will begin to address lesson scheduling issues for the
fall later in the week that I return home.