Roosevelt Chess Classic Results

MORTON – A record number of chess players from Mississippi and one from across the country gathered to compete for prizes at Roosevelt State Park.

The 4th annual Roosevelt Chess Classic was held Nov. 9, 2024, when 75 players battled for prizes, improved ratings, and bragging rights. While most of the players came from across Mississippi, including two from Scott and Newton counties, one player traveled from Alabama and another from New York to participate. 

The turnout set a new record for a single chess tournament hosted by the Scott County Chess Club since 2021. Including the tournament series held in the spring and the new one added in the summer, this Roosevelt event brought the combined turnout over eight tournaments to 399 players who have visited Scott County to play chess.

Chris Allen Baker, club founder and coordinator, said this event is an example of Scott County being an established favorite destination for chess players that is continuing to grow.

“I am immensely proud that so many people who love chess are choosing to play with us each year. Players tell me all the time this is one of their favorite tournaments which is humbling to know we are providing a quality opportunity for them,” Baker said. 

A particular distinction this year included the participation of Justin Sarkar of New York who holds the rank of an international master having a U.S. Chess Federation rating of 2351. Sarkar said he learned about the Roosevelt tournament through the Federation website. He is on a mission to play an event in each of the states and Mississippi was his 47th visit, leaving Utah, Alaska, and Hawaii on his list.

“This is a special place. I haven’t been to a tournament with this kind of scenery,” Sarkar said. “This is a very nice setting and I played some good players. Clayton (Thrasher) is pretty good,” he said, referring to a highly rated Mississippi player from Raymond. “I always have to watch out for kids because they can be really good. I enjoyed the visit overall.” 

Paul Smith, a chess coach who brought a team from St. Andrews Episcopal School in Ridgeland, said Sarkar’s visit was a rare opportunity for his students to meet a player of that caliber. 

“He was very kind and gracious to play one of my students. Justin said after the game that Max (Moore) showed him a variation of strategy that he had never seen before and was impressed,” Smith said. 

Baker said Sarkar’s visit was a special and unexpected honor which means a lot to the chess club.

“I was really blown away when he registered. It is incredible to have someone of his talent and skill to fly from New York to play in our tournament considering the many larger venues he has played,” Baker said. “We are no longer building chess opportunities just in Scott County for Mississippians. We are getting noticed on a national level.” 

Champions, second, and third place winners were crowned among individuals and teams at the Alfreda-Harris Lodge in four sections over four rounds of action. The tournament hosted nine teams that included four schools sending players to Morton. Prizes included trophies, medals, and cash.

Players were grouped among four sections according to their ratings with the Federation. This tournament was also unique in the sections were unusually even in numbers of players ranging from two sections with 16 and 17 respectively, and two sections with 21 players.

Each round lasted a little more than 45 minutes and players had a wide diversity of ratings reflecting some of the best players in the state. 

There was also an increase in the number of local players including Malcolm Johnson, of Newton who plays regularly at the club’s meetings, and Sufyan Mahdi of Forest who has participated in the club’s annual chess camps.   

“I am excited that so many people want to be part of what we are doing in Scott County. I hope this sets the stage for seeing more local faces in our tournaments as our club grows and players choose to participate in these major events,” Baker said.

The club receives support from 10 businesses across the county who contribute to the tournaments each year.

“We greatly appreciate the support they provide, and we couldn’t do any of this without them. Their proceeds fund the prizes for the winners first, and then other expenses. We welcome anyone looking to invest in chess that provides many opportunities for the community,” Baker said.

We were blessed to have 9 teams participate in this year's Roosevelt Classic. 

The first place team won medals and $100.

Teams were allowed to have as many players as desired, but the top four individual players' scores on each team were counted as that team's score. 

St. Andrews Episcopal School won first place and the four representing players included 

Drew McDonald , Max Moore, James Robert Machost, and Harrison G. Melton.

Team Ozier (siblings) won second place and the four representing players included William Charles, Jackson Bradley, Marleigh Kate, John Wesley.

Fellow Yellows won third place and the four representing players included Clayton Thrasher, Lucos Ma, Vincent Sun, and Ojash Bhushan. 

Other teams included:

(4) Meridian High School

(5) Northwest Rankin Middle School

(6) Northwest Middle School - Meridian

(7)  J & J

(8) Jackson Academy

(9) Germantown High School