Erickson Edges Miller in a Nail-Biter at the Day of Blitz
That's what it came down to at this weekend's Day of Blitz, where Kenneth Erickson held off Travis Miller for the overall title, 17.5 to 17.0, across the Early and Afternoon sessions combined.
The margin is fitting, because the two players' head-to-head record was a dead heat. Erickson swept both games against Miller in the Early session, and Miller returned the favor by sweeping both games against Erickson in the Afternoon. Four games, split 2-2. The championship was actually decided everywhere else on the wallchart — Erickson was just a hair better against the rest of the field, and that was enough.
Best of the rest
Ryan Bell had no such rivalry to contend with and quietly built the largest cushion on the chart, finishing a clear 3.5 points ahead of 4th place with 13.5. Desmond Hegy rode a strong Early session to 4th, edging out a higher-rated Deon Goodwin for the spot.
A strong debut
Playing unrated for the first time, Anakin Kelsik held his own in a mid-pack tie for 9th — a solid showing against a field with players rated up to 1886. Adam Jensen had the tougher day, finishing last after a run of unplayed rounds kept him from ever finding his footing.
A word on the tournament directors
A quick note of thanks: Deon Goodwin and Steve Dahlstrom, this event's tournament directors, alternated sitting out rounds during the Afternoon session so that no other player had to take a bye. Their final standings — 5th and 6th, respectively — reflect fewer games played, not a rough day at the board. It's the kind of behind-the-scenes sportsmanship that keeps these events running smoothly, and it didn't go unnoticed.
Thanks to everyone who came out to play. Full results and round-by-round pairings are available in the wallcharts.
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