Steward wins Scarlet Chess Club Championship

JONESBORO – Chess players competed in three divisions during the Scarlet Chess Club event that was directed by Zachariah Carlson with the support of Sachleen Singh, the club’s student president. Trophies and prizes were awarded to winners and runners-up, and contestants enjoyed meeting new chess aficionados and playing pick-up games between rounds throughout the day.

Clint Steward, a freshman finance major from Searcy, won the Collegiate Division in this four-round Swiss tournament, defending his honors as A-State top student chess player. Sai Aravind Kasu was runner-up. The event also included a rated section open to any player. It was won by Juan Cazono, with Paul Hill placing as runner-up. The tournament included an unrated division which was won by Dave Davidson, with Alexander Williams placing second.

A-State Chess Club’s faculty adviser, Dr. Gregory Hansen, explained that there was a high level of ability that contributed to this event’s success. He noted, “We had an exciting day of chess and are enjoying the chance to meet back in-person for pick-up games and tournaments.”

The Scarlet Chess Club hosts tournaments throughout the year.  Jonesboro has an active community of chess players who meet regularly for games throughout the week. Pick-up games are open to all and played regularly at 6 p.m. Fridays at Panera Bread.

The club also meets at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoons at Story Coffee House, 801 S. Gee Street, and at 6 p.m. Sunday at Starbucks in the Reng Student Union. Scarlet Chess Club is also on Facebook.