2005 US Open

GM Vadim Milov

GM Joel Benjamin

GM Larry Christiansen

IM David Vigorito

The 2005 U. S. Open Chess Championship was held from August 6th through August 14th in Phoenix, Arizona at the luxurious Biltmore Hotel. 455 players competed in the main event.    Through eight rounds, Grandmaster Larry Christiansen from Massachusetts led the tournament. However, Larry has lived in Red Sox Nation long enough to know, "That's why they play nine!"    In the last round of the tournament, Grandmaster Vadim Milov from Switzerland defeated Christiansen to tie for first place with Grandmaster Joel Benjamin from New Jersey with eight points.

Final Standings ============================== GM Vadim Milov (Switzerland) 8 GM Joel Benjamin (NJ)             8 GM Alex Wojthiewicz (MD)       7 1/2 GM Larry Christiansen (MA)     7 1/2 IM David Vigorito (NV)              7 1/2 Amon Simutowe (TX)                7 1/2 IM Greg Shahade (NY)               7 1/2