3rd Burning Board attracts 60 to NC woods
Chris Garlock | Published on 6/29/2024
More than 60 Go enthusiasts and supporters celebrated the third annual Burning Board Go Festival June 17-23 in the woods of North Carolina.
The Triangle Go Group organized the event at Camp Lapihio, featuring lectures, workshops, pro simuls, personalized game reviews and a three-day, long-game tournament, as well as self-paired games, bonfires and toasted marshmallows. “New friends were made and old friends re-united in intense over-the-board play,” reports Bob Bacon. Participants came from Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Kansas, Texas, Virginia, Missouri, Maryland, Korea, “and possibly Alpha Centauri,” adds Bacon.
Teacher and author Yuan Zhou and Korean pro Eunkyo Do 1P were the instructors, offering eager students their knowledge and insights into the game. TD Devin Fraze kept games on schedule and well regulated, while Adam and Arlene Bridges provided delicious lunches and s’mores for the bonfire. The custom-made trophies were once again supplied by Frank Salantrie and Bob Bacon.
“Warm -- and occasionally hot -- days merged with cool, refreshing nights as the full moon shone brightly on the happy campers,” reports Bacon.
Last year’s champion, Sheng Huo, fended off highly skilled competitors to retain the championship. Second place in the open section was awarded to Janar Karh, with Yingzhi Qian taking third. The three had identical game records, with final placements determined by their SOS scores. Another local youngster, Toby Chen, proved himself the best of the next band of Dan level players, and was followed closely by this year’s board builder, Tom Bitonti.
The High Kyu section was won by Philip Sizak, narrowly edging out TGG president Paul Celmer in second. The band of 3 kyus was dominated by Paul Mendola, with Adam Bridges close behind. The 4 kyu group featured new local player Zahn Morrison chased closely by David Jakob. Mid-level kyus saw many outstanding records, including the only 6-0 record of the event, accomplished by yet another local player, Mike Keith. Second place was secured handily by Neal Siekierski. The final band was won by Maxim Razim, who narrowly edged out Russell Herman in second.
Micah Feldman, a longtime fixture in the U.S. Go community, easily won undisputed distinction as the champion of self-paired games, defeating each of the seven he engaged, and Micah was also the organizer of various popular non-Go activities at Burning Board.