We all know what a blast it is to compete in a big tournament. And we also know how much fun it is to do well.
But perhaps one of the biggest thrills is when we compete against elite competition in the toughest field - and beat some of the stars!
Just this past week, one of our own Minnesota college stars, Sean McNally, experienced this excitement. Sean played with one of his regular junior partners, Raphael Hallerman, and they competed with teammates George Berger and Michael Kopera in Bracket #1 of the Thursday/Friday Knockouts at the Coral Gables Regional.
As is often the case in a well attended regional, a number of world class players were in the event. Yet, when the smoke cleared, Sean, Raphael, George and Michael had seized 2nd place! Only a mighty team of Italians could stop their juggernaut!
Big congratulations to (from left to right) Raphael, George, Michael and Sean. Take a gander at who was in the field - and see their impressive #2 spot appearing on the results! Way to go, guys!
Big thanks to another world class player who alerted us to Sean's triumph: Ron Smith. Ron has worked with and encouraged our junior players for decades, for which we are most grateful. And - though Ron is quiet and mild mannered at the table, don't let him fool you. He knows just what to do and when to do it - which is why Ron himself wins vastly more often than the average bear.
In fact, were you wondering who won the most masterpoints Coral Gables? Guess who! Ronnie along with teammates Adam Grossack and Josh Donn. Very well done, boys!
"Playing up" is a challenge. Yet when you do super well? A super high!
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