[imagefield_assist|fid=14750|preset=fullsize|title=CCSCSL Scholastic Coordinator Alex Vergilesov plays chess at a United Way benefit at AT&T headquarters in downtown Saint Louis. Alex won his final game of the Knights Championship to claim the title.|desc=|link=none|origsize=|align=left|width=700|height=447]
CCSCSL Scholastics Coordinator Alex Vergilesov is the undisputed 2011 Knights Champion. He defeated fellow employee Bill Thompson in round 1 by defending well against Bill's aggressive Scotch Opening. Bill was unable to finish Alex off and succumbed in time pressure. Then Alex played the longest game of the tourney against "A" player Paul Goddard. The game ended in a draw when Alex sacrificed a rook for Paul's knight and his three remaining pawns.
Alex trailed Dan Coryea (2-0) by a half point going into the final round, and he received the white pieces in a must-win situation. Alex managed to trap Dan's bishop early, but Dan got a good kingside attack. Alex once again defended well and proved that he was worthy of the championship. He received an automatic entry into the 2012 Club Championship.
The 2012 Club Championship will be played over two days, February 11-12, with $1,200 in prizes. Unlike other years, the Club Championship is not a purely invitational event. Anyone with a USCF membership and $60 can compete for the title.
The competitors that successfully finished the Knights Championship received a Foxy Opening DVD. Your first chance to qualify for the 2012 Knights Championship will be Wednesday, January 4, at the January Knights. There will be $140 in Chess Club Gift Certificates up for grabs. The entry is just $10 for four rated games of chess.
2011 Knights Championship:
| # | Name | Rd 1 | Rd 2 | Rd 3 | Tot | TBrk[M] | TBrk[S] | TBrk[C] | TBrk[O] |
| 1 | ALEXAN VERGILESOV | W6 | D3 | W2 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 8.5 |
| 2 | DANIEL J CORYEA | W4 | W5 | L1 | 2.0 | 4.5 | 6 | 5 | 11.5 |
| 3 | PAUL J GODDARD | X8 | D1 | D5 | 2.0 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 8.5 |
| 4 | WILLIAM NESHAM | L2 | W6 | W7 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 5 | RODNEY VAUGHN | W7 | L2 | D3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 9.5 |
| 6 | WILLIAM THOMPSON | L1 | L4 | B--- | 1.0 | 2 | 4.5 | 0 | 8 |
| 7 | DENNIS E HOURCADE | L5 | B--- | L4 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 1 | 6.5 |
| 8 | JOSHUA FRANK | F3 | U--- | U--- | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
