11-year old Darwin Yang decided to play in the World Open instead of the Pan-Am Youth due to the stronger competition and his decision paid off quickly--in round two he beat his first GM ever, Josh Friedel.

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This tournament, however, has an atmosphere of sheer euphoria unlike that of any other. Since I arrived at the Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening, I’ve talked to literally dozens of people—and not a single one has displayed any outward form of pre-tournament blues. I’m still trying to get my head around it, but I have decided that something about the World Open is special—special enough to draw hundreds of players from around the country, reuniting old chess pals and creating a powerful sense of elation across every board in every section.

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