GM-elect Vinay Bhat continued to impress for the Mechanics, winning his first 6 games in electrifying fashion. Vinay did come up short in the playoffs, losing to IM Blas Lugo, and this is what cost them the match.
The prospects for the Mechanics are bright as they have World Under 12 Champion, FM Daniel Naroditsky, as a potential 4th board. They also hope to find a way to include 2006 All Star, NM Sam Shankland, on the roster. 2-time US Champion GM Patrick Wolff, IM Josh Friedel and IM David Pruess are likely to return to the team as well. There is a lot of interest in being part of the Mechanics and team manager IM John Donaldson always has a difficult time choosing which eight players will make the final cut. 2008 should be no exception.
