The 3rd Balta Albastra Ed Cup 2014 was organized by the Chess Club “Bicazul” and SC Tavias SRL Bacău on 4-7th December 2014 in Letea Veche, a commune in Bacău County, Romania.

The event was a 7-round Swiss tournament, valid for FIDE and Romanian rating, with tempo of play 90′ + 30″.

Moldovan players IM Sergei Bargan and GM Vasile Sanduleac shared first place with 6/7 points, but Bargan prevailed on a better tie-break score and took the trophy.

Romanian IM Lucian Filip emerged cleared third on 5.5 points. You can see the full standings below.

Tournament website

Final standings:

1 IM Bargan Sergei MDA 2274 6
2 GM Sanduleac Vasile MDA 2385 6
3 IM Filip Lucian ROU 2428 5,5
4 CM Martian Dragos-Daniel ROU 2226 5
5 I Budur Costel ROU 2030 5
6 CM Scripcaru George-Daniel ROU 2191 4,5
7 CM Pirici Gheorghe ROU 1440 4,5
8 CM Ifrim Silviu ROU 2108 4,5
9 I Padurariu Mihai-Edward ROU 1647 4,5
10 I Anitei Ion ROU 2100 4,5
11 II Negrut Janica ROU 1705 4,5
12 I Lazar Ionut-Flavius ROU 1931 4
13 I Sandu Dinu ROU 1840 4
14 Andronache Emanuel ROU 1001 4
15 II Tuchilus Iulian ROU 1130 3,5
16 II Bighiu Rares ROU 1651 3,5
17 I Beuran Liviu ROU 1700 3,5
18 I Iorga Corneliu ROU 1669 3,5
19 I Chis Bogdan-Vasile ROU 1822 3,5
20 II Nicola Anamaria-Ioana ROU 1527 3,5
21 Barsa Ioan ROU 1001 3,5
22 CM Gurguiatu Sandu ROU 1652 3,5
23 Cociorva Neculai ROU 1001 3
24 I Vacar Gligore ROU 1665 3
25 Pop Vasile ROU 1001 3
26 II Zaharia Ioan-Emil ROU 1440 3
27 Klitorakis Ioannis GRE 1426 3
28 Stan Ioan ROU 1001 3
29 Toma Adrian ROU 1001 3
30 III Barila Cristian-Dorin ROU 1140 2,5
31 Apostol Bogdan-Ioan ROU 1024 2,5
32 II Filip Andrei ROU 1268 2,5
33 I Ranceanu Ilie ROU 1638 2,5
34 II Pascu Mihai ROU 1538 2
35 II Stancila Ionut-Marian ROU 1218 2
36 II Grosu Constantin ROU 1666 2
37 Popa Alexandru-Eduard ROU 1001 1,5

The Russian Chess Championship Super Final, the 67th for men and the 64th for women, took place from 27 November till 8 December in the city of Kazan, in a branch of the State Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Tatarstan (the Khazine Gallery).

The Super Final is the main individual competition in the Russian chess calendar: it determines the country’s strongest male and female chess player.

The tournament is a follow-up of the Chess in Museums project, an international programme run by the Russian Chess Federation (RCF) in conjunction with the Elena and Gennady Timchenko Charitable Foundation.

The Super Final’s participants were playing in a hall hosting an exposition of paintings by Nicolai Fechin, a famous artist born in Kazan. The works exhibited in the hall include the famous pictures Slaughterhouse and Showering with Water. Students of the Fechin Kazan Art School are attending the tournament every day to do sketches of the players. When the competition finishes, the jury will award prizes to the authors of the best works.

The closure of the 67th Men’s Russian Chess Championship Superfinal and the 64th Women’s Russian Chess Championship was held at a branch of the Tatarstan State Museum of Fine Arts (the Khazine Gallery) on 7th December. Ten male and ten female players waged an arduous battle of nine rounds to identify the strongest.

In the final round of the men’s tournament, Nikita Vitiugov destroyed Ian Nepomniachtchi with Black. The opponents played out a complex opening line in which Black was in a very promising position. White failed to castle and Black launched a powerful central attack. Vitiugov won major material and soon drove the point home.

Peter Svidler outplayed Vadim Zvjaginsev in a long duel. The latter sacrificed a pawn in the middlegame but did not obtain any serious compensation. The extra pawn had its say in the endgame and Peter finished the tournament on a winning note.

The games B. Grachev – I. Lysyj, D. Khismatullin – D. Jakovenko and A. Morozevich – S. Karjakin ended in draws.

Igor Lysyj became the Russian Champion with 5.5 points in 9 games. The silver medalist was Dmitry Jakovenko, who lagged behind the winner by half a point. Denis Khismatullin took third place, gaining 4.5 points, like four other participants, but staying ahead of them in terms of additional indicators.

Igor Lysyj

In the women’s tournament, it all boiled down to one game: the match between the leaders Alisa Galliamova and Valentina Gunina, which ended in the latter’s favour. Valentina sacrificed a pawn in the opening and obtained compensation. During time trouble, the game swung like a pendulum and, at one point, White had a decisive edge. But then Galliamova made a blunder and the advantage swung back to Black. Valentina Gunina brought the game to a ruthless conclusion and became the Russian Champion for the second time in a row. Alisa Galliamova won the silver.

The round also saw a sensational defeat of Alexandra Kosteniuk, playing Black, by Superfinal first-timer Oksana Gritsayeva.

Valentina Gunina

Anastasia Bodnaruk, who had also done very badly in the tournament, outplayed Olga Girya, who had been among the leaders for nearly the entire distance. Olga made a mistake in a better endgame and Anastasia achieved a win.

In a lengthy tug-of-war, Alina Kashlinskaya gradually outsmarted Natalija Pogonina with Black.

Ekaterina Kovalevskaya and Aleksandra Goriachkina drew. The 16-year-old Aleksandra took third place, overcoming Olga Girya in terms of additional indicators.

Alisa Galliamova

Final results

Men:
1. I. Lysyj – 5.5; 2. D. Jakovenko – 5; 3-7. D. Khismatullin, I. Nepomniachtchi, P. Svidler, A. Morozevich, N. Vitiugov – 4.5; 8-10. V. Zvjaginsev, B. Grachev, S. Karjakin – 4.

Women:
1. V. Gunina – 7; 2. A. Galliamova – 6; 3-4. A. Goriachkina, O. Girya – 5.5; 5. A. Kashlinskaya – 5; 6-7. E. Kovalevskaya, A. Kosteniuk – 4.5; 8-9. A. Bodnaruk, N. Pogonina – 2.5; 10. O. Gritsayeva – 2.

Replay games with analysis: men / women

Aleksandra Goriachkina

The Superfinal’s closing ceremony was held at the Khazine Gallery on the same day. The participants received congratulations and awards from Vladimir Leonov, Tatarstan Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Igor Baradachev, Deputy General Director of the Elena and Gennady Timchenko Charitable Foundation; Gennady Zakharov, President of the Tatarstan Chess Federation; and Mark Glukhovsky, Chairman of the Management Board of the Russian Chess Federation.

Prizes were also awarded to students of the Kazan Art School, who had been sketching the players during the event. Ulyana Babakayeva won the third-place prize, whereas the second prize went to Ksenia Vlasova and the first to Elvina Sabirova.

Dmitry Jakovenko

Andrey Filatov, President of the Russian Chess Federation, summed up the event: “The Kazan Superfinal has been a real feast for both participants and fans and has yet again showcased Russia’s outstanding chess talent. I congratulate with all my heart Russian Champions Igor Lysyj and Valentina Gunina on this great victory.

On behalf of the Russian Chess Federation, I would like to thank the first President of the Republic of Tatarstan, head of the Organising Committee of the Superfinal Mintimer Shaimiev, thanks to whose personal involvement the competition was held at the highest standard; head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin for the opportunity to hold the tournament at one of Russia’s best regional museums; and our loyal partner ‒ the Elena and Gennady Timchenko Charitable Foundation.

Denis Khismatullin

As part of the Chess in Museums project, we were able to combine chess and art once again. This combination not only provides an impressive backdrop to the dramatic chess matches, but also brings new audiences to museum halls. The Superfinal gave chess fans a unique opportunity to enjoy the participants’ good play and to familiarise themselves with works by the great Russian-American artist Nicolai Fechin. The RCF and the Elena and Gennady Timchenko Charitable Foundation will continue this project and I am confident that a large number of impressive games held in Russian and the world’s best museums are still ahead of us.”

Deputy General Director of the Elena and Gennady Timchenko Charitable Foundation Igor Baradachev said: “To conclude another Russian Championship Superfinal jointly held by the RCF and the Timchenko Foundation as part of the Chess in Museums project, I would like to thank everyone who has made a huge contribution to making this event happen at the highest level here in Kazan. I hope that the participants and the audience have truly enjoyed the harmony of beauty, art, elegance and sport on the chess boards and the easels. For the first time, a synergy of chess and art has given us not only chess champions, but also nice paintings drawn during the game, their authors receiving well-deserved awards.”

***

The prize money is 7 million roubles, 5 million for the men and 2 million for the women. The chief referee is Anatoly Bykhovsky.

Chess is a special game that is closely linked not only with sport, but also with history and culture. The Chess in Museums programme aims to make this link evident to everyone. Bringing sport and culture together, the organisers have jointly come up with an original idea of holding chess tournaments in the best museums of Russia and the world.

Akvanika has provided mineral water for the tournament’s participants. The Super Final’s media partners are the ITAR-TASS news agency, the Sport-Express newspaper, the ChessPro portal, and the 64  Chess Review magazine.

For further information, please contact: RT: Regina Garifullina, +8937-621-4913, prtatmedia@gmail.com; RCF: Kirill Zangalis, +7 (968) 732 0080, zangalis@mail.ru; the Timchenko Foundation: Oksana Timoschuk, +79036196763, otimoschuk@timchenkofoundation.org

Information for the Media:

Chess in Museums is an international programme run by the Russian Chess Foundation (RCF) jointly with the Elena and Gennady Timchenko Charitable Foundation (the Timchenko Foundation). The idea to hold chess events in major cultural centres was implemented for the first time during a world chess championship match, which was held in 2012 in the Tretyakov Gallery under the initiative of Andrei Filatov and Gennady Timchenko. In spring 2013, the RCF, jointly with the Timchenko Foundation, held the Alekhine Memorial super tournament in the Louvre and the Russian Museum. This was followed by the Russian Chess Championship Super Final held in Nizhny Novgorod museums in autumn of the same year.

The Russian Chess Federation (RCF) is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation bringing together individuals as well as chess federations from various Russian republics, areas, regions, cities of federal significance and autonomous areas and districts. Founded on 15 February 1992, the RCF seeks to develop and promote chess in the Russian Federation. The federation organises the annual Russian children’s tournament among schools White Rook, the Russian Championship and other chess competitions. Since 2012, the Chess in Museums project has been held in Russian under the RCF’s initiative.

For over 20 years, the family of Elena and Gennady Timchenko has been providing charity both in Russia and abroad. To ensure that philanthropy makes a difference in the long term, a charitable foundation was set up in Moscow in late 2010, named Ladoga until the end of August 2013. Today it is named the Elena and Gennady Timchenko Charitable Foundation (Timchenko Foundation) and comprises all the areas of family charity in its portfolio. The Timchenko Foundation focuses on promoting active longevity, developing sports and culture and aiding families and children. These strategic initiatives aim to provide a systemic solution to Russian social problems.

Torneo Internacional Centro Goya Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2014 – Memorial Rafael Fuentes Gonzalez was held on 1-8th December at the Club de Ajedrez de la Fundación La Caja de Canarias in Las Palmas, Spain.

The 9-round Swiss open, organized by the Federación Insular de Ajedrez de Gran Canaria and Club de Ajedrez Centro Goya, consisted of 78 players from 13 countries, including five Grandmasters.

Israeli GM Artur Kogan emerged a clear winner on 7 points, leaving the nearest followers half point behind.

The second place was shared on an eight-way tie by GM Mikhail Ulybin (Russia), GM Dragan Barlov (Serbia), GM Bojan Kurajica (Bosna and Herzegovina), GM Evgeny Gleizerov (Russia), IM Bernd Kohlweyer (Germany), WIM Belinda Vega Gutierrez (Spain), FM Daniel Gutierrez Olivares (Spain) and Victor Ramirez Medina (Spain) on 6.5 points each.

You can see the full standings below.

Official website

Final standings:

1 GM Kogan Artur ISR 2549 7
2 GM Ulybin Mikhail RUS 2498 6,5
3 GM Barlov Dragan SRB 2433 6,5
4 GM Kurajica Bojan BIH 2505 6,5
5 GM Gleizerov Evgeny RUS 2536 6,5
6 IM Kohlweyer Bernd GER 2395 6,5
7 WIM Vega Gutierrez Belinda ESP 2119 6,5
8 FM Gutierrez Olivares Daniel ESP 2296 6,5
9 Ramirez Medina Victor ESP 2059 6,5
10 IM Roeder Matthias GER 2407 6
11 IM Del Rey Diego ESP 2407 6
12 FM Garcia Blanco Omar ESP 2268 6
13 IM Garcia Padron Jose ESP 2410 5,5
14 Rodriguez Melian Jose Luis ESP 2099 5,5
15 Perez Rosales Pedro ESP 2116 5,5
16 Angel Acosta Juan Carlos ESP 2160 5,5
17 Camino Carrio Nicanor ESP 2048 5,5
18 Sanchez Quintero Raul CUB 2035 5,5
19 Lopez Colon Francisco ESP 2006 5,5
20 Cruz Pino Adrian ESP 1978 5,5
21 FM Menvielle Laccourreye Augusto ESP 2138 5,5
22 Yingrui Lin ESP 1665 5,5
23 Iturbide Arnedo Oscar ESP 2168 5
24 Ramirez Medina Oscar ESP 1893 5
25 Sanabria Taskila Daniel Krist ESP 1499 5
26 FM Gonzalez Intelangelo Gerardo ESP 2040 5
27 Garcia Caballero Luis ESP 1813 5
28 Ramirez Maillo Juan Adonay ESP 1865 5
29 Perez Toledo Antonio Jose ESP 1635 5
30 WIM Plachkinova Tatjana BUL 2158 4,5
31 Sanchez Ramirez Gustavo ESP 1620 4,5
32 Manchon Santana Alberto ESP 1841 4,5
33 Haenen Tom NED 1782 4,5
34 Kleine Peter GER 1736 4,5
35 Rodriguez Tobio Coral ESP 1455 4,5
36 Grube Kurt ESP 1840 4,5
37 Suarez Buceta Melquiades ESP 1716 4,5
38 Schlittermann Wolfgang GER 1731 4,5
39 Gonzalez Armas Dinia ESP 1768 4,5
40 Santana Montjoy Javier ESP 1757 4,5
41 Diaz Mendoza Eladio ESP 1527 4,5
42 Plachkinov Georgi BUL 2000 4
43 Macias Reyes Jose Luis ESP 1518 4
44 Zaldivar Gustavo SUI 0 4
45 Falcon Diaz Francisco Samuel ESP 1665 4
46 Perez Guerra Raul ESP 1411 4
47 Martin Perez Francisco Jose ESP 1829 4
48 Perdomo Suarez Juan Manuel ESP 1346 4
49 Santiago Llanes Jose Juan ESP 1698 4
50 Fernandez De La Hoz A Carlos ESP 1754 3,5
51 Agejas Garcia Diego ESP 1371 3,5
52 Moreno Antonio Mario ESP 1781 3,5
53 Aleman Alamo Nicolas ESP 1509 3,5
54 Guerra Aleman Marcial ESP 0 3,5
55 Sueilam Dahi Sid Ahmed ESP 0 3,5
56 Sanabria Taskila Jenny Maria ESP 1390 3,5
57 Guedes Lopez Mario ESP 1525 3,5
58 Garcia Rodriguez Carlos ESP 0 3,5
59 Garcia Cruz Jose Manuel ESP 1324 3
60 Medina Martin Alberto ESP 1362 3
61 Morales Sanchez Domingo ESP 1432 3
62 Hernandez Suarez Francisco ESP 1132 3
63 Henriquez Cazorla Laura ESP 1369 2,5
64 Monteiro Rodrigues Carlos ESP 1512 2,5
65 Santana Chacopino Carlos ESP 1509 2,5
66 Gimenez Aldecocea Jorge ESP 1185 2,5
67 Ramirez Maillo Cristian ESP 1598 2,5
68 Aguilera Suarez Antonio ESP 1828 2
69 Biscarri Candalia Oscar ESP 1480 2
70 Roque Hernandez Francisco ESP 1421 2
71 Kogan Plachkinova Carolina ESP 0 1
72 Amador Garcia Ismael ESP 1519 0
73 De La Macorra Marrero Luis ESP 0 0

The 24th Torneo de Navidad Liga de Ajedrez de Bogotá took place on 4-8th December at the Bogotá Centro Comercial Americas Outlet Factory in Bogotá, Colombia.

The event was organized by the Liga Ajedrez Bogotá, Club Sicoopweb and AF Orlando Ruiz Jasbon. There were four playing sections: ITT Millonario, U2000, U1800 and U10 Youth.

The main ITT Millonario section had 96 players from eight countries, including 10 Grandmasters and 13 International Masters.

Grandmaster Emilio Cordova from Peru took a clear first place with 7,5/9 points, leaving GM Lazaro Bruzon and IM Carlos Antonio Hevia (both from Cuba) half a point behind.

Emilio Cordova

Final standings:

1. GM Cordova Emilio PER 2616 – 7.5
2. GM Bruzon Batista Lazaro CUB 2668 – 7
3. IM Hevia Alejano Carlos Antonio CUB 2511 – 7
4. GM Bachmann Axel PAR 2628 – 6.5
5. GM Gonzalez Vidal Yuri CUB 2560 – 6.5
6. GM Macieja Bartlomiej POL 2621 – 6.5
7. GM Bacallao Alonso Yusnel CUB 2543 – 6.5
8. FM Hernandez Sanchez Jairo Andre COL 2306 – 6.5
9. GM Alvarez Pedraza Aramis CUB 2482 – 6.5
10. GM Granda Zuniga Julio E PER 2654 – 6
11. IM Sanz Alonso Francisco J. ESP 2368 – 6
12. IM Arenas David COL 2435 – 6
13. IM Perez Garcia Rodney Oscar CUB 2337 – 6
14. WIM Rodriguez Rueda Paula Andrea COL 2367 – 6
15. IM Gamboa Nelson COL 2344 – 6
16. IM Ruiz C Joshua D COL 2377 – 6
17. IM Mosquera Miguel COL 2369 – 6
18. FM Ruiz Alciguel COL 2192 – 6
19. IM Rivera Alberto FID 2324 – 5.5
20. GM Barrientos Sergio E COL 2476 – 5.5
21. FM Fernandez Guillen Ernesto J. CUB 2361 – 5.5
22. FM Contreras Henry COL 2187 – 5.5
23. Gutierrez Ramon COL 2136 – 5.5
24. FM Lopez Gonzalez Abel Fabian CUB 2256 – 5.5
25. FM Torres Juan Camilo COL 2321 – 5.5
26. FM Nunez V Daniel COL 2191 – 5.5
27. GM Ortiz Suarez Isan Reynaldo CUB 2623 – 5
28. IM Pazos Gambarrotti Plinio ECU 2212 – 5
29. Salazar Carlos PER 2155 – 5
30. Ruge Edison COL 2236 – 5
31. IM Gutierrez Herrera Jose Antoni COL 2193 – 5
32. IM Guerra Tulcan Lenin ECU 2365 – 5
33. FM Vittorino Carlo Giovanni COL 2322 – 5
34. Escobar Medina Andres F COL 2132 – 5
35. Pena Morales Hugo PER 2181 – 5
36. Hernandez Cristian Andres COL 2164 – 5
37. Arias Mario PER 2199 – 5
38. Culma Ruben COL 2062 – 5
39. Ramirez Benjamin Dario COL 2202 – 5
40. Jimenez Jose Mauricio COL 2248 – 5
41. Pinzon Jairo David COL 2197 – 5
42. Bobadilla Jorge VEN 2273 – 5
43. Castaneda Jhon David COL 2210 – 5
44. Vallejo Humberto COL 2062 – 4.5
45. FM Becerra Juan David COL 2169 – 4.5
46. Martinez Jorge Alexander COL 2159 – 4.5
47. Munoz Jhon Edison COL 2251 – 4.5
48. IM Acosta Alejandro COL 2323 – 4.5
49. CM Valle Efrain COL 2196 – 4.5
50. De La Ossa Carlos Enrique COL 1938 – 4.5
51. Gonzalez Parejo Ramon Junior COL 2129 – 4.5
52. Polo Victor Ramon COL 2155 – 4.5
53. Lotero Faiber COL 2165 – 4.5
54. Nieto Manuel Valerio Waldo COL 1995 – 4.5
55. Prieto Ernesto COL 2098 – 4
56. Pena Duarte Fabian Dario COL 2188 – 4
57. WFM Salcedo Diana COL 2038 – 4
58. Cerezo Najera Jorge ECU 1881 – 4
59. Zabala Fidel COL 2014 – 4
60. Laverde Luis Eduardo COL 2098 – 4
61. Jimenez Leonardo Andres COL 1840 – 4
62. Chegwing Alberto COL 2061 – 4
63. Lopez Idarraga Daniel Eduardo COL 2084 – 4
64. Hernandez Gonzalo COL 2126 – 4
65. Motta Leon Gerardo COL 2003 – 4
66. Casas Cobos Julio Eduardo COL 2002 – 4
67. Arango Santiago COL 2056 – 4
68. Hernandez Elvert COL 2027 – 4
69. Cuenca Gomez Jesus CUB 2148 – 3.5
70. Duran Barraza Mateo Andres COL 1897 – 3.5
71. Suasnabar Jesus PER 2022 – 3.5
72. Zapata Cuartas Juan Carlos COL 2163 – 3.5
73. Lopez Jorge Hernan COL 2045 – 3.5
74. Nieto Guillermo Luigui Ubald COL 1994 – 3.5
75. Abril Mauricio COL 2053 – 3.5
76. Lizarazo Arango Juan Carlos COL 2044 – 3.5
77. Valdes Nicolas COL 2005 – 3.5
78. FM Saladen Rafael COL 2205 – 3
79. Cardona Albeiro COL 2049 – 3
80. Vargas Edwin Antonio COL 2093 – 3
81. Jaramillo Ochoa Mateo COL 2150 – 3
82. Pereira Henry Alberto COL 1974 – 3
83. Manrique Fernando COL 1987 – 3
84. Vargas Mauricio COL 2147 – 2.5
85. Acuna Buitrago Camilo Andres COL 2046 – 2.5
86. Estrella Becerra Fernando COL 1986 – 2.5
87. Torres Saulo De Jesus COL 1911 – 2.5
88. WFM Salcedo Jackeline COL 2033 – 2.5
89. Zabaleta Libardo COL 2112 – 2
90. Guzman Lozano Campo Elias COL 2030 – 2
91. Martinez Mauricio COL 1995 – 2
92. Prada Diogenes COL 2068 – 2
93. FM Dias Huizar Alvaro VEN 2133 – 1.5
94. Santos Morales Natalia Andrea COL 2069 – 1
95. Lozano Nestor Favian COL 2209 – 1
96. Jaimes Fernando COL 2079 – 1

The 128th MGU Open 2014 took place on 6-7th December, 2014, at Chess Club MGU, in Sofia, capital and largest city of Bulgaria.

The event was organized in honor of Captain Petko Voyvoda (born 6th December 1844) and Nikola Vaptsarov (born 7th December 1909), in a 6-round Swiss format, open to all players rated below 2200. More information here

Goran Krastev tied for the firs place with the top seeded player IM Petar Orev on 5/6 points each. However the young player from Chess Club “CSKA” prevailed on a superior tie-break score and lifted the trophy. Goran took the first prize and gained 31 Elo points.

The sensation of the tournament was 11-year-old WCM Gergana Peycheva, European School Chess champion for girls U11 from Kavala 2014. She continues her string of amazing performance, finishing third with 4.5/6 points and adding 16 new Elo points to her rating.

You can see the full standings and replay the games below.

Official website

Final standings:

1 Krastev Goran BUL 2041 5
2 IM Orev Petar BUL 2113 5
3 WCM Peycheva Gergana BUL 1829 4,5
4 NM Andreev Dobrotich BUL 1970 4,5
5 NM Gelemerov Yane BUL 2078 3,5
6 Tashev Aleksandar BUL 1780 3,5
7 Metev Martin BUL 2009 3,5
8 Pamukchiev Manush BUL 0 3,5
9 Kosturkov Krasimir BUL 1769 3,5
10 Kostov Nikolay BUL 1914 3,5
11 Petrov Stanislav BUL 0 3
12 Georgiev Nikolay BUL 1640 3
13 Vasilev Lyuboslav BUL 1791 2,5
14 Mehmed Elif BUL 1548 2,5
15 Georgiev Konstantin BUL 1497 2,5
16 Nikolov Orlin BUL 1873 2,5
17 Ivanov Aleksandar Vl. BUL 0 2,5
18 Simeonov Svetoslav BUL 1792 2,5
19 Tsenkov Tsenko BUL 1648 2
20 Todev Simeon BUL 0 2
21 Glavchev Kiril BUL 0 0,5
22 Tsekov Petar BUL 0 0,5

The 13th International Chess Festival Benidorm 2014 took place from 28th November to 8th December 2014 in Benidorm, Spain.

The traditional festival was split into many chess events: Open “A” for players U2300, Open “B” for players U2000, Champions Cup, Champions Cup U18, Champions Cup U16, Champions Cup U14, Champions Cup U12, Champions Cup U10, Champions Cup U8, simultaneous exhibition, given by IM/ WGM Ana Matnadze and many night tournaments .

The highlight of the festival was Open “B” where 167 participants competed for the first prize of 3.100 €.

The Spaniard Benjamin Bote Kobolo emerged a clear winner on 8.5 points and took the whole prize.

Tunisian FM Zoubaier Amdouni  claimed Open “A”, where the trophy was accompanied by no less than 2.200 €. Bulgarian player Ivan Tetimov collected 8/9 points, but he was banned from the tournament after round nine because of cheating suspicion.

IM Slobodan Kovacevic from Serbia and Jose Vicente Jimenez Martinez from Spain shared first place in the Champions Cup on 6/7 points each, but Kovacevic took the gold on a better tie-breaks score.

You can see the full standings in each tournament below, as well as photo report, kindly provided by Patricia Claros Aguilar!

Official website

Category “A” U2300 final standings:

1 Tetimov Ivan BUL 2158 8 BANNED FROM THE TOURNAMENT
2 FM Amdouni Zoubaier TUN 2291 7,5
3 Kultiyasov Mikhail BLR 2228 7
4 FM Tejedor Fuente Enrique ESP 2288 7
5 FM Gromovs Sergejs ITA 2255 7
6 Olhovik Andrei BLR 2270 6,5
7 FM Sanchez Jerez Emilio Miguel ESP 2258 6,5
8 Schmidt Ralf GER 2119 6,5
9 Jordan Martinez Miguel ESP 2236 6,5
10 Vaarala Eric SWE 2274 6,5
11 Fernandez Rubio Rafael ESP 2029 6,5
12 FM Buenafe Moya Javier ESP 2256 6,5
13 WGM Heredia Serrano Carla ECU 2153 6,5
14 Vilanova Corbi Jorge ESP 2153 6
15 Santos Jeovani Amaro Dias ANG 2044 6
16 FM Serna Lara Sergio ESP 2230 6
17 Jordan Martinez David ESP 2119 6
18 Nieves Cabanes Jose Manuel ESP 1970 6
19 FM Bosque Ortega Xavier ESP 2214 6
20 Diez Fraile David ESP 2147 6
21 Sesma Rubio Patxi ESP 2182 6
22 FM Pena Riasco Alexander COL 2180 6
23 Parligras Cosmin ROU 2239 6
24 Vinal Gutierrez Pedro ESP 2092 6
25 Belousov Gennadiy RUS 2222 6
26 Smirnov Aleksander BLR 2112 6
27 Ibanez Aullana Ramon ESP 2268 5,5
28 Jimenez Martinez Jose Vicente ESP 2257 5,5
29 Ayza Leon David ESP 2199 5,5
30 Cappon John FRA 2216 5,5
31 Mora Menezo Jesus ESP 2181 5,5
32 Arias Igual Alejandro ESP 2297 5,5
33 Nieves Cabanes Javier ESP 2149 5,5
34 Perez Garcia Alejandro ESP 2163 5,5
35 Besga Lopez Jose Angel ESP 2068 5,5
36 Cano Gimenez Vicente ESP 2265 5,5
37 FM Goormachtigh Johan BEL 2152 5,5
38 Longa Yauca Javier PER 2284 5,5
39 Serra Pages Jordi ESP 2182 5,5
40 Platel Alexandre FRA 2219 5,5
41 CM Murcia Paredes Angel ESP 2147 5,5
42 FM Van Hoolandt Patrick MNC 2180 5,5
43 Aracil Serra Javier ESP 2174 5,5
44 Sanchez Barbado Carlos ESP 2173 5,5
45 FM Jackson Oliver A ENG 2146 5,5
46 NM Ridameya Tatche Jose Miguel ESP 2012 5,5
47 Gavrish Leonid UKR 2237 5,5
48 Tocco Paolo ITA 2141 5,5
49 Rodriguez Melendez Juan Humbe PER 2142 5,5
50 FM Lopez Del Alamo Antonio ESP 2260 5,5
51 FM Acebal Muniz Antonio ESP 2127 5
52 Villasenor Rubio Emilio Jose ESP 2240 5
53 Montalban Galvez Antoni ESP 2192 5
54 Farrand Julian T ENG 1996 5
55 Parals Marce Luis ESP 1972 5
56 Riquelme Valero Manuel Damian ESP 2099 5
57 Torres Sanchez Jose ESP 2277 5
58 Serarols Mabras Bernat ESP 2173 5
59 Nunez Reiz Antonio ESP 2094 5
60 Bendayan Claros Aaron ESP 2233 5
61 Acero Solis Alberto ESP 1990 5
62 Pozanco Romasanta Marc ESP 2038 5
63 Segovia Sanchez Antonio ESP 2043 5
64 Prieto Martin Alfonso ESP 2182 5
65 Gonzalez Aguirre Luis ESP 2098 5
66 Lloret Ramis Juan Jose ESP 2248 5
67 Grundekjon Christian NOR 2075 5
68 Jove Grau Lluis ESP 2077 5
69 WIM Nicolas Zapata Irene ESP 2202 5
70 FM Renteria Jorge COL 2253 5
71 Padilla Hugo PER 2189 5
72 FM Lacrosse Marc BEL 2177 5
73 ZZ-Miquel Juan Marcelo ESP 1842 5
74 Volman Horacio ISR 2146 5
75 Abul Qasem BAN 1968 5
76 Lakunza Oyarbide Juan Carlos ESP 2059 4,5
77 Olivera Gutierrez Albert ESP 2047 4,5
78 Collier David O ENG 2038 4,5
79 Moreno Simo Javier ESP 1976 4,5
80 Lamas Mercadal Manuel ESP 2132 4,5
81 FM Madina Yadarola Martin ESP 2281 4,5
82 CM Do Santos Julio Joao Manuel ANG 2045 4,5
83 Machlik Endre NOR 1967 4,5
84 Mascarell Canet Ricardo ESP 1957 4,5
85 Vinals Rioja Jaume ESP 2008 4,5
86 Estevez Jacome Jose Ramon ESP 2009 4,5
87 De Reymaeker Walter BEL 1942 4,5
88 ZZ-Roldan Marques Daniel ESP 1915 4,5
89 Galiana Fernandez Adrian ESP 2048 4,5
90 Baktache Mohamed Ali TUN 2050 4,5
91 Rodriguez Perez Jorge ESP 2038 4,5
92 Cantero Antonio ESP 2241 4,5
93 Lopez Rivera Jesus ESP 2027 4
94 ZZ-Garcia Martin Marta ESP 1913 4
95 Megias Ortiz Vicente Manuel ESP 2049 4
96 Lillo Ferrer Jose Maria M. ESP 2040 4
97 Jensen Stein NOR 2016 4
98 Axpe Balenciaga Inigo ESP 2135 4
99 RR-Pozuelo Arenas Miguel Angel ESP 0 4
100 Garcia Gata Jorge D. ESP 2046 4
101 ZZ-Gomez Sanjuan Hector Fernando ESP 2023 4
102 Almonti Alessandro ITA 2034 4
103 Machlik Monika NOR 1974 4
104 Fernandez Seco Julian ESP 2036 4
105 Penafiel Lopez Juan ESP 2011 4
106 Tonus Alex ITA 1907 4
107 Cordoba Picazo Manuel Javier ESP 2020 4
108 Zanoletty Garcia David ESP 1996 4
109 Garcia Galeote Lorenzo ESP 1950 4
110 Mateos Rozas Miguel Angel ESP 2185 4
111 ZZ-Ortin Blanco Ainhoa ESP 1697 4
112 Alonso Jimenez Joan ESP 1939 4
113 Spanton Tim R ENG 2002 4
114 Draghici Flutur Gavril ESP 2164 4
115 Arpa Pardo Emilio ESP 2017 4
116 RR-Grau Brumos Isidre ESP 2063 3,5
117 Richardson Keith B ENG 2040 3,5
118 Castellanos Bogalo Antonio ESP 2007 3,5
119 RR-Uran Bermudez Oliver Kevin VEN 2182 3,5
120 Sereinig Eduard AUT 2145 3,5
121 Laliena Solanes Luis ESP 2204 3,5
122 Cucarella Montell Angels ESP 1954 3,5
123 Mataix Arbona Cesar ESP 2052 3,5
124 FM Varga Mariano ARG 2083 3,5
125 Sabater Sanchez Asensio ESP 2127 3,5
126 Machlik Edit NOR 2042 3,5
127 Arias Castanedo Jacinto ESP 1851 3,5
128 Lalau Alexandre FRA 2099 3,5
129 ZZ-Ortin Blanco Inigo ESP 1873 3,5
130 Martin Martin Luis Vicente ESP 2035 3,5
131 Lada Ireneusz POL 1927 3
132 RR-Remolar Gallen Jose ESP 2197 3
133 RR-Ramos Ferrandiz Juan Carlos ESP 2075 3
134 Beltran Sanz Felix ESP 1721 3
135 RR-Carrera Ruano Luis Javier ESP 1925 3
136 Fernandez Lozano Francesc ESP 2049 3
137 Urios Hernandez Ramon ESP 1879 2,5
138 Edwards Ray B ENG 1932 2,5
139 WCM Marzouk Amira TUN 1708 2,5
140 RR-Ostolazaga Barragan Eneko ESP 1863 2,5
141 Cebolla Moll Ricardo ESP 2017 2,5
142 Ruiz Bellon Manuel ESP 2005 2,5
143 Vela Ignacio Jose Manuel ESP 2128 2,5
144 Garcia Pastor Marcelo ESP 0 2
145 WFM Baktach Nesrine TUN 1652 2
146 Keadana Amir NOR 1832 2
147 FM RR-Domingos Catarino ANG 2253 1,5
CM RR-Simoes Joao ANG 2232 1,5
FM RR-Pascoal Eduardo A ANG 2175 1,5
FM RR-Domingos Ediberto ANG 2161 1,5
RR-Antonio Casimiro ANG 2128 1,5
152 Clanchet Olle Josep ESP 1710 1,5
153 RR-Uribe Arteaga Daniel COL 2218 1
154 FM RR-Garcia Trobat Francisco ESP 2272 1
155 RR-Ben Said Elyles TUN 0 0,5
156 FM RR-Boudriga Med Ali TUN 2255 0
RR-Aquino Jose Rodolfo ESP 2215 0
FM RR-Ballesteros Gonzalez David ESP 2192 0
RR-Kaboodi Behrang IRI 2162 0
RR-Khalesi Vahid IRI 2154 0
WFM RR-Ginesta Caballero Olga Lucia CUB 2123 0
RR-Sanchez Dengra Jose Maria ESP 2104 0
RR-Muhtarov Leonid UKR 2086 0
FM RR-Afshari Mohammadreza IRI 2084 0
RR-Fernandez Mira Alonso ESP 1946 0
FM RR-Pina Milian Pavel CUB 1938 0
167 RR-Rodriguez Yague Fermin ESP 1716 0

Category “B” U2000 final standings:

1 Bote Kobolo Benjamin ESP 1926 8,5
2 Karpach Shaban BUL 1748 8
3 Buiza Prieto Eihartze ESP 1887 8
4 Blesa Fernandez Francisco ESP 1881 8
5 Marti Blanes Jose Manuel ESP 1960 8
6 Tirado Parra Alberto ESP 1873 8
7 Martinez Perez Pablo ESP 1710 8
8 Paulino Domingos ANG 0 7,5
9 Penarrubia Blasco Jose Alfred ESP 1956 7,5
10 Boj Marques Javier ESP 1978 7,5
11 Jimenez Mompo Candido ESP 1954 7,5
12 Agostinho Diogo ANG 0 7,5
13 Perez Garcia Jose Miguel ESP 1919 7,5
14 Abalia Patino Aritz ESP 1988 7,5
15 Naranjo Moreno Jose Javier ESP 1900 7,5
16 Keto Kinavuidi ANG 0 7,5
17 Avelino Fernandes ANG 0 7,5
18 Navarro Martinez Daniel ESP 1906 7,5
19 Fichtinger Leopold AUT 1941 7
20 Alnami Salaheddin LBA 1851 7
21 Roksvold Jan NOR 1876 7
22 Alfven Jorgen SWE 1972 7
23 Perez Gisbert Santiago ESP 1812 7
24 Vallbona Domingo Joan ESP 1992 7
25 Esquerdo Nogueroles Jaime ESP 1768 7
26 Moya Mallafre Erik ESP 1947 7
27 Romagosa Cerda Ismael ESP 1757 7
28 Pastor Villalba Arturo ESP 1835 7
29 Sarto Ramos Angel ESP 1965 7
30 Garcia Lopez Juan Antonio ESP 1924 7
31 Campos Gutierrez Luis Maria ESP 1844 7
32 Selva Salvador Antonio ESP 1896 7
33 Mateus Domingos ANG 1718 7
34 Westerweele Henrik NED 1972 7
35 Blasco Marques Salvador ESP 1942 7
36 Killane Jack IRL 1916 7
37 Stamenov Valeriy BUL 1931 7
38 Portillo Castellon Javier ESP 1978 7
39 Perez Garcia Juan Angel ESP 1921 7
40 Cordomi Forns Francesc ESP 1865 7
41 Palacios Llorente Javier ESP 1735 6,5
42 Cebrian Flores Juan Antonio ESP 1995 6,5
43 Castrillon Otero Javier ESP 1958 6,5
44 Vila Cairo Gerard ESP 1995 6,5
45 Cardenas Fernando Adrian ESP 1947 6,5
46 Martinez Hernandez Paula ESP 1800 6,5
47 Cartagena Sanchez Javier ESP 1952 6,5
48 Becking Franz Josef GER 1933 6,5
49 Pfau Michael GER 1998 6,5
50 Enzi Gerald AUT 1924 6,5
51 Cluyts Marc BEL 1996 6,5
52 Turcheniak Yury RUS 1939 6,5
53 Rodriguez Marcos Jose R. ESP 1980 6,5
54 Hernandez Delgado Gabriel ESP 1923 6,5
55 Egan Colm IRL 1880 6,5
56 * Escalante Ortega Fernando ESP 1814 6,5
57 Nazarov Alexander RUS 1902 6,5
58 Diaz Benitez Ricardo ESP 1996 6,5
59 Haddad Filho Paulo Ibrahim BRA 1928 6,5
60 Elfeturi Melad LBA 1937 6,5
61 Fleming Andrew S J ENG 1928 6,5
62 Larranaga Aldalur Jose Joaqui ESP 1914 6,5
63 Serrano Leiva Ana ESP 1728 6
64 Alvarez Morales Miguel ESP 1979 6
65 Goodfellow Russell Robert ENG 1805 6
66 Calatayud Ortega Alberto ESP 1788 6
67 Izagirre Alsua Aritz ESP 1889 6
68 **Moya Albaladejo Jose Antonio ESP 1871 6
69 Morenilla Rocher Fernando ESP 1812 6
70 Torras Campdelacreu Xavier ESP 1802 6
71 Gambini Stephane FRA 1993 6
72 Amoros Moran Jose Joaquin ESP 1974 6
73 Kopischke Maik GER 1835 6
74 Duenas Alexis SWE 1912 6
75 Joao Amaral ANG 1929 6
76 Pastor Briones Jose ESP 1853 6
77 Muro Turon Raul ESP 1877 6
78 De La Fuente Ortega Alberto ESP 1784 6
79 Gonzalez Pabollet Jesus Maria ESP 1883 6
80 Saifi Mourad ESP 1761 6
81 Portillo Alcalde Jose Maria ESP 1604 6
82 Moreno Vicente Jesus Miguel ESP 1900 6
83 Muniz Giron Carlos ESP 1938 6
84 Fernandez Garcia Ignacio ESP 1834 6
85 Garcia Sancho Josep ESP 1821 6
86 Fernandez Senovilla Jose E. ESP 1753 6
87 Cebada Benitez Fernando ESP 1887 6
88 Tejedor Fuente Marina ESP 1540 6
89 Lopez Heras Arturo ESP 1906 6
90 Martinez Bernardo Aitor ESP 1601 6
91 Sanchez Moreno Jose Carlos ESP 1910 6
92 Orube Bona Andoni ESP 1764 6
93 Esquerdo Nogueroles Gaspar ESP 1959 6
94 Tormo Bas Gonzalo ESP 1792 6
95 De La Pena Garcia Blanca ESP 1636 6
96 Corral Aragon Juan Maria ESP 1812 6
97 Manas Garcia-Mascaraque Ramon ESP 1930 6
98 Lucas Navas Jose Manuel ESP 1861 6
99 Castelo Ramos Jose Luis ESP 1630 6
100 **Martinez Zazo Jesus ESP 1758 5,5
101 Sevillano Garcia Joaquin ESP 1862 5,5
102 Gonzalez Etayo Oihana ESP 1759 5,5
103 Parks Joseph SCO 1889 5,5
104 Carmona Huertas Juan Antonio ESP 1668 5,5
105 Flamee Dirk BEL 1773 5,5
106 Puche Femenias Joan Antoni ESP 0 5,5
107 Trabazos Gallego Javier ESP 1856 5,5
108 Aledo Yanguas Javier ESP 1838 5,5
109 Herran Castro Aitor ESP 1791 5,5
110 Herrero Ferrando Salvador ESP 1834 5,5
111 Martin Ferrer Silverio ESP 1813 5,5
112 Egana Arruti Joseba ESP 1766 5,5
113 Garcia Alvarez Javier Ii ESP 1763 5,5
114 Carrascosa Campos Juan Luis ESP 1811 5,5
115 *Redondo Maguregui Juan Manuel ESP 1774 5,5
116 Ayza Casamitjana Antoni ESP 1886 5,5
117 Moragrega Herrero Juan Jose ESP 1836 5,5
118 Lund Gunnar NOR 1622 5,5
119 * Coves Sepulcre Laureano ESP 1840 5,5
120 Najarro Garcia Jose Maria ESP 1773 5,5
121 Do Rosario Jose ANG 1833 5,5
122 Oliva Llorens Antoni ESP 1924 5,5
123 Puig Carres Josep ESP 1789 5,5
124 Bermingham Tony IRL 1872 5,5
125 Platero Manteca Javier ESP 1719 5,5
126 Garcia Serrano Jose M. ESP 1801 5,5
127 Rincon Carrillo Ricardo COL 1977 5,5
128 Erades Berenguer Ana ESP 1621 5,5
129 **Vaccaroni Juan Manuel ESP 1852 5,5
130 Bornand Herbert SUI 1888 5,5
131 Wlogalski Olivier BEL 1881 5,5
132 Arnot Bob ESP 1829 5,5
133 Maman Emanuel ISR 1777 5,5
134 Marquez Bernal Florencio ESP 1925 5,5
135 Gillespie David Mcphail SCO 1824 5,5
136 Garcia Mira Antonio ESP 1651 5,5
137 Cabrera Guerrero Antonio ESP 1860 5,5
138 Santos Ramos Carlos ESP 1924 5,5
139 Garcia Esteban Ignacio ESP 1867 5,5
140 Costa Grau Adrian ESP 1632 5,5
141 Toledo Vicedo Beltran ESP 1498 5,5
142 * Pimienta Sanchez Manuel ESP 1820 5,5
143 Elnaami Hashem A.K. LBA 1880 5,5
144 Young Mel J ENG 1939 5,5
145 Kohler Paul SUI 1899 5
146 Eizaguerri Floris Maria ESP 1839 5
147 Voet Dirk BEL 1870 5
148 Navascues Zabaleta Jesus ESP 1771 5
149 Sancho Castiello Federico ESP 1817 5
150 Ramos Garcia Miguel ESP 1844 5
151 Ferrandiz Iserte Albert ESP 1939 5
152 Garcia Gimenez Santiago ESP 1661 5
153 Ventura Monfort Javier ESP 1718 5
154 Garcia Martin Juan Manuel ESP 1790 5
155 Rios Torondell Jaume ESP 1901 5
156 Estevez Sacristan Deva ESP 1437 5
157 * Garcia Cervigon Cecilio ESP 1807 5
158 Denekens Chris BEL 1692 5
159 Salgado Gonzalez Julio ESP 1802 5
160 Morant Gomar Sergio ESP 1709 5
161 Espin Lopez Isidoro ESP 1533 5
162 Turegano Moratalla Santiago ESP 0 5
163 Fernandez Garcia Francisco ESP 1848 5
164 Valarezzo Ricard Pedro ESP 1860 5
165 Ijurko Erroizena Jose Angel ESP 1649 5
166 Amat Cerda Andres ESP 1791 5
167 Collins Alan ENG 1764 5
168 Roksvold Thore NOR 1563 5
169 Cano Romero Jose Miguel ESP 1859 5
170 Ramirez Mari Antonio ESP 1705 5
171 Aure Anders Nilsson NOR 1690 5
172 Unver Ibrahim Kaya TUR 1568 5
173 Muratet Carmona Alexandra ESP 1696 5
174 Garcia Oviedo Alejandro ESP 1588 5
175 Teran Pereda Luis ESP 1791 5
176 Alvarez Escudero Manuel ESP 1808 5
177 Kearsley Raymond J ENG 1751 5
178 Agullo Valcarcel Carlos ESP 1699 5
179 Ingunza Lopez Txema ESP 1961 5
180 Rodriguez Gomez Vicente ESP 1949 5
181 Perez Pascual Arturo ESP 1954 5
182 Talavera Moya Salvador ESP 1554 5
183 Anton Prado Augusto ESP 1714 5
184 Pastor Marti Jaume ESP 1713 5
185 Blesa Fernandez Ignacio ESP 1620 5
186 Navarro Rico Lluis ESP 1521 5
187 Todic Simo ITA 1791 5
188 Ruiz De Leon Merlo Esther ESP 1638 5
189 Buenafe Moya Jesus ESP 1807 4,5
190 Chesa Chavarria Aurelio ESP 1729 4,5
191 Mcgovern Patrick SCO 1796 4,5
192 De Esteban De Esteban Valenti ESP 1757 4,5
193 Milchenko Valerii RUS 1787 4,5
194 Alzate Echavarri Cesar August COL 1743 4,5
195 Pordomingo Rodriguez Jose A ESP 1733 4,5
196 Gastesi Urroz Mikel ESP 1690 4,5
197 Orti Boix Miguel ESP 1796 4,5
198 Bono Monreal Alberto ESP 1667 4,5
199 Donazar Garayoa Miguel ESP 1729 4,5
200 Molto Salido Jose ESP 1595 4,5
201 Magdaleno Puche Juan Pedro ESP 1724 4,5
202 Crespo Arce Miguel Angel ESP 1687 4,5
203 Lynch Peter J. IRL 1660 4,5
204 Alvarez Sanchez Julian ESP 1522 4,5
205 Pascual Fuertes Jose Enrique ESP 1738 4,5
206 Alfaro Pinero Asier ESP 1694 4,5
207 Olmos Rosa Fernando ESP 1658 4,5
208 Melcon Diez Enrique ESP 1613 4,5
209 Vivanco Revuelta Jesus Maria ESP 1734 4,5
210 Tyson Terry ESP 1608 4,5
211 **Van Haaften Maarten NED 0 4,5
212 Park Frank SCO 1616 4,5
213 Lario Cortes Jose Maria ESP 1511 4,5
214 Lledo Moll Carles ESP 1596 4,5
215 Van Heuverbeke Paul BEL 1742 4,5
216 Garcia Yepes Miguel Angel ESP 1658 4,5
217 Scholl Alois GER 1718 4,5
218 Van Haaften Adriaan NED 1759 4,5
219 Diaz Begonte Manuel ESP 1734 4,5
220 Ballesteros Cudero Juan Carlo ESP 1598 4,5
221 Escudero Lopez Francisco ESP 1578 4,5
222 Vicente Montes Luis Miguel ESP 1838 4,5
223 Carrasco Guerrero Saul Rafael ESP 1560 4,5
224 Steinschuld Jo NED 1595 4,5
225 Bulova Tatiana RUS 1734 4,5
226 Amilcar Epalanga ANG 0 4,5
227 Velasco Gomez Esperanza ESP 1688 4,5
228 Aledo Yanguas David ESP 1641 4,5
229 Galvan Cipriani Viviana ESP 1768 4
230 Zandi Sigve Saman NOR 1645 4
231 Kuenitz Klaus GER 1645 4
232 Vidal Moscardo Blas ESP 1757 4
233 Atiki Abdessamade MAR 1778 4
234 Iglesias Vidal Jose Luis ESP 1586 4
235 Serra Ujaldon Pau ESP 1643 4
236 Lopez Valverde Rafael ESP 1810 4
237 Yavuz Umit TUR 1511 4
238 Moore Robin SCO 1770 4
239 Altin Halis TUR 1755 4
240 Marce Miracle Joan ESP 1703 4
241 Amoros Perez Manuel ESP 1697 4
242 Torrijos Alhambra Julian ESP 1658 4
243 Gomez Manzano Francisco Carlo ESP 1665 4
244 Pozuelo Yvancos Enrique ESP 1642 4
245 Lloveras Hernanz Jose Antonio ESP 1680 4
246 Glen Hamish SCO 1693 4
247 Kellner Nikolaus AUT 1555 4
248 Muir Ian SCO 0 4
249 Abdelmoumen Ahmed TUN 0 4
250 Shankland John SCO 1405 4
251 Vegara Gallego Pere ESP 1716 4
252 Goncalves Adriano ANG 0 4
253 Volkov Aleksandr RUS 1541 4
254 Tejedor Garcia Adolfo ESP 1703 4
255 Jonckers Marie-Jeanne BEL 1590 4
256 Bannazar Martinez Fernando ESP 1594 4
257 Garcia Sanchez Jose Manuel ESP 1814 4
258 Raro Gualda Javier ESP 1611 4
259 Van Gompel Hugo BEL 1614 4
260 Herce Jimenez Angel ESP 1547 4
261 Halvorsen Benjamin NOR 1518 4
262 Perez Carratala Jose ESP 1555 4
263 Illan Arques Martin ESP 1542 4
264 Van De Perre Patrick BEL 1687 4
265 Roldan Marques Marta ESP 1238 4
266 Nieto Perez Mario ESP 1503 4
267 Carreras Morgado Jorge ESP 1278 4
268 Benito Alba Eladio ESP 1656 4
269 Plaza Rodriguez Ladislao ESP 1405 4
270 Frederic Claude Michel ESP 0 4
271 Rodriguez Gonzalez Miguel Ang ESP 1806 4
272 Robles Vallejo Gustavo ESP 1582 4
273 Kalinskyy Alexander UKR 0 4
274 Clerc Nicolas Pablo ARG 1396 4
275 Garcia-Ines Sanchez Gustavo ESP 1580 4
276 Alonso Igual Ignacio ESP 1851 3,5
277 Planelles Ortega Emilio ESP 1749 3,5
278 Ribon Calabia Mariano ESP 1832 3,5
279 Rico Lucas Mario ESP 1661 3,5
280 Dogan Halit TUR 1504 3,5
281 Gutierrez Gutierrez Francisco ESP 1520 3,5
282 **Sanz Revaliente Jesus ESP 1759 3,5
283 Argemi Camp Jaume ESP 1655 3,5
284 Criado Herrero Luis ESP 1507 3,5
285 Sanz Fuentes Julio ESP 1653 3,5
286 Zuniga Ortega Milton De Jesus ESP 1481 3,5
287 Sierra Bermejo Gregorio ESP 1608 3,5
288 Jaumandreu Llopis Antonio ESP 1520 3,5
289 Mengual Jerez Antoni ESP 1800 3,5
290 Barkov Naglia Ilya ESP 1290 3,5
291 Valverde Solana Laureano ESP 1526 3,5
292 Del Amo Delgado Pedro ESP 1549 3,5
293 Vidal Mira Rafael ESP 0 3,5
294 Domene Corral Jose Luis ESP 1448 3,5
295 Sanz Ortiz Joaquim ESP 1524 3,5
296 Taquet Eric ESP 1488 3,5
297 Jara Garcia Antonio ESP 1391 3,5
298 Zapatel Benito Agustin ESP 1502 3,5
299 Garcia Peco Antonio ESP 1539 3,5
300 Del Valle Domenech Trinidad ESP 1492 3,5
301 Marco Catala Juan Bautista ESP 1698 3
302 Alberola Reig Francisco ESP 1449 3
303 Perez-Seoane Garrido Joaquin ESP 1575 3
304 Achen Denis BEL 1639 3
305 Rico Sanchez Julio ESP 1819 3
306 Calani Mamani Bella Mar ESP 0 3
307 Febrero Perez Lluis ESP 1581 3
308 Al-Shahrour Omar ESP 1578 3
309 Acebal Muniz Maria Concepcion ESP 1249 3
310 Giralt Toro Julio ESP 1570 3
311 Garcia Castany Jose ESP 1458 3
312 Aizpurua Zufiria Inaki ESP 1484 3
313 Desenfans Jacques BEL 0 3
314 Perez Gama Francisco Jose ESP 0 3
315 Moral Gonzalez Vicente ESP 1468 3
316 Moreno Bello Miguel ESP 1649 2,5
317 Acebal Muniz Julio Alberto ESP 1573 2,5
318 Grela Franciszek POL 0 2,5
319 Eduardo Manrique Esteban ESP 1411 2,5
320 Espinosa Aparicio Enrique ESP 1336 2,5
321 Ostrowski Michal POL 1302 2,5
322 Hendrix Theo BEL 1644 2,5
323 Llopis Cano Marilo ESP 0 2,5
324 Tsupiy Andrey ESP 1027 2,5
325 Pasaron Martinez Francisco ESP 1500 2,5
326 **Quintero Bolivar Moises F. VEN 0 2,5
327 Hall Rachid ESP 1987 2
328 Llaneras Henarejos Miguel ESP 1718 2
329 Muela Muela Miguel Angel ESP 1790 2
330 Moron Moli Jesus Roberto ESP 0 2
331 Garzon Negrete Martin Felipe ESP 1832 2
332 Duller Llopis Jouke ESP 1555 2
333 Tsupiy Fedor ESP 0 2
334 Rostokin Andrey ESP 0 2
335 Calani Mamani Eduardo Ranses ESP 0 2
336 Izquierdo Fuster Joan ESP 1176 1,5
337 Svendsen Trond Ove NOR 0 1,5
338 Casal Martin Jose M ESP 1482 0,5
339 Reginaldo Huix Pere ESP 1861 0,5
Tveten Per NOR 1603 0,5
341 Magallanes Gustavo ARG 1986 0
Gama Edivaldo Jr ANG 1961 0
Cervello I Tost Roger ESP 1960 0
Baltazar Celso ANG 1931 0
Louvrier Saint-Mary Jean-Roge FRA 1906 0
Mousavi Emadeddin IRI 1901 0
Gomez Lopez Pedro ESP 1878 0
Ribeiro Abilio ANG 1864 0
Fernandes Silvio ANG 1855 0
Zotes Flecha Luis ESP 1835 0
Carrasco Fernandez Manuel ESP 1762 0
Ferrero Sanchis Enrique ESP 1731 0
Lin Hu Victor ESP 1662 0
Gomez Maestro Gustavo ESP 1607 0
Armaan Jal Gala IND 1601 0
Selvaradje Partibane FRA 1599 0
Durga Nagesh Wr Guttula IND 1528 0
Garcia Asensio Francisco Javi ESP 1429 0
Maneklal Tushar IND 1368 0
Lin Hu Yangjie ESP 1356 0
Baktache Hamza TUN 0 0
Ben Said Elyles TUN 0 0
Da Silva Junior ANG 0 0
Mourad Souii TUN 0 0
Mukhtarov Leonid RUS 0 0
Osvaldo Cabira ANG 0 0
Roman Garcia Ramon ESP 0 0
Silva Belchor E ANG 0 0

Champions Cup final standings:

1 IM Kovacevic Slobodan SRB 6
2 Jimenez Martinez Jose Vicente ESP 6
3 FM Roca Galarza Jose ESP 5,5
4 FM Sos Andreu Eric ESP 5
5 IM Granero Roca Antonio ESP 5
6 IM Garcia Fernandez Carlos ESP 5
7 FM Clement Gomez Jose Antonio ESP 5
8 IM Campos Gambuti Luis Maria ESP 5
9 FM Pallardo Lozoya Jose Vicente ESP 4,5
10 Torres Sanchez Jose ESP 4,5
11 GM Plaskett H James ENG 4,5
12 Cano Gimenez Vicente ESP 4
13 Aymerich Rosell Pablo ESP 4
14 FM Buenafe Moya Javier ESP 4
15 Sanchez Barbado Carlos ESP 4
16 Bendayan Claros Aaron ESP 4
17 Ibanez Aullana Ramon ESP 4
18 FM Diaz Velandia Jose Manuel VEN 4
19 CM Colls Gelaberto Emili ESP 4
20 FM Valmana Canto Jaime ESP 4
21 FM Pena Riasco Alexander COL 4
22 Martinez Tormo Jorge ESP 4
23 FM Sanchez Saez Francisco ESP 3,5
24 FM Sanchez Botella Luis Javier ESP 3,5
25 Serarols Mabras Bernat ESP 3,5
26 Perez Gisbert Santiago ESP 3
27 Valentin Pascual Cesar ESP 3
28 Aguado Crespo Antonio ESP 3
29 Ribera Cebolla Marc ESP 3
30 Madero Sergio ECU 3
31 Garcia Amoros Pablo ESP 3
32 Uran Bermudez Oliver Kevin VEN 3
33 Cebrian Flores Juan Antonio ESP 3
34 Gomez Sanjuan Hector Fernando ESP 2,5
35 Boj Marques Javier ESP 2
36 FM Lacrosse Marc BEL 2
37 Galiana Fernandez Adrian ESP 2
38 Perez Pardo Sergio Ivan ESP 2
39 Garcia Martin Marta ESP 2
40 Fernandez Garcia Leon ESP 2
41 Garcia Perez Ramon ESP 1,5
42 Aledo Yanguas Javier ESP 1,5
43 Perez Pardo Adrian Jason ESP 1
44 Verdu Vazquez Sergio ESP 0

Champions Cup U16

1 Ribera Cebolla Marc Alzi ESP 2129 6,5
2 Perez Gisbert Santiago Tabi ESP 1812 6,5
3 Lucas Leon Angel Vale ESP 1968 5
4 Fernandez Garcia Leon JuvM ESP 1662 4,5
5 Daza Lopez Andres Felipe Elda ESP 1700 4
6 Ruiz Monsalve Ricardo Suec ESP 1514 4
7 Domenech Briz Vicente 1Mel ESP 1432 4
8 Ramirez Aucejo Hector Quar ESP 1707 3,5
9 Costa Grau Adrian Sill ESP 1632 3
10 Sanchez Segura Manuel Turi ESP 1333 3
11 Albuixec Soler Jordi 1Coc ESP 1394 3
12 Carrasco Guerrero Saul Rafael IOrg ESP 1560 3
13 Benitez Santos Luis Mari ESP 0 2,5
14 Cruanes Andres Hector IAV ESP 1435 2
15 Corazza Alcoy Victor 1Ala ESP 1467 1,5

Champions Cup U14

1 Aledo Yanguas Javier ESP 1838 6
2 Gomez Sanjuan Hector Fernando ESP 2023 5
3 Garcia Sancho Josep ESP 1821 5
4 Garcia Martin Marta ESP 1913 5
5 Serra Ujaldon Pau ESP 1643 5
6 Galiana Fernandez Adrian ESP 2048 4,5
7 Hernandez Torralba Jose Joaqu ESP 1740 4,5
8 Gonzalvez Tamarit Ivan ESP 1792 4
9 Toledo Vicedo Beltran ESP 1498 4
10 Bono Monreal Alberto ESP 1667 4
11 Garcia Oviedo Alejandro ESP 1588 4
12 Barkov Naglia Ilya ESP 1290 4
13 Juan Beneyto Daniel ESP 1528 4
14 Nieves Cabanes Jose Manuel ESP 1970 3,5
15 Navarro Rico Lluis ESP 1521 3,5
16 Martinez Robles Pablo Javier ESP 1440 3,5
17 Lopez Shukina Diego ESP 1468 3
18 Salas Izquierdo Josep ESP 0 3
Morant Pizarro Sebastia ESP 0 3
20 Carmona Huertas Juan Antonio ESP 1668 3
21 Roca Albiol Paco ESP 0 2,5
22 Ventura Cobos Ana ESP 1319 2
23 Jarque Serrano Guillermo ESP 0 2
24 Diaz Gazolaz Sergio ESP 0 2
25 Bartroli Tejada Marc ESP 0 1
26 Bosca Martinez Joel ESP 1395 0

Champions Cup U12

1 Aledo Yanguas David 1641 6
2 Garcia Gimenez Santiago 1661 5,5
3 Garcia Fajardo Gonzalo 1468 5,5
4 Gargallo Catalan Oscar 1426 5
5 Torcal Miguel Oscar 1818 4,5
6 Gonzalvez Tamarit Ruben 1785 4,5
7 Munera Agis Juan 1381 4,5
8 Gil Lopez Alejandro 1522 4
9 Guardiola Guillot Lucas 1544 4
10 Primo Garcia Jaume 1431 4
11 Miralles Birlanga Lorenzo 1440 4
12 Pallas Moragues Gerard 1395 4
13 Egea Herrero Albert 1252 3,5
14 Mira Barea Aaron 1333 3
Sempere Domenech Abel 0 3
16 Lagunas Gualda Guillermo 1330 3
17 Macian Andreu Carlos 0 3
18 Recatala Pesudo Jose 0 3
19 Puig Perez Jordi 0 3
20 Perez Valtuena Yago 0 3
21 Gomez Garcia Rubio Alberto 1184 2
22 Pastor Jorda Nerea 1057 1
23 Alcalde Gozalvez Javier 0 1
24 Serrano Perez Mireia 0 1
25 Hernandez Coloma Alvaro 0 0
Palomo Carot Miguel 0 0

Champions Cup U10

1 Cubells Vazquez Pablo ESP 1648 6,5
2 Galvan Cipriani Viviana ESP 1768 5,5
3 Carbonell Sancho Marc ESP 1694 5
4 Lin Hu Yangjie ESP 1356 5
5 Luque Saiz Andres ESP 1501 4,5
6 Sanleon Pravisano Nieves ESP 1443 4,5
7 Bertomeu Ginestar Antoni ESP 0 4,5
8 Sargsyan Manukyan Gurgen ESP 1056 4
9 Asins Munoz Miquel ESP 1331 4
10 Follana Albelda Lucia ESP 1187 4
11 Bosch Jorda Ricard ESP 0 4
12 Izquierdo Carbellido Pablo ESP 1287 4
13 Duller Llopis Jouke ESP 1555 3,5
14 Jimenez Fernandez Rebeca ESP 1215 3,5
15 Bellon Solsona Nicolas ESP 0 3
16 Saez Ortiz Nestor ESP 0 3
17 Albuixec Soler Sergi ESP 0 3
18 Gomez Garcia Rubio Hector ESP 0 3
19 Moscardo Ignacio Gabriel ESP 0 3
20 Rodriguez Soldevilla Alejandr ESP 1213 3
21 Domenech Briz Jose ESP 0 2,5
22 Montero Blanch Alberto ESP 1219 2
23 Notario Poveda Oscar ESP 0 2
24 Ramon Mateu Carla ESP 0 2
25 Quiros Ventura Andreu ESP 0 2
26 Sabater Vanaclocha Nicolas ESP 0 0

Champions Cup U8

1 Perez Estelles Pablo ESP 1190 6
2 Garijo Perez Hugo ESP 0 5,5
3 Perez Rico Miguel ESP 1218 5
4 Ordonez Carrasco Jorge ESP 1573 5
5 Sanmartin Hernandez Joan ESP 1233 5
6 Villagordo Espinosa Carlos ESP 0 4,5
7 Perez Travieso Saul ESP 0 4
8 Saez Ortiz Dario ESP 0 4
9 Cayon Pelaez Pablo ESP 0 4
10 Macias Pino Diego ESP 0 4
11 Valera Espejo Javier ESP 0 4
12 Egea Herrero Josep ESP 0 3
13 Parreno Banuls Raul ESP 1267 3
14 Cazacu Denis ESP 0 3
15 Alonso Pascual Marc ESP 0 3
16 Llorens Vizcarro Gracia ESP 0 3
17 Lapena Capilla Joel ESP 0 2,5
18 Bellver Gorshenin Maxim ESP 0 2,5
19 Serrano Perez Marta ESP 0 2
20 Sanchez Bea Juan ESP 0 2
21 Tudela Gonzalez Victor ESP 0 1
22 Romero Ferrer Luis ESP 0 0

The Al Ain Chess Club is organizing the 3rd Al Ain Chess Classic, a 9-round Swiss open tournament, from 18-27th December 2014 at the Al Ain Rotana Hili Hotel.

The top prizes are 1st $11,000 / $8,500 / $6,000 / $4,500 / $3,000 / $2,000 etc (20 regular prizes). There are also special prizes for women, juniors, regional players and elo sections.

At the present 127 players from 25 federations are registered to compete in the tournament. Among them are 54 Grandmasters and 18 International Masters.

Last year winner was GM Abhijeet Gupta.

Al Ain Rotana Hili Hotel

Participants:

1 GM Kuzubov Yuriy UKR 2701
2 GM Zhigalko Sergei BLR 2672
3 GM Kryvoruchko Yuriy UKR 2671
4 GM Areshchenko Alexander UKR 2666
5 GM Mamedov Rauf AZE 2658
6 GM Petrosian Tigran L. ARM 2651
7 GM Shankland Samuel L USA 2642
8 GM Lupulescu Constantin ROU 2640
9 GM Gupta Abhijeet IND 2632
10 GM Safarli Eltaj AZE 2628
11 GM Mchedlishvili Mikheil GEO 2625
12 GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi IND 2625
13 GM Oleksienko Mikhailo UKR 2621
14 GM Miroshnichenko Evgenij UKR 2618
15 GM Pashikian Arman ARM 2617
16 GM Onischuk Vladimir UKR 2614
17 GM Iordachescu Viorel MDA 2611
18 GM Sandipan Chanda IND 2599
19 GM Volkov Sergey RUS 2599
20 GM Guseinov Gadir AZE 2592
21 GM Gopal G.N. IND 2580
22 GM Parligras Mircea-Emilian ROU 2580
23 GM Ter-Sahakyan Samvel ARM 2580
24 GM Kravtsiv Martyn UKR 2576
25 GM Kolev Atanas BUL 2572
26 GM Kovchan Alexander UKR 2569
27 GM Sengupta Deep IND 2566
28 GM Danin Alexandre RUS 2562
29 GM Nevednichy Vladislav ROU 2551
30 GM Pap Gyula HUN 2541
31 GM Kovalev Vladislav BLR 2539
32 GM Nigalidze Gaioz GEO 2536
33 GM Malakhatko Vadim BEL 2533
34 GM Moskalenko Viktor ESP 2528
35 GM Gasanov Eldar UKR 2526
36 GM Abasov Nijat AZE 2509
37 IM Mammadov Zaur AZE 2505
38 GM Ankit R. Rajpara IND 2494
39 GM Bajarani Ulvi AZE 2494
40 GM Shyam Sundar M. IND 2484
41 GM Arun Prasad S. IND 2482
42 GM Babujian Levon ARM 2471
43 Sagar Shah IND 2468
44 GM Vishnu Prasanna. V IND 2463
45 GM Darini Pouria IRI 2458
46 GM Bakre Tejas IND 2454
47 IM Khurtsidze Nino GEO 2451
48 IM Das Sayantan IND 2444
49 GM Hayrapetyan Hovik ARM 2441
50 IM Pourramezanali Amirreza IRI 2427
51 FM Sadikhov Ulvi BEL 2414
52 IM Gagare Shardul IND 2411
53 FM Petrosyan Manuel ARM 2407
54 IM Bulmaga Irina ROU 2392
55 IM Karavade Eesha IND 2392
56 FM Tologontegin Semetey KGZ 2391
57 GM Lazarev Vladimir FRA 2387
58 IM Abdyjapar Asyl KGZ 2385
59 IM Sharma Dinesh K. IND 2380
60 WGM Khademalsharieh Sarasadat IRI 2378
61 WGM Nakhbayeva Guliskhan KAZ 2378
62 WGM Mammadova Gulnar AZE 2354
63 IM Abdulov Orkhan AZE 2350
64 IM Omar Noaman UAE 2346
65 IM Morchiashvili Bachana GEO 2337
66 Mosadeghpour Masoud IRI 2337
67 WGM Soumya Swaminathan IND 2330
68 IM Vijayalakshmi Subbaraman IND 2329
69 FM Gholami Aryan IRI 2320
70 WGM Pourkashiyan Atousa IRI 2312
71 WGM Kursova Maria ARM 2305
72 FM Thakur Akash IND 2302
73 WIM Abdulla Khayala AZE 2299
74 WIM Hejazipour Mitra IRI 2297
75 FM Harshal Shahi IND 2296
76 CM Gasimov Parviz AZE 2295
77 FM Mohannad Farhan JOR 2281
78 IM Galojan Lilit ARM 2275
79 Nasri Amin IRI 2275
80 WGM Safranska Anda FRA 2267
81 CM Puranik Abhimanyu IND 2255
82 WGM Mirzoeva Elmira RUS 2246
83 WCM Hojjatova Aydan AZE 2217
84 FM Saeed Ishaq UAE 2212
85 IM Berezina Irina AUS 2200
86 WFM Derakhshani Dorsa IRI 2188
87 Nandhidhaa Pv IND 2177
88 IM Feldman Vladimir AUS 2168
89 Huseynov Shahin AZE 2162
90 WFM Khalafova Narmin AZE 2161
91 Aliyev Elnur AZE 2141
92 WFM Vaishali R IND 2134
93 Bahari Rad Alireza IRI 2129
94 Sameir Ramez EGY 2128
95 Raja Harshit IND 2116
96 WFM Pujari Rucha IND 2109
97 FM Praggnanandhaa R IND 2104
98 Safarov Zirva AZE 2104
99 WCM Mammadova Narmin AZE 2092
100 CM Bunyatov Rustam AZE 2077
101 FM Sultan Ibrahim UAE 2062
102 Mokal Amruta Sunil IND 2054
103 Jayakumaar S IND 2053
104 CM Asadli Vugar AZE 2043
105 Mohd A. Altaher UAE 2039
106 CM Derakhshani Borna IRI 1979
107 FM Elmejbri Ali A. LBA 1954
108 Afshar Niusha IRI 1954
109 Abdulkarim Ali UAE 1943
110 Almajbari Abdalla Ali LBA 1942
111 Rafee Mohd Hayel SYR 1931
112 CM Ahmadzada Ahmad AZE 1912
113 Ahmed Fareed UAE 1911
114 Ahadzade Kanan AZE 1909
115 FM Mayed Alrashedi UAE 1908
116 Soyunlu Narmin AZE 1878
117 Abdulla Ali UAE 1747
118 Ali Abdulaziz UAE 1718
119 Atakishiyev Elmar AZE 1648
120 Karunanayake Mayuri SRI 1647
121 Talal Al-Hammadi UAE 1622
122 Morsy Nader EGY 1589
123 Talibov Uzeyir AZE 1577
124 Rashid Shaeri UAE 1377
125 Alur Varun IND 1350
126 Orujova Najiba AZE 1332
127 Sidharth Balaji Sridharan IND 1114

Varuzhan Akobian

GM Varuzhan Akobian leads GM Julio Becerra 1.5-0.5 in a six game match that began Monday, December 8th.   The match will conclude Wednesday, December 10th.

The event is sponsored by Falbo Knows Tennis and is being held at the Spring Hill Suites in Lawrence, Kansas.

The rounds begin at 10 am CST and 5 pm CST each day.  The time control of G/90 plus 30 second increment.  

FA Bill Broich is the Chief Arbiter and NA Brian Yang is streaming the match.  To follow the match, go to http://www.twitch.tv/acerook

Watch live video from Acerook on www.twitch.tv

Former under 12 world champion Deep Sengupta emerged sole leader with 4.5 points, at the end of the sixth round of the SIB-CMS National Premier Chess Championship, organised by Kottayam Chess Academy.

He defeated IM Swayams Mishra of Orissa, whereas joint leader MR Lalith Babu was grounded by Delhi’s Sahaj Grover and the other co leader SP Sethuraman had a rest day.

Replay games with analysis

Deep Sengupta outwitted IM Swayams Mishra to lead with 4.5 points

GM Deepan Chakkaravarthy of Railways is trailing by half a point. The thirteen player round robin tournament has an average of 2487, a category 10 event.

Deep was slow and steady in developing his pieces against IM Swayams Mishra of Odisha in Slav defence game. After gaining an exchange Deep’s march past of the a- pawn towards eighth rank prompted Swayms to resign the game.

Young Delhi grandmaster Sahaj Grover was in his elements, when he over powered GM Lalith Babu of PSPB in a Queens Indian defence game. Playing White, Lalith broke open his opponent’s king side, preventing Sahaj from castling. Sahaj retaliated by sacrificing a bishop to tear open Lalith’s king side. Lalith resigned on 34th move, realising the danger of getting checkmated.

Sahaj Grover had a good win over GM Lalith Babu

In a Kings Indian defence, Deepan sacrificed his bishop to obtain a better position on the king side, leading to a chain if three connected pawns at the centre, against VAV Rajesh of TN. Rajesh had to forego his queen for a rook. Rajesh fought valiantly in a rook and pawns vs queen ending, but in vain. Deepan triumphed after 79 moves.

Twice national champion GM Abhijit Kunte of PSPB made short work of Railways’ international master P. Karthikeyan in just 20 moves of a Kings Indian defence, played by the latter. Karthikeyan’s pseudo sacrifice of his bishop did not work out and he resigned, when he was about to lose the exchange as well as a pawn.

Former under 14 world champion Vidit Santosh Gujrathi had to be content with a draw against Tamil Nadu IM P. Shyam Nikil in a Grunfeld defence in 35 moves. Railways team mates grandmaster RR Laxman and IM PDS GIrinath agreed for a quick and formal draw in 15 moves, after repeating their positions in a Ruy Lopez game.

Results of sixth round:
2566 GM Sengupta Deep 1 – 0 IM Swayams Mishra 2491
2333 IM Girinath P.D.S. ½ – ½ GM Laxman R.R. 2408
2547 GM Lalith Babu M.R. 0 – 1 GM Grover Sahaj 2505
2480 GM Kunte Abhijit 1 – 0 IM Karthikeyan P. 2400
2625 GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi ½ – ½ IM Shyam Nikil P. 2454
2408 IM Rajesh V A V 0 – 1 GM Deepan Chakkravarthy J. 2489
2622 GM Sethuraman S.P. bye

Report by R. Anantharam

The 4th Women Grandmaster Chess Tournament Memorial of Krystyna Holuj-Radzikowska kicked off at the Chess Club KSz Polonia Wrocław in Wroclaw, the largest city in western Poland.

The tournament is organized by the Polish Chess Federation, Chess Club KSz Polonia Wrocław and Lower Silesian Chess Federation from 10th to 18th December 2014 in a 10-player female round-robin format with an average Elo rating 2406.

The whole Polish Olympic female takes part in the event (GM Socko Monika 2470, WGM Zawadzka Jolanta 2419, WGM Szczepkowska-Horowska Karina 2398, WGM Bartel Marta 2366 and WGM Kulon Klaudia 2332), together with 5 foreign players (IM Mkrtchian Lilit ARM 2450, IM Ziaziulkina Nastassia BLR 2427, IM Matnadze Ana ESP 2411, IM Vega Gutierrez Sabrina ESP 2405 and WGM Videnova Iva BUL 2379).

The participants were welcomed by the Polish sports legend Renata Mauer-Różańska, two-time Olympic champion in shooting, GM Włodzimierz Schmidt, seven-time Polish champion with many trophies behind, Wojciech Zawadzki, the organizer of the tournament, while GM Wojciech Moranda represented the players with individual resume for each of them.

More about WGM Krystyna Holuj-Radzikowska:
WGM Krystyna Holuj-Radzikowska (5th February 1931, – 29th November 2006) was a Polish chess Woman Grandmaster (WGM), nine-time Polish Champion for women (1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1966, and 1969).
She represented Poland in five chess Olympiads (1957-1972), meanwhile winning two individual medals: gold (Emmen 1957) and bronze (Skopje 1972).

Round 1 results:

Round 2 pairings:

Tournament website/ More information about the participants

The organizers kindly provided souvenirs from Wroclaw, chocolates and sweets, while black and white wooden pawns, with numbers underneath, were used for the drawing of lots

The chess club “Polonia” Wroclaw has plenty of trophies, medals and photo memories

Christmas atmosphere all around in Wroclaw

Wroclaw has more than 300 dwarfs spread all over the city. There is even dwarf’s map and mobile application software for those who would like to track them

The Pavlodar Open 2014 took place from 1-10th December in Pavlodar, a city in northeastern Kazakhstan.

The tournament was devoted to the Republic of Kazakhstan Independence Day and organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Management of tourism, physical training and sports of the Pavlodar area, and Pavlodar Chess Federation.

100 players competed in the 10-rounds Swiss event for the prize fund of USD 10,000.

Russian Grandmaster Sergey Volkov convincingly won the tournament with 8,5/10 points, leaving the chasing pack a full point behind.

Final standings:
1.Volkov Sergey – 8,5
2-6. Bezgodov Alexei, Aleksandrov Aleksej, Burmakin Vladimir, Maletin Pavel and Zubarev Alexander – 7,5
7-10. Andriasian Zaven, Kassimov Baurzhan, Kuderinov Kirill and Korchmar Vasiliy – 7,0
11-17. Jumabayev Rinat, Khanin Semen, Vokarev Sergey, Khusnutdinov Rustam, Temirbayev Serikbay, Iskusnyh Sergei and Akkozov Berik – 6,5 etc

Official website

GM Hannes Stefansson and reigning champion of Iceland IM Gudmundur Kjartansson shared the first place in San Salvador Chess Open with 7,5/9 points each.

San Salvador Chess Open was held from 5-10th December at the Palacio de los Deportes INDES in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The 9-round Swiss event was organized by the Federacion Salvadoreña de Ajedrez and offered $8000 in prizes.

A total of 131 players from 12 countries competed, including 8 Grandmasters and 10 International Masters.

Palacio de los Deportes INDES

Final standings:

1. GM Stefansson Hannes ISL 2564 – 7.5
2. IM Kjartansson Gudmundur ISL 2451 – 7.5
3. GM Iturrizaga Bonelli Eduardo VEN 2654 – 7
4. WGM Marrero Lopez Yaniet CUB 2283 – 7
5. GM Ramirez Alejandro USA 2579 – 7
6. FM Cu Hor Winston Darwin GUA 2286 – 7
7. IM Juarez Flores Carlos A. GUA 2427 – 7
8. FM Sanchez Alvarez Roberto Carlo CUB 2390 – 6.5
9. IM Kaufman Raymond USA 2315 – 6.5
10. IM Davila Carlos NCA 2279 – 6.5
11. FM Sanchez Jorge PAN 2078 – 6.5
12. GM Almeida Quintana Omar CUB 2485 – 6
13. GM Martinez Duany Lelys Stanley CUB 2484 – 6
14. GM Romero Holmes Alfonso ESP 2470 – 6
15. IM Leyva Hector ESA 2336 – 6
16. IM Baules Jorge PAN 2348 – 6
17. IM Arias Lemnys A. ESA 2328 – 6
18. WIM Llaudy Pupo Lisandra CUB 2217 – 6
19. Cardenas Carbajal Nilson HON 2037 – 6
20. FM Garcia Ricardo Nca NCA 2174 – 6
21. FM Chavez Ricardo Ernesto ESA 2199 – 6
22. WFM Sanchez Ingrid ESA 1995 – 6
23. FM Galvez Dastin Eduardo GUA 2156 – 6
24. FM Reyes Najera Carlos A. GUA 2120 – 6
25. Zepeda Rafael ESA 2025 – 5.5
26. WGM Arribas Robaina Maritza CUB 2308 – 5.5
27. IM Lorenzana Wilson Estuardo GUA 2207 – 5.5
28. FM Arias Daniel ESA 2206 – 5.5
29. CM Giron Jorge Ernesto ESA 2061 – 5.5
30. WFM Madrigal Ana Daniela NCA 2015 – 5.5
31. FM Martinez Nelson ESA 2142 – 5.5
32. Chavez Hector Eduardo ESA 2146 – 5.5
33. IM Madrigal Mariano NCA 2195 – 5.5
34. Ayala Rolando ESA 1973 – 5.5
35. Guzman Oswaldo GUA 2086 – 5.5
36. Alvarez Carlos ESA 2029 – 5.5
37. Zometa Miguel ESA 1932 – 5.5
38. Fonseca Cabrera Ernesto NCA 2225 – 5
39. Duarte Juan ESA 1926 – 5
40. FM Fuentes Adrian PAN 2189 – 5
41. Melara Moises ESA 1699 – 5
42. Godoy Erick David ESA 1905 – 5
43. Navarrete Guillermo ESA 1693 – 5
44. Mira Felix ESA 1993 – 5
45. Ruiz Caceres German ESA 0 – 5
46. Blanco David E. ESA 1983 – 5
47. FM Hernandez Diego ESA 1979 – 5
48. Mendez Alan Steven ESA 1763 – 5
49. Tobar Jorge ESA 1976 – 5
50. Zavala Galindo Alejandra Beat ESA 1742 – 5
51. Sandoval Mario ESA 1806 – 5
52. Hernandez Bera ESA 1823 – 4.5
53. FM Quinonez Centeno Carlos David GUA 2282 – 4.5
54. WFM Melendez Gabriela ESA 1884 – 4.5
55. Sanchez David ESA 1828 – 4.5
56. Cotto Mux Hector Vinicio GUA 1902 – 4.5
57. Blandon Jaime ESA 1899 – 4.5
58. Hernandez Mauricio Daniel ESA 1966 – 4.5
59. Barrientos Freddy ESA 1893 – 4.5
60. Leiva Marlon ESA 1842 – 4.5
61. Pinto Alejandro ESA 1742 – 4.5
62. Palencia Julio GUA 0 – 4.5
63. WCM Ortez Andrea ESA 1652 – 4.5
64. Umana David ESA 0 – 4.5
65. Morera Campos Yanori Maria CRC 1735 – 4.5
66. Melendez Jose Edo. ESA 1716 – 4.5
67. Cruz Lima Kimberly Esmeralda GUA 1792 – 4.5
68. WCM Salas Torres Pamela CRC 1686 – 4.5
69. CM Santos Oliver ESA 0 – 4.5
70. Castillo Nelson ESA 0 – 4.5
71. Natareno Elvia GUA 1673 – 4.5
72. Munoz Randall ESA 1701 – 4.5
73. Mora Eduardo GUA 0 – 4
74. Palacios Celina ESA 1602 – 4
75. Zelaya Porfirio ESA 2192 – 4
76. Rodriguez Cristian A. ESA 1859 – 4
77. Lopez Fabian GUA 1776 – 4
78. WCM Garcia Alcira ESA 1736 – 4
79. Pacheco Julio ESA 1978 – 4
80. Reynosa Kevin ESA 0 – 4
81. CM Vargas Rogelio PAN 1710 – 4
82. Murillo Victor M. ESA 1896 – 4
83. WCM De Leon Stephanie ESA 1634 – 4
84. Valencia Oscar ESA 1729 – 4
85. Medrano Daniel ESA 1458 – 4
86. Cornejo Milton ESA 1626 – 4
87. Montenegro Joaquin ESA 1675 – 4
88. Herrera Marjorie ESA 1535 – 4
89. Rodriguez Wilfredo ESA 0 – 3.5
90. Chavez Hector Antonio ESA 1886 – 3.5
91. Guido Rene NCA 1812 – 3.5
92. Guardado Flores Diana Beatriz ESA 1648 – 3.5
93. Santos Judith ESA 1547 – 3.5
94. Angel Fabricio ESA 0 – 3.5
95. Martinez Josue ESA 1745 – 3.5
96. Hernandez David ESA 0 – 3.5
97. Magaña Jeremias ESA 0 – 3.5
98. Brizuela Ruben ESA 0 – 3.5
99. Cotto Mux Guillermo Vinicio GUA 0 – 3.5
100. Ruballo Jose ESA 1696 – 3
101. Parada Elvis ESA 0 – 3
102. Romero Gustavo ESA 1672 – 3
103. Pertuz Armando Marenco BRA 0 – 3
104. CM Perez Damaris Nicole ESA 0 – 3
105. Landaverde Isai ESA 0 – 3
106. Meza Luis ESA 0 – 3
107. Castillo Carlos Emilio ESA 0 – 3
108. Medrano Camilo ESA 0 – 3
109. Monge Rafael ESA 0 – 3
110. Perez Gavidia Armando ESA 0 – 3
111. Baldeomar Carlos Marcelo ESA 0 – 3
112. Quijano Juan Marcos ESA 0 – 3
113. Perez Salazar Armando ESA 0 – 3
114. Serrano Wilber ESA 0 – 2.5
115. Vargas Perez Armando ESA 0 – 2.5
116. Acosta Eduardo ESA 0 – 2.5
117. Carrillo Jose Antonio PAN 1832 – 2
118. Acosta Vladimiro ESA 0 – 2
119. Garcia Daniel Alejandro ESA 0 – 2
120. Castro Carlos ESA 0 – 2
121. CM Melara Josue ESA 0 – 2
122. Linares Nelson ESA 0 – 1.5
123. Huezo Alvaro ESA 0 – 1.5
124. Cruz Armando ESA 0 – 1.5
125. Rodriguez Luis Roberto GUA 0 – 1.5
126. Carias Isaias ESA 0 – 1.5
127. Alas Karla ESA 0 – 1
128. WCM Perez Judith Estefani ESA 0 – 1
129. Torres Luis Felipe ESA 0 – 0.5
130. Ramos Mateo ESA 0 – 0.5
131. Godoy Carlos Alberto HON 0 – 0.5

The Hungarian Chess Federation (HCF) is holding the World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad for teams in Győr (Hungary) from 12th December (arrival) to 22nd December (departure). The U-16 Youth Olympiad is conducted under the auspices of FIDE.

The tournament venue is located in the University of Győr (Nyugat- Magyarorszagi Egyetem), Liszt Ferenc út 42.

Players who shall not have reached the age of 16, by January 1st 2014, (Date of Birth 1998 and after) are entitled to participate.

The tournament will run on a 10 Round Swiss System. Each team is composed 4 players and 1 reserve (one of whom must be a girl) and 1 captain (or Manager, Trainer). Full lists below.

Live Games / Official Website

World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad 2014 Participants:

1. India
1 IM Karthikeyan Murali 2497 IND
2 IM Ghosh Diptayan 2516 IND
3 Kumaran B 2316 IND
4 IM Aravindh Chithambaram Vr. 2476 IND
5 WFM Monnisha Gk 2110 IND

2. Germany
1 IM Donchenko Alexander 2523 GER
2 FM Schroeder Jan-Christian 2390 GER
3 Perske Thore 2402 GER
4 Vogel Roven 2401 GER
5 Sieber Fiona 2019 GER

3. Russia
1 WGM Goryachkina Aleksandra 2441 RUS
2 Litvinov Maxim 2238 RUS
3 IM Paravyan David 2437 RUS
4 Sarana Alexey 2391 RUS
5 IM Vavulin Maksim 2430 RUS

4. Ukraine
1 FM Matviishen Viktor 2383 UKR
2 IM Vetoshko Volodymyr 2424 UKR
3 FM Vorontsov Pavlo 2374 UKR
4 WFM Osmak Iulija 2426 UKR
5 FM Shtembuliak Evgeny 2257 UKR

5. Hungary 1
1 IM Gledura Benjamin 2450 HUN
2 IM Korpa Bence 2415 HUN
3 IM Kantor Gergely 2385 HUN
4 FM Antal Tibor Kende 2292 HUN
5 Gal Hanna Krisztina 2061 HUN

6. Canada 1
1 IM Preotu Razvan 2441 CAN
2 IM Wang Richard 2363 CAN
3 FM Cao Jason 2309 CAN
4 Song Michael 2257 CAN
5 WFM Zhou Qiyu 2156 CAN

7. Romania
1 FM Deac Bogdan-Daniel 2391 ROU
2 FM Costachi Mihnea 2356 ROU
3 Dolana Andrei-Theodor 2279 ROU
4 Toma Radu-Cristian 2255 ROU
5 Cusmuliuc Diana-Elena 2013 ROU

8. Greece
1 Drakoulakos Grigorios 2334 GRE
2 FM Kourkoulos-Arditis Stamatis 2294 GRE
3 Theodorou Nikolas 2321 GRE
4 Tsiros Fragkiskos Vlasios 2147 GRE
5 WFM Tsolakidou Stavroula 2290 GRE

9. Hungary 2
1 Havasi Gergo 2353 HUN
2 FM Kozak Adam 2307 HUN
3 FM Juhasz Armin 2268 HUN
4 Zsirai Peter 2301 HUN
5 Werner Anna 1999 HUN

10. Turkey
1 IM Sanal Vahap 2452 TUR
2 IM Ali Marandi Cemil Can 2423 TUR
3 FM Sevgi Volkan 2091 TUR
4 Tuncer Tuna 2210 TUR
5 Temel Burcu Melis 1878 TUR

11. Serbia
1 Radovic Luka 2352 SRB
2 Radovic Janko 2272 SRB
3 Djordjevic Vuk 2291 SRB
4 Ivic Velimir 2176 SRB
5 Gajcin Marina 2036 SRB

12. Iran
1 Asgarizadeh Ahmad 2371 IRI
2 Maghsoudloo Amir Ali 1695 IRI
3 Gholami Orimi Anahita 1998 IRI
4 FM Tabatabaei M.Amin 2363 IRI
5 FM Lorparizangeneh Shahin 2340 IRI

13. Poland 1
1 FM Jarmula Lukasz 2307 POL
2 Tomczak Mikolaj 2266 POL
3 Gumularz Szymon 2241 POL
4 Janik Igor 2182 POL
5 WFM Harazinska Ewa 2143 POL

14. Belarus
1 Nikitenko Mihail 2379 BLR
2 FM Zarubitski Viachaslau 2219 BLR
3 Kazakovskiy Valeriy 2378 BLR
4 Badelka Olga 1996 BLR

15. Slovenia
1 FM Markoja Boris 2335 SLO
2 WIM Unuk Laura 2249 SLO
3 Cretnik Urban 2214 SLO
4 Bratkovic Jakob 2158 SLO
5 Hrescak Ivana 2039 SLO

16. Georgia
1 FM Sibashvili Giorgi 2387 GEO
2 Tutisani Noe 2301 GEO
3 Ghvamberia Nika 2122 GEO
4 WFM Khomeriki Nino 2141 GEO
5 Tsomaia Nikoloz 2029 GEO

17. Slovakia 1
1 Repka Christopher 2407 SVK
2 Nayhebaver Martin 2332 SVK
3 CM Pechac Jergus 2182 SVK
4 Sucikova Svetlana 1985 SVK

18. China
1 FM Xu Yi 2360 CHN
2 Dai Changren 2301 CHN
3 Zhou Jiangnan 2100 CHN
4 Zhang Jiabao 2089 CHN
5 Gu Xiaoyun 0 CHN

19. Croatia
1 FM Plenca Jadranko 2313 CRO
2 Tica Sven 2236 CRO
3 Livaic Leon 2193 CRO
4 Muha Miljenko 2105 CRO
5 Ljikar Tamara 1848 CRO

20. Moldova
1 Abramciuc Marius 2204 MDA
2 Macovei Andrei 2168 MDA
3 FM Morozov Nichita 2307 MDA
4 Chetrari Nikita 2117 MDA

21. Uzbekistan
1 Nigmatov Ortik 2236 UZB
2 WFM Abdusattorova Bakhora 2216 UZB
3 Yakubboev Nodirbek 2144 UZB
4 FM Abdusattorov Nodirbek 2186 UZB
5 Sindarov Javokhir 2054 UZB

22. Israel
1 FM Bakalchuk Johnatan 2300 ISR
2 FM Zanan Evgeny 2300 ISR
3 Grinberg Eyal 2121 ISR
4 Kali Omer 2055 ISR
5 Altshul Limor 1904 ISR

23. Hungary 3
1 Dankhazi Andras 2237 HUN
2 Peczely Sebastian Zsombor 2197 HUN
3 Marosi Levente 2211 HUN
4 FM Krstulovic Alex 2099 HUN
5 Kassay Lilla 1889 HUN

24. Czech Republic
1 FM Marek Matyas 2348 CZE
2 FM Pulpan Jakub 2264 CZE
3 Kula Dominik 2018 CZE
4 Nova Michaela 2015 CZE

25. Denmark
1 FM Thybo Jesper Sondergaard 2255 DEN
2 Bjerre Jonas 2073 DEN
3 Jacobsen Mikkel Manosri 2167 DEN
4 Moller Sophus Mechlenburg 2133 DEN
5 Vangsgaard Freja 1801 DEN

26. Poland 2
1 Szostko Jakub 2168 POL
2 Kosakowski Jakub 2106 POL
3 Snihur Piotr 2161 POL
4 Dadello Aleksandra 2009 POL
5 Kowalski Igor 2087 POL

27. Australia
1 IM Dale Ari 2252 AUS
2 CM Puccini Jack 2188 AUS
3 Loh Zachary 2075 AUS
4 Chew Lee Max 1931 AUS
5 Quek Shi Ning Kristine 0 AUS

28. Bulgaria
1 Petrov Martin 2183 BUL
2 Stefanov Emil 2134 BUL
3 Petrov Vladimir Sergeev 2055 BUL
4 Vasova Maria 2031 BUL

29. Austria
1 FM Mesaros Florian 2370 AUT
2 Kiss Balint 2090 AUT
3 Horvath Dominik 2017 AUT
4 Toelly Michael 1925 AUT
5 Mayrhuber Nikola 1765 AUT

30. Canada 2
1 Plotkin Mark 2128 CAN
2 CM Doknjas John 2080 CAN
3 Zhu Hong Rui 2085 CAN
4 Doknjas Joshua 2005 CAN
5 WIM Peng Jackie 1982 CAN

31. Transdanubium West 2
1 Egri Laszlo Jr. 2118 HUN
2 Czupor Attila 2107 HUN
3 Ugroczky Peter 2057 HUN
4 Szukics Adam 2000 HUN
5 Szakasics Emese 1670 HUN

32. Slovakia West
1 Karas Marek 2170 SVK
2 Kavon Rastislav 2153 SVK
3 Puskar Peter 2051 SVK
4 Vrtiakova Anna 1866 SVK

33. Canada 3
1 CM Shi Diwen 2147 CAN
2 Song Guannan Terry 2004 CAN
3 Gedajlovic Max 2104 CAN
4 Cai Jason 1962 CAN
5 Peng Janet 1694 CAN

34. Transdanubium West
1 Buzas Bertalan 2109 HUN
2 Acs Marton 1969 HUN
3 Arvai Eszter 1978 HUN
4 Szabo Benjamin 1947 HUN
5 Bakos Balazs 1695 HUN

35. Mongolia
1 Boldoo Erdenepurev 2093 MGL
2 Baterdene Tsogbayar 1981 MGL
3 FM Munkhbayar Gijir 1967 MGL
4 Agibileg Uurtsaikh 1957 MGL
5 Uuriintuya Uurtsaikh 1875 MGL

36. Finland
1 Valkama Eero 2108 FIN
2 Keinanen Toivo 2045 FIN
3 Syvalahti Timo 1923 FIN
4 WCM Nazarova Anastasia 1850 FIN
5 Lindholm Jere 1745 FIN

37. Rehovot Chess School
1 Gorodetzky David 2164 ISR
2 Zlatin Alexander 2032 ISR
3 Parkhov Yair 1960 ISR
4 Gorodetzky Matan 1751 ISR

38. Slovakia Middle
1 Mraz Ondrej 2138 SVK
2 Haring Viktor 2051 SVK
3 Sahidi Samir 2026 SVK
4 Poliakova Emma 1679 SVK

39. Slovakia East
1 Holtman Teodor 2058 SVK
2 Kravec Patrik 1976 SVK
3 Sepesi Samuel 1925 SVK
4 Nadzamova Sofia 1734 SVK
5 Nadzamova Viktoria 1511 SVK

40. Hungary (Girls)
1 Egyed Judit 1914 HUN
2 Egyed Viktoria 1990 HUN
3 Simon Lili 1901 HUN
4 Kovacs Judit 1849 HUN
5 Olle Rebeka Sara 1827 HUN

41. Sri Lanka
1 Naotunna Dineth Nimnaka 1947 SRI
2 CM Kuruppu Supun Dasantha 1896 SRI
3 Herath N N B 1743 SRI
4 CM Doluweera Minul Sanjula 2031 SRI
5 Mendis Dasuni Hansika 1688 SRI

42. Kyrgyzstan
1 Isaev Chingys 1949 KGZ
2 Isakzhanov Aibek 1785 KGZ
3 Taalaibekov Tagir 2047 KGZ
4 Sezdbekov Arzybek 0 KGZ
5 Musaeva Shakhnazi 1559 KGZ

43. Györ (Hungary)
1 Csuta Akos Koppany 2027 HUN
2 Kurcsics Erika 1803 HUN
3 Pesti Mate 1649 HUN
4 Nagy Istvan Miklos 1730 HUN
5 Nemeth Balint 1560 HUN

44. Iraq
1 Rebaz Nasir Jamal 1719 IRQ
2 FM Rabeea Sabah Nori 1944 IRQ
3 Noori Sabah Nori 1891 IRQ
4 CM Ameer Dhafer Abdulameer 1469 IRQ
5 Nabaa Sami Abbas 1549 IRQ

45. Ireland
1 Mcgovern Leahy Cian 1929 IRL
2 WCM Mirza Diana 1768 IRL
3 Higgins Michael 1559 IRL
4 Keating Geoffrey 1575 IRL
5 Dwyer Daniel 1777 IRL

46. South Africa 1
1 Essop Hishaam 1749 RSA
2 Roos Lucas 1732 RSA
3 Berman Jacob 1833 RSA
3 CM Modi Sachin 1718 RSA
4 WCM Breedt Shade 1623 RSA

47. Scotland
1 Abdulla Murad 1958 SCO
2 Koehn Lennart 1846 SCO
3 Gray Euan 1625 SCO
4 Shafi Declan 0 SCO
5 Milton Anna 1547 SCO

48. South Africa 2
1 Conradie Andre 1760 RSA
2 Kolver Chris 1806 RSA
3 FM Gluckman Paul 1696 RSA
4 Van Der Lingen Cornelis Petru 1712 RSA
5 Marx Inge 1524 RSA

49. Jordan
1 Loay Sameer 1802 JOR
2 Al-Bashayra Yazan 1780 JOR
3 Saif Malek 1782 JOR
4 Thaer Abu Alhaija 1487 JOR

50. South Korea 1
1 FM Lee Jun Hyeok 2022 KOR
2 Kwon Sehyun 1947 KOR
3 Nam Ju Won 1435 KOR
4 Choi Hyunhyo 1399 KOR

51. South Africa (Girls)
1 Oltman Kayla 1529 RSA
2 Kolver Michelle 1584 RSA
3 Samons Marcelle 1539 RSA
4 WFM De Bruyn Aleida 1607 HUN

52. South Korea 2
1 Koo Inmo 1846 KOR
2 Huh Maximilian Romeo Eunhong 1231 KOR
3 Ohn Jeewon 0 KOR
4 Lee Jeeho 1162 KOR

53. Bangladesh
1 Nova Tasha 1445 BAN
2 Wakitur Rahman Anay 0 BAN
3 Rameen Ahmed 0 BAN
4 Tiva Tasha 0 BAN
5 Al-Amin Abdullah 0 BAN

54. Hong Kong
1 Wilson Kenzo Joseph 0 HKG
2 Yim Hao Jun 0 HKG
3 Mcgrady Ryan Harris 0 HKG
4 Ling Yan Pui Matthew 0 HKG

Celebrity Sports Plaza, Quezon City

The 2014 edition of the Philippines International Chess Championship took place on 6-12th December 2014 at the Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon City, Philippines.

The event was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), under the auspices of FIDE, with assistance from Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

The 10-round Swiss FIDE tournament with tempo of play 90′ + 30″ gathered 38 players from 6 different countries, including 13 GMs, 6 IMs, 6 FMs, 2 WIMs and 1 WFM.

The first place was shared in a four-way tie by Georgian GM Levan Pantsulaia (2583), Russian GM Ivan Popov (2622), Georgian GM Merab Gagunashvili (2579) and Armenian GM Avetik Grigoryan (2580) with 7/10 points each.

However, Pantsulaia prevailed on a superior tie-break score and grabbed the first prize of 5.000 $, Popov remained second, while Gagunashvili took the bronze.

You can see the full standings and replay the games below.

Games with analysis, standings and statistics

Final standings:

1 GM PANTSULAIA Levan GEO 2583 7
2 GM POPOV Ivan  RUS 2622 7
3 GM GAGUNASHVILI Merab GEO 2579 7
4 GM GRIGORYAN Avetik ARM 2580 7
5 GM GOMEZ John Paul PHI 2510 6,5
6 GM MOZHAROV Mikhail RUS 2557 6,5
7 GM LAYLO Darwin PHI 2500 6,5
8 GM DEMCHENKO Anton RUS 2611 6
9 GM ANTONIO Rogelio Jr PHI 2503 6
10 IM SUNILDUTH LYNA Narayanan IND 2437 6
11 GM TORRE Eugenio PHI 2448 5,5
12 IM YAP Kim Steven PHI 2416 5,5
13 GM BITOON Richard PHI 2413 5,5
14 FM SEGARRA Randy PHI 2308 5,5
15 GM SADORRA Julio Catalino PHI 2575 5,5
16 IM PASCUA Haridas PHI 2404 5,5
17 FM BILGUUN Sumiya MGL 2249 5,5
18 ABELGAS Roel PHI 2293 5,5
19 REYES Narquinden PHI 2245 5,5
20 GM BARBOSA Oliver PHI 2533 5
21 DELA CRUZ Noel PHI 2323 5
22 SALCEDO Raymond PHI 2316 5
23 ELORTA David PHI 2298 5
24 FM BERSAMINA Paulo PHI 2391 4,5
25 FM TURQUEZA Mari Joseph PHI 2249 4,5
26 WIM FRAYNA Janelle Mae PHI 2167 4,5
27 NEBATO Sheider PHI 2207 4,5
28 IM BANCOD Ronald PHI 2283 4,5
29 IM PIMENTEL Joel PHI 2265 4,5
30 FM SEVERINO Sander PHI 2367 4
31 SUEDE Mikee Charlene PHI 1938 4
32 ROQUE Merben PHI 2271 3,5
33 FLORENDO Paulo James PHI 2278 3,5
34 IM GARMA Chito PHI 2322 3
35 WIM FRONDA Jan Jodilyn PHI 2121 3
36 FM HABLA Jony PHI 2239 3
37 WFM SAN DIEGO Marie Antoinette PHI 2063 3
38 SARIP Roger PHI 2222 1

The 64th Individual Greek Championship and 37th Individual Women Greek Championship were held from 3-11th December 2014 in the luxurious Alkyon Resort Hotel & Spa in Vrahati, Corinth.

Both sections were 10-player round-robin tournaments.

WFM Haritomeni Markantonaki became the national champion after walking through the women’s tournament with 8,0/9 points, leaving the nearest followers two points behind.

The men’s section was more closely contested. Grandmasters Vasilios Kotronias (9-times national champion) and Hristos Banikas (8-times national champion) shared the first place with 6,0/9 points each.

Kotronias claimed his 10th title of Greek champion on better tie-break score.

Replay games with analysis: Men / Women

Final standings, Men:

1-2. GM Kotronias Vasilios 2566 and GM Banikas Hristos 2637 – 6
3. GM Nikolaidis Ioannis 2556 – 5.5
4-5. FM Malikentzos Sotirios 2395 and GM Kapnisis Spyridon 2451 – 5
6-7. FM Aggelis Nikolaos 2338 and GM Mastrovasilis Athanasios 2521 – 4
8. FM Stathopoulos Ioannis 2271 – 3.5
9-10. FM Kourkoulos-Arditis Stamatis 2294 and Goumas Georgios 2378 – 3

Final standings, Women:

1. WFM Markantonaki Haritomeni 2181 – 8
2-3. WIM Pavlidou Ekaterini 2175 and WFM Grapsa Georgia 2018 – 6
4-5. WFM Avramidou Anastasia 2237 and WGM Makropoulou Marina 2165 – 5
6. Makka Evanthia 2082 – 4.5
7-8. Hristodoulaki Antonia 1981 and WIM Makka Ioulia 2119 – 3.5
9. Vatkali Dimitra 1992 – 2.5
10. Androni Konstantina 1891 – 1

Tournament director was Antonis Bellos and chief arbiter was IA Anastasios Mihailidis.

Official website

The 6th Penang Heritage City International Chess Open 2014 is taking place on 8-12th December 2014 at the Red Rock Hotel in Penang, a state in Malaysia, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The 9-round Swiss tournament gathered 38 players from 6 different federations, including 13 GMs, 6 IMs, 6 FMs, 2 WIMs and 1 WFM.

Five players tied for the first: Philippini GM Buenaventura Villamayor, Indonesian GM Sussanto Megaranto, Indian IM Srinath Narayanan, Indonesian IM Winshand Sean and Indian IM Dinesh Sharma with 7/9 points each.

You can see the full standings and replay the games below.

Official website/ LIVE games with analysis

Final standings:

1 GM Villamayor Buenaventura PHI 2440 7
2 GM Megaranto Susanto INA 2546 7
3 IM Narayanan Srinath IND 2461 7
4 IM Sean Winshand Cuhendi INA 2416 7
5 IM Sharma Dinesh K. IND 2380 7
6 IM Dimakiling Oliver PHI 2373 6,5
7 IM Anurag Mhamal IND 2437 6,5
8 FM Menkinoski Riste MKD 2360 6,5
9 IM Irwanto Sadikin INA 2331 6
10 Yeoh Li Tian MAS 2322 6
11 IM Nolte Rolando PHI 2395 6
12 IM Swapnil S. Dhopade IND 2418 6
13 FM Tin Jingyao SIN 2355 6
14 FM Pitra Andika INA 2309 6
15 IM Paciencia Enrique SIN 2335 6
16 Marohom De Leon Jr. PHI 2267 6
17 IM Senador Emmanuel PHI 2354 6
18 FM Siregar Novian INA 2292 6
19 Cabe Arlan PHI 2192 5,5
20 Udani Ian PHI 2264 5,5
21 Cheah Eric MAS 2255 5,5
22 Barretto Franz PHI 2158 5,5
23 Low Zhen Yu Cyrus SIN 2028 5,5
24 IM Praveen Kumar C. IND 2251 5,5
25 Manaog Stewart PHI 2077 5,5
26 FM Liu Xiangyi SIN 2138 5,5
27 Aris T.L.S. INA 2177 5,5
28 Galmandakh Badrakh MGL 2262 5,5
29 WFM Liu Yang Hazel SIN 2047 5,5
30 Villanueva Nelson PHI 2184 5,5
31 Surya Wahyudi INA 2290 5,5
32 Subramaniam Shreyes MAS 1828 5
33 Olay Edgar Reggie PHI 2225 5
34 Paril Gabriel PHI 2063 5
35 WCM Azman Hisham Nur Nabila MAS 1967 5
36 Sunardi Sadeli INA 2060 5
37 Bagamasbad Efren PHI 2202 5
38 Fong Yit Ho MAS 1964 5
39 Capel Evan Timothy MAS 2095 5
40 WFM Azman Hisham Nur Najiha MAS 1974 5
41 FM Leong Ignatius SIN 2100 5
42 IM Nitin S. IND 2347 4,5
43 Zhu Ying CHN 2127 4,5
44 Yap Egin Darrel MAS 1781 4,5
45 Ng Tze Han MAS 2279 4,5
46 Michael Owen INA 1995 4,5
47 Tan Hong Ghee MAS 1918 4,5
48 CM Tan Jun Ying MAS 1712 4,5
49 Tan Khai Boon MAS 2144 4,5
50 Alahakoon Isuru SRI 2143 4,5
51 Liu Hongyan CHN 2049 4,5
52 Chan Marcus MAS 2225 4,5
53 Calvelo Jelvis PHI 2081 4,5
54 CM Fong Yit San MAS 2105 4,5
55 Chan Kim Yew MAS 1514 4,5
56 Kong-Lim Qi Le NZL 1897 4,5
57 Amgalanbaatar Ravdanlkhumbuu MGL 2169 4,5
58 Loo Swee Leong MAS 2119 4,5
59 Kwan Nam Seng Eddy MAS 1895 4,5
60 Ong Way Justin MAS 1987 4
61 Ramakrishnan Ramesh MAS 1839 4
62 Noguchi Koji JPN 2105 4
63 WFM Tan Li Ting MAS 2026 4
64 Chuah Hao Feng MAS 1735 4
65 CM Ng Jen Sheng MAS 1792 4
66 Lieu Chin Yung MAS 1813 4
67 Chuah Hao Min MAS 1823 4
68 Frost Peter AUS 1865 4
69 Tan Jia Yun MAS 1616 4
70 Bunnag Bhon THA 1683 4
71 Tin Ruiqi SIN 1685 4
72 Lee Kah Howe William MAS 1843 3,5
73 Tang Wei Kit MAS 1719 3,5
74 FM Wong Yinn Long MAS 1924 3,5
75 Teh Ren Jie MAS 1482 3,5
76 Yew Chor Hian MAS 0 3,5
77 Lee Kah Teng Benjamin MAS 1579 3,5
78 Pereira Johnharry SIN 1792 3,5
79 Chan Yi Meng Ryan MAS 1802 3,5
80 Lim Kian Hwa MAS 1859 3,5
81 Hng Emmanuelle SIN 1677 3,5
82 Asman Nur Sabrina Aliya MAS 1653 3,5
83 Cheong Jie Yao MAS 1663 3,5
84 Tan Kok Liang MAS 1951 3,5
85 Ooi Yen Hoe MAS 1663 3
86 Chee Yi Hun MAS 1688 3
87 Teoh Ern Sheng MAS 1591 3
88 Chuah Yi Ning MAS 1601 3
89 Cheah Kah Hoe MAS 1370 3
90 Foo Zhi Yu Shawn SIN 0 3
91 Srivatanakul Pricha THA 1714 3
92 FM Harshal Shahi IND 2296 2,5
93 Khaw Choo Kean MAS 0 2,5
94 Abdul Jalil Syahril MAS 0 2,5
95 Saumy Zainab SRI 1533 2,5
96 Ng Shi Yang MAS 1564 2,5
97 Ng Wee Lok Bryan SIN 1664 2,5
98 Greenwood Martin C ENG 1585 2
99 Tan Fischer SIN 1461 2
100 Devina Junus INA 0 1,5
101 Ooi Zhi Yang MAS 1821 1
102 Taher Rusdi INA 0 0

The SportAccord World Mind Rapid Chess Games 2014 took place on 11-12th December 2014 in Beijing, China.

The gold went to Russia after Alexander Grischuk and Valentina Gunina emerged clear winners.

Grischuk finished first with 5/7 points, leaving the nearest followers Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Hao Wang, Levon Aronian and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov half point behind.

The French prodigy Vachier-Lagrave prevailed on a better tie-break score in the group of 4.5 points and took the silver, while Hao Wang remained third.

Valentina Gunina collected 5.5/7 points to lift the trophy. The reigning FIDE World champion Yifan Hou remained second with 5 points, while Anna Ushenina and Nana Dzagnidze shared third place with 4.5/7.

World Mind Games are organized and held by a famous and respectable organization called SportAccord which is the umbrella organization for both Olympic and non-Olympic sports as well as a major organizers of conferences and sporting events. The World Mind Games was held for the first time in 2008 and consisted of 5 disciplines: chess, bridge, draughts (checkers), go, and xiangqi (Chinese chess). You can see the World Mind Games video trailer and the full standings below.

Official website/ LIVE games Rapid (m)/ LIVE games Blitz (m)/ LIVE games Rapid (w)/ LIVE games Blitz (w)

Courtesy of Gu Xiaobing

Courtesy of Gu Xiaobing

Men’s Section final standings:

1 GM Grischuk Alexander 2828 RUS 5
2 GM Vachier-Lagrave Maxime 2728 FRA 4½
3 GM Wang Hao 2719 CHN 4½
4 GM Aronian Levon 2813 ARM 4½
5 GM Mamedyarov Shakhriyar 2739 AZE 4½
6 GM Nepomniachtchi Ian 2801 RUS 4
7 GM Ivanchuk Vassily 2811 UKR 4
8 GM Wang Yue 2765 CHN 3½
9 GM Gelfand Boris 2719 ISR 3½
10 GM Dominguez Perez Leinier 2763 CUB 3
11 GM Leko Peter 2773 HUN 3
12 GM Wojtaszek Radoslaw 2684 POL 2½
13 GM Bacrot Etienne 2731 FRA 2½
14 GM Ponomariov Ruslan 2738 UKR 2½
15 GM Harikrishna Pentala 2701 IND 2½
16 GM Radjabov Teimour 2776 AZE 2

Women’s Section final standings:

1 GM Gunina Valentina 2552 RUS 5½
2 GM Yifan Hou 2600 CHN 5
3 GM Ushenina Anna 2489 UKR 4½
4 GM Dzagnidze Nana 2547 GEO 4½
5 GM Muzychuk Anna 2546 UKR 4
6 IM Paehtz Elisabeth 2485 GER 4
7 GM Kosintseva Tatiana 2505 RUS 3½
8 IM Muzychuk Mariya 2445 UKR 3½
9 GM Stefanova Antoaneta 2578 BUL 3½
10 GM Ju Wenjun 2555 CHN 3½
11 GM Zhao Xue 2485 CHN 3
12 GM Harika Dronavalli 2421 IND 3
13 GM Khotenashvili Bela 2407 GEO 2½
14 GM Koneru Humpy 2611 IND 2
15 GM Kosteniuk Alexandra 2577 RUS 2
16 GM Cramling Pia 2443 SWE 2

Abierto Legislatura 2014 “Copa Norberto La Porta” takes place on 13-21st December at the Salon Dorado de la Legislatura de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires – Peru 160 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A total of 387 players are competing in two sections – Open A and Open B.

The tournament is organized by the Federacion Metropolitana de Ajedrez, Federacion Argentina de Ajedrez and FIDE. Tournament director is WIM Elisa Maggiolo.

Last year winner was GM Axel Bachmann, who is absent this time due to schedule clash with Paraguay Chess Championship.

Norberto Luis La Porta (1938–2007) was an Argentine politician and teacher. He was a leader of the Argentine Socialist Party.

Official website

Participants, Open A:

1 GM Flores Diego ARG 2577
2 GM Mareco Sandro ARG 2565
3 GM El Debs Felipe De Cresce BRA 2512
4 GM Alonso Salvador ARG 2511
5 GM Obregon Andres Carlos ARG 2500
6 GM Giaccio Alfredo ARG 2488
7 IM Liascovich Lucas ARG 2473
8 IM Saldano Dayer Horacio ESP 2452
9 GM Rodriguez Vila Andres URU 2443
10 FM Paveto Kevin ARG 2440
11 GM Slipak Sergio ARG 2433
12 IM Dolezal Cristian ARG 2432
13 IM Dos Santos Ramiro ARG 2432
14 GM Sorin Ariel ARG 2426
15 IM Real De Azua Ernesto ARG 2425
16 Rodriguez Jorge FM ARG 2406
17 Cori Quispe Kevin PER 2387
18 IM Pierrot Facundo ARG 2373
19 CM Sosa Tomas ARG 2358
20 FM Perelman Hernan ARG 2355
21 FM Bitelmajer Martin ARG 2348
22 IM Julia Ernesto ARG 2344
23 FM Tokman Ariel ARG 2338
24 IM Garcia Raimundo ARG 2312
25 IM Barrionuevo Pablo ARG 2298
26 Benedetti Julio ARG 2275
27 IM Quiroga Facundo ARG 2262
28 Fell Sebastian ARG 2256
29 IM Malbran Guillermo ARG 2244
30 FM Spata German ARG 2235
31 FM Gaitan Juan Manuel ARG 2232
32 Ruperez Miguel ARG 2224
33 FM Wisniacki Flavio ARG 2219
34 WIM Fernandez Maria Florencia ARG 2214
35 Gimenez Ismael ARG 2212
36 FM Perez Pietronave Carlos ARG 2209
37 FM Pina Ulises FID 2209
38 FM Aparicio Anibal ARG 2201
39 FM Di Giannantonio Nino ARG 2198
40 Godoy Olazabal Artur ARG 2198
41 Uelf Maximiliano ARG 2197
42 Gargiulo Lucas ARG 2192
43 Sotelo Noe ARG 2189
44 Cuberli Emiliano ARG 2183
45 Miranda Rafael ARG 2175
46 Sapienza Julian ARG 2175
47 Bustos Cristian ARG 2169
48 Herman Diego ARG 2166
49 FM Munoz Francisco Javier ARG 2145
50 Biancosino Rafael ARG 2137
51 Martinez De Negri Gonzalo ARG 2134
52 FM Bertaccini Daniel ARG 2133
53 Vazquez Maximiliano VEN 2126
54 Villarreal Hector ARG 2124
55 Ciurlanti Federico ARG 2114
56 Tomas Falcon Jesus ARG 2112
57 Sponton Esteban ARG 2100
58 De Luca Christian ARG 2098
59 Molini Rodrigo ARG 2097
60 Martinez Mariano ARG 2092
61 Miserendino Alfredo ARG 2092
62 Lopez Ricardo ARG 2090
63 Mansilla Martin ARG 2089
64 WIM Carraro Denise ARG 2085
65 Torres Sergio ARG 2084
66 Lopez Diego ARG 2082
67 Fiori Hector ARG 2081
68 Paternoste Martin ARG 2081
69 Godoy Carlos ARG 2074
70 Nejanky Maisa ARG 2074
71 FM Suarez Jose Luis ARG 2068
72 Jarmoluk Jorge E. ARG 2054
73 Amil Meilan Horacio ARG 2045
74 Basualto Penalieres Pedro CHI 2045
75 Cabrera Pando Ramiro ARG 2044
76 Blanco Marcos ARG 2042
77 Larsen Alfonso ARG 2041
78 Hernandez Amura Gilberto ARG 2033
79 Signorini Gustavo Daniel ARG 2027
80 Flores Nancy ARG 2024
81 Sica Mauro ARG 2018
82 Axarlian Carlos ARG 2009
83 Diaz Hector Enrique ARG 2008
84 Alvarez Alberto Elias ARG 2006
85 Gimenez Martin ARG 2004
86 FM Bulcourf Carlos ARG 2000
87 Aguero Arce Matias ARG 1999
88 Lo Presti Roberto ARG 1996
89 Postolski Javier ARG 1992
90 Heinecke Victor ARG 1988
91 Rasgido Alejandro ARG 1980
92 Cisneros German ARG 1977
93 Lupis Federico ARG 1976
94 Gonzalez Fabian ARG 1971
95 Mazzoleni Julio ARG 1968
96 Leal Jorge ARG 1967
97 Radoszta Armando E. ARG 1965
98 Perez Wertheim Rodolfo ARG 1963
99 Ayala Gustavo ARG 1962
100 Aberbach Angel ARG 1960
101 WFM Meza Anahi ARG 1959
102 Pernas Agustin ARG 1958
103 Robledo Cristian ARG 1953
104 Ferrara Enzo ARG 1952
105 Zeta Rodrigo ARG 1947
106 Soria Fernando ARG 1943
107 Martyniuk Carolina Milka ARG 1942
108 Amato Leonel ARG 1939
109 Farias Guillermo ARG 1936
110 Aguirre Ayrton ARG 1923
111 Lopez Rebert Pablo ARG 1920
112 CM Varacalli Francisco ARG 1911
113 Robledo Eduardo ARG 1910
114 Cimer Emmanuel ARG 1906
115 Pare Juan ARG 1905
116 Martinez Maluge Francisco ARG 1900
117 Gazzo Huck Pablo Martin ARG 1897
118 Tunez Adrian ARG 1897
119 Prieu Gustavo ARG 1887
120 Ortega Morales Javier ARG 1884
121 Carcamo Matias ARG 1882
122 Ricchio Mario ARG 1880
123 Leguizamon Arnaldo ARG 1875
124 Tierno De La Rosa Juan ARG 1872
125 Auernheimer Juan ARG 1871
126 Bourgeois William URU 1870
127 Rivero Raul ARG 1868
128 Salamon Daniel ARG 1868
129 WCM Strgacich Aylen ARG 1865
130 Kiszkiewicz Ivan ARG 1863
131 Rojo Lynch Enrique ARG 1859
132 Etchevest Marcelo ARG 1855
133 Yantorno Jorge ARG 1848
134 Suito Nakasone Catherine ARG 1834
135 Giuliani German ARG 1827
136 Chiappano Marcelo ARG 1824
137 Curia Santiago Jose ARG 1821
138 Iacobacci Gabriel ARG 1821
139 Toranzo Sebastian ARG 1821
140 Schwartzman Alejandro ARG 1817
141 Lopez Javier ARG 1813
142 Saldano Gonzalo ARG 1807
143 Caamano Jorge ARG 1803
144 Wolfsdorf Alexis ARG 1803
145 Gomez Borges Ruben Alfredo ARG 1802
146 Bella Juan ARG 1799
147 Lopez Fernando ARG 1793
148 Leonardi Orlando ARG 1784
149 Zalimben Maria Luz ARG 1783
150 Leto Enzo ARG 1777
151 Hoeschele Hermann ARG 1775
152 Figar Nicolas ARG 1768
153 Sasson Maximiliano ARG 1767
154 Saez Diego ARG 1765
155 Bella Alan ARG 1764
156 Campos Nicolas ARG 1756
157 Amicone Ricardo Joaquin ARG 1750
158 Sanchez Gabriel ARG 1741
159 Burgin Dario ARG 1740
160 Romano Guillermo ARG 1736
161 Coro Richard ARG 1732
162 Riva Martin ARG 1724
163 Lojo Juan Antonio ARG 1721
164 Salcedo Carlos ARG 1720
165 Lope De Vergara Gustavo ARG 1710
166 Callegari Jorge ARG 1708
167 Noguera Hector ARG 1697
168 Pizzatti Mario ARG 1695
169 Echeguren Martin ARG 1694
170 Ibarra Marcos ARG 1689
171 Bernasconi Mario Emanuel ITA 1679
172 FM Kapitanchuk Tomas ARG 1672
173 Alvarez Brito Malena ARG 1658
174 Castro Fernando ARG 1654
175 Delucchi Pablo ARG 1636
176 Kopylov Andres ARG 1632
177 Ferreyra Nicolas ARG 1625
178 Girona Martin ARG 1589
179 Ferrero Luis ARG 1571
180 Belmes Martin ARG 1559
181 Oliva Pablo ARG 1552
182 Staniscia Esteban ARG 1549
183 Villan Laura ARG 1531
184 Coro Lucas ARG 1508
185 Diaz Daniel ARG 1506
186 Stolarz Gaston ARG 1412
187 Amitrano Diego ARG 1404
188 Cavinato Santiago ARG 1398
189 Vitale Maximiliano ARG 1342
190 Aguilera Angel ARG 0
191 Bidegain Jose ARG 0
192 Campolongo Federico Pablo ARG 0
193 Campolongo Federico ARG 0
194 Caracciolo Javier Eduardo ARG 0
195 Diaz Orqueda Enrique Eduardo ARG 0
196 Lopez Angel PUR 0
197 Lukin Pablo ARG 0
198 Saracho Franco ARG 0
199 Sardegna Miguel ARG 0
200 Sosa Carlos Ruben ARG 0
201 Steketee Diego ARG 0
202 Yanquilevich Martin ARG 0

Participants, Open B:

1 FM Pingas Blas Mariano ARG 2285
2 Mazziotti Irigoyen Gabriel ARG 2283
3 Rebottaro Hector Javier ARG 2188
4 Vigil Lucas ARG 2131
5 Rodriguez Esteban ARG 2121
6 Godoy Luciano ARG 2114
7 Sumic Diego ARG 2073
8 Tokman Daniel ARG 2063
9 Galagovsky Carlos ARG 2046
10 Duran Juan ARG 2042
11 Barrientos Medina Juan Carlos ARG 2039
12 Sanduay Nicolas ARG 2038
13 WCM Lozano Betania ARG 2027
14 Cardozo Lucas ARG 2026
15 Pazos David ARG 2018
16 Prieto Marcelo ARG 2018
17 Capdevila Dario ARG 2017
18 Echeguren Gustavo ARG 2014
19 Moccero Eduardo ARG 2004
20 Koncerewicz Julio Cesar ARG 1997
21 Florentin David ARG 1990
22 Caballo Carlos ARG 1989
23 Quinzio Martin ARG 1986
24 Benedetti Antonella ARG 1983
25 Gutierrez Ezequiel ARG 1982
26 Del Giudice Juan Eduardo ARG 1979
27 Lida Garcia Fernando ARG 1954
28 Trejo Juan ARG 1934
29 Quinonez Hector ARG 1919
30 Garcia Manuel ARG 1915
31 Bilbao Alejandro ARG 1912
32 Campanella Nicolas ARG 1898
33 Lang German ARG 1887
34 Navarro Karina ARG 1877
35 Villanueva Hugo ARG 1872
36 Tejera Mario Alberto ARG 1868
37 Talavera Matias ARG 1861
38 Tutiun Mauricio ARG 1853
39 Nesich Juan Pablo ARG 1844
40 Galvan Christian ARG 1837
41 Schettino Gustavo ARG 1821
42 Guglielmone Alberto ARG 1820
43 Navarro Alberto ARG 1820
44 Elias Roberto ARG 1817
45 Diaz Martin ARG 1816
46 Sotelo Nahuel ARG 1812
47 Lopez Jose Luis ARG 1796
48 Cibraro Carlos Alberto ARG 1791
49 Ricconi Guillermo ARG 1791
50 Bargas Dario ARG 1780
51 Bengolea Horacio ARG 1778
52 Castano Diego ARG 1776
53 Guzman Diego ARG 1774
54 Kovacec Estanislao ARG 1765
55 Leguiza Gustavo ARG 1761
56 Tarn Gerald BOL 1750
57 Bruno Federico ARG 1731
58 Palma Angel Milciades ARG 1730
59 Berinsky Adrian ARG 1727
60 Baudel Simon FRA 1722
61 Leon Claudio ARG 1722
62 Tokman Ezequiel ARG 1717
63 Nievas Daniel Mario ARG 1708
64 Fontenla Juan ARG 1704
65 Alegre Eugenia ARG 1694
66 Lopez Cesar (per) PER 1694
67 Torres Gaston ARG 1690
68 Guelman Jorge Miguel ARG 1652
69 Coldman Ricardo ARG 1650
70 Zapata Miguel ARG 1629
71 Carvalho Leonardo ARG 1628
72 Rinas Jorge Alberto ARG 1626
73 Bleuer Leonardo ARG 1596
74 Enciso Franco ARG 1583
75 Ferrero Luis ARG 1571
76 Belmes Martin ARG 1559
77 Amedei Hugo ARG 1554
78 Bentancour Walter ARG 1530
79 Covelli Luis Alberto ARG 1507
80 Baca Jorge ARG 1462
81 Massat Prack Daniel Enrique ARG 1441
82 Bellini Lucas ARG 1386
83 Guzman Gaston ARG 1381
84 Farina Clery ARG 1311
85 Acuña Claudio ARG 0
86 Andrade Jorge Bartolome ARG 0
87 Arce Sebastian ARG 0
88 Bank Juana ARG 0
89 Bank Valeria ARG 0
90 Barreto Gabriel Hernan ARG 0
91 Battan Adrian ARG 0
92 Becerra Jesus ARG 0
93 Becerra Luis ARG 0
94 Becerra Pilar ARG 0
95 Berenstein Gustavo ARG 0
96 Bergoglio Mauro ARG 0
97 Beron Ruben ARG 0
98 Borelli Horacio ARG 0
99 Cachafeiro Hernan ARG 0
100 Calvetti Paz Irina ARG 0
101 Canaparo Marcelo ARG 0
102 Carciofi Bruno ARG 0
103 Carrizo Irigoyen Horacio ARG 0
104 Castillo Federico ARG 0
105 Cerrato Fernando ARG 0
106 Cheb Terrab Jorge ARG 0
107 Chomski Julian ARG 0
108 Christ Daniel ARG 0
109 Davicino Rodolfo ARG 0
110 Di Claudio Vicente ARG 0
111 Diaz Carlos Ezequiel ARG 0
112 Diaz Cristian ARG 0
113 Dos Santos Joaquin ARG 0
114 Duran Dario ARG 0
115 Elger Vargas Ariel ARG 0
116 Erill Emilio Francisco ARG 0
117 Faingerch Jorge ARG 0
118 Faingerch Sebastian ARG 0
119 Francia Victor ARG 0
120 Fuxz Diego ARG 0
121 Gabancho Rodrigo ARG 0
122 Gahona Rodrigo ARG 0
123 Galliani Jose Luis ARG 0
124 Gentili Rotger Ciro ARG 0
125 Gentilini Maximiliano ARG 0
126 Gorostiaga Horacio Alberto ARG 0
127 Hatrick Jonathan ARG 0
128 Herrera Cristian ARG 0
129 Insfran Edgardo ARG 0
130 Izak Gabriel ARG 0
131 James Sebastian ARG 0
132 Jara Melany ARG 0
133 Karagoz Agop ARG 0
134 Liguo Cristian ARG 0
135 Liguo Victoria ARG 0
136 Loy Gabriel ARG 0
137 Magioncalda Jorge ARG 0
138 Maskin Fernando ARG 0
139 Massaferro Cristian ARG 0
140 Medina Alejandro Augusto ARG 0
141 Medinelli Giovani ARG 0
142 Meluso Juan Ignacio ARG 0
143 Mendiburo Edgardo ARG 0
144 Miñoz Paula ARG 0
145 Moro Saidon Gonzalo ARG 0
146 Mussano Maria ARG 0
147 Nadal Alan ARG 0
148 Otero Jose Luis ARG 0
149 Paillet Silvia ARG 0
150 Pasztetnik Martin ARG 0
151 Pereyra Rupayan Andres ARG 0
152 Poci Pedro ARG 0
153 Pucheta Maximiliano ARG 0
154 Quintana Mariano ARG 0
155 Quinteros Matias ARG 0
156 Redonda Nestor Gustavo ARG 0
157 Rodriguez Gabriel ARG 0
158 Rodriguez Gabriel 2 ARG 0
159 Romero Damian ARG 0
160 Saavedra Enzo ARG 0
161 Safiotti Cecilia ARG 0
162 Saldrini Alenka ARG 0
163 Saldrini Malena ARG 0
164 Saldrini Miguel ARG 0
165 Salega Juan ARG 0
166 Salgueiro Brandon ARG 0
167 Salinas Matias ARG 0
168 Saracho Fernando ARG 0
169 Solis Agustin ARG 0
170 Sonsino Jose Luis ARG 0
171 Sorroche Juan Carlos ARG 0
172 Soschinski Ismael ARG 0
173 Soto Oscar Ulises ARG 0
174 Spregelburd Alfredo ARG 0
175 Tacza Alexandra ARG 0
176 Torres Belen ARG 0
177 Torres Leandro ARG 0
178 Torrez Guillermo ARG 0
179 Tumiri Javier ARG 0
180 Vannoni Juan Manuel ARG 0
181 Vega Leon Maria ARG 0

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand emerged winner of the 6th London Chess Classic after beating Michael Adams with black pieces in the final round and edging Vladimir Kramnik and Anish Giri on tie-break.

Anand took advantage of the volumes of his World Championship Match preparation to outplay his opponent in the Berlin Ruy Lopez. Eventually, the win with black brought him the trophy as Kramnik and Giri won their respective games with white.

Replay games with analysis

Final scores in tie-break order:
1. Anand – 7; 2. Kramnik – 7; 3. Giri – 7; 4. Nakamura – 6; 5. Adams – 4; 6. Caruana – 4.

The round robin tournament used football scoring system (3 points for win, 1 for draw)

Viswanathan Anand

Text and photos: IM/ WGM Alina l’Ami

Official website/ More information here/ LIVE games with analysis (m)/ LIVE games with analysis (w)

Speed provides the one genuinely modern pleasure and so does the Blitz arena for the media worldwide! An exhilarating race is too modestly said, especially when the top players crave for more than they got in the previously played Rapid competition.

Each player handled the three day roller coaster intense emotions the best way they could. The games end up rapidly, but take off a lot of energy. In order to retrieve their calm and forces from one game to another, some players read, others visit the draughts section or play… wee games!

Heading for the stars, Hou Yifan faced her opponents head-on, left behind the rather “disappointing” silver medal from the Rapid and claimed the gold this time, swapping places with Valentina Gunina, who had to content herself as being the 2nd best.

In the men’s ring, we witnessed a copy-paste Rapid-Blitz final ranking, with Grischuk holding to gold, followed by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. A for effort for MVL who swam towards the 1st place during these three days of blitz but he got bogged down in the process by the Russian, who is now the proud owner of two (!) shiny gold medals!

Judging by their smiles and the place on the podium, we reckon we are all, indeed, winners!
But the final standings says something different…

With such a line-up, many players hoped for more, just like Aronian surely did, having to finally made do with the most bitter result in both Rapid and Blitz: the 4th place…but the Armenian flag may soar upon the others in the next two days of Basque, one of the most original way of playing chess. And we will return to that when the time will come…

For now let’s see the highlights of the final day of Blitz:

Etienne Bacrot – Alexander Grischuk

The day started well for Grischuk who won a rather drawish bishop endgame against Etienne Bacrot. In the diagrammed position, 41.h3 is perhaps the easiest way to reach the draw but Bacrot’s move should suffice as well.

41.Bxb6 Bxh2 42.Ke4 g4 43.c5? 

43.Bf2! with the idea to meet 43…g3 with 44.Bxg3 would have drawn instantly. No doubt the French man was very short on time at this point.

43…h4 44.c6 44.Ke3! may still hold but is absolutely impossible to find in a blitzgame. 44…h3 45.Kf2 g3+ 46.Kf3 g2 47.c6 Bc7 48.Bg1 and there is no way to make progress.

44…h3 45.Ba7 Bd6 45…Bg3! 46.Bg1 Bf2! is a very pretty way to win!

46.Bg1 h2 47.Bxh2 Bxh2 48.b6 Kd6 49.c7 Kd7 50.Ke3 and here I am assuming Bacrot lost on time, the position is actually still drawn, there is no way to make progress for Black.

0-1

Alexander Grischuk going for triple gold?!

Alexander Grischuk – Vassily Ivanchuk

A very important game on the way to gold. Alexander is facing a very grim endgame with the white pieces but manages to turn things around, even a 180 degrees!

30…Nc4 There was nothing wrong with 30…Rxb6

31.Ne5 Rxb6?

And here 31…Nxe5 was absolutely essential. Even if the resulting rook endgame after 32.Rc8+ Kh7 33.dxe5 Rxb6 34.Rc7 may not be a win.

32.Nxc4 Rc6 33.Rb1 dxc4?! 33…Rxc4 would have drawn the game but Vassily keeps trying to play for a win. However, this c-pawn will prove to be weak rather than strong.

34.Rxb7 c3 35.Rb1 Ra6 36.Rc1 Ra3 37.Kf1 f5 38.Rc2 Kf7 39.Ke2 Kf6 40.Kd3 e5 41.dxe5+ Kxe5 42.Rxc3 and even this rook endgame should be objectively drawn but Ivanchuk could not prove this with the seconds ticking away and had to resign on move 64.

1-0

Levon Aronian – Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

The race between Vachier-Lagrave and Grischuk was very exciting but eventually the French GM was unable to keep up. That was especially due to a rather upsetting finish (1.5/5).

Two silver medals for MVL; will he take a Gold in the Basque?
(photo by: Gu Xiaobing)

Against Aronian, a wild game had resulted in a race between white’s d-pawn and black’s a-pawn. Maxime now played the flashy:

44…Bd5 but after

45.Rxd5 Rg1+ 46.Kxg1 a1Q+ 47.Kg2 Qa8 48.Rd4 Qd8 49.d7 he had to resign. The d-pawn is unstoppable. Instead, the (in hindsight) simple 44…Rd1 would have been just fine.

1-0

If Grischuk can say he had quite a nice time in Beijing so far, grabbing along his ways two gold-s already, Hou Yifan and Valentina Gunina didn’t have such a bad time, either:

The Chinese flag is back, this time on first position!

Blitz final ranking: Women

And the national anthem is played for, who else, Hou Yifan

Hou Yifan – Mariya Muzychuk

Hou Yifan was unstoppable in the blitz-event which was further underlined by the fact she left her nearest rivals 3(!) points behind her. She was both ruthless in attack and tenacious in defence. A few examples:

12.Qh5 g6? 12…Qf6! was the way forward, since the game continuation is punished in straightforward fashion.

13.Qe5 Rg8 14.Nxe6! Bd6 15.Qxd5 fxe6 16.Qxe6+ Kf8 17.Bh6+ Rg7 18.Bxg7+ Kxg7 19.Qxe4 and the game didn’t last much longer.

1-0

Koneru Humpy – Hou Yifan

Hou Yifan’s last move, 24…Bf6–g5, looks strong, but Koneru’s reply is even better:

25.Nbd4! Bxe3 26.Nxc6 Rbc8 27.fxe3 Rxc6 28.Ne5 Rcc8 29.Rxf8+ Rxf8 30.Rd6 with a technically winning position. Hou Yifan’s tenacity allowed her to have this position just 15 moves later:

Needless to say, the various passed pawns decided easily.

0–1

Hou Yifan unstoppable in the Blitz

Harika Dronavalli – Hou Yifan

We should mention that Hou Yifan, together with Harika Dronavalli, also won today’s prize of most uncommon pawn structure!

Valentina Gunina – Hou Yifan

Valentina Gunina did manage to get some tension back in the tournament when in round 25 she defeated Hou Yifan to close the gap to 2 points. In an endgame that looked favourable for Black, a typical occurence in blitz happened: small accident…