Solak and Bartel share first place at Kavala Open

Kavala Open Chess Tournament 2011
Dragan Solak and Mateusz Bartel share the first place

The 20th Kavala Open Chess Tournament took place from 30th July to 6th August in Kavala, Greece. One of the strongest events of the Greek Chess Summer is organized by the Kavala Chess Club, East Macedonia and Thrace Chess Union and Greek Chess Federation.

A total of 263 players were signed to compete in one of the three Groups. The main Open A had 109 players from 18 countries, with 28 Grandmasters and 13 International Masters in the field.

Serbian Grandmaster Dragan Solak and Poland's reigning chess champion Mateusz Bartel shared the first place with 7 points each. Solak is declared winner on better tiebreak score.

Final standings:

1-2. GM Solak Dragan SRB 2598 and GM Bartel Mateusz POL 2611 - 7.0

3-9. GM Mastrovasilis Dimitrios GRE 2604, GM Svetushkin Dmitry MDA 2576, GM Gupta Abhijeet IND 2627, GM Maiorov Nikita BLR 2535, GM Nikolov Momchil BUL 2589, GM Mamedov Nidjat AZE 2575 and IM Atalik Ekaterina TUR 2436 - 6.5

10-18. GM Kolev Atanas BUL 2590, GM Sandipan Chanda IND 2656, GM Gopal G N IND 2576, GM Socko Bartosz POL 2631, GM Margvelashvili Giorgi GEO 2525, GM Zubarev Alexander UKR 2597, GM Atalik Suat TUR 2619, GM Halkias Stelios GRE 2600 and GM Burmakin Vladimir RUS 2579 - 6.0 etc

Kryvoruchko wins 4th Paleochora Open

4th Paleochora Open

The 4th Paleochora Open was held from 20th to 27th July 2011 in Paleohora, a small city belonging to the Municipality of Kandanos - Selino, located 60 km southwwest of the city of Chania, in Greece. the tournament was organized by the Municipality of Kandanos - Selino in cooperation with Chess Academy of Chania.

Ukrainian Grandmaster Yuriy Kryvoruchko won the tournament by edging GM Alberto David on better tiebreak. Both players have collected 7.5 points from nine rounds. Moreover, Kryvoruchko continued the string of successes, as he also won the 3rd Rethymno Open which ended few days before Paleochora, and was also the winner of the 3rd Paleochora Open last year. Crete must be his dream island.

Tigran Simonian from Armenia claimed an IM norm. Top placed woman is WGM Sopiko Guramishvili and best placed junior is GM Alexander Ipatov.

The Chania prefecture is the western of the four prefectures of the island of Crete and one of the most popular touristic destinations in Greece, during the summer. Accessing Chania is easy, due its popularity and can be done either by boat or by airplane, since the city has an airport (visit transition). Especially in the summer there are directs flights departing from the most European cities.

The southern part of Chania prefecture is exceptionally beautiful and thousands of tourists are visiting during the summer. The traveler can visit the astonishing Samaria Gorge and the blue-flagged beaches following the southern coastline of the prefecture. The municipality of Kandanos - Selino is famous for its beaches, especially the magic Elafonisi beach, as well as the city of Paleohora, a graphical city with rich nightlife.

Final standings:

1-2. GM Kryvoruchko Yuriy UKR 2652 and GM David Alberto LUX 2609 - 7.5

3-12. GM Banikas Hristos GRE 2593, GM Svetushkin Dmitry MDA 2576, IM Yilmaz Mustafa TUR 2519, GM Sandipan Chanda IND 2656, GM Zubarev Alexander UKR 2597, GM Maiorov Nikita BLR 2535, GM Zinchenko Yaroslav UKR 2543, GM Kharitonov Alexandr RUS 2539, GM Prohaszka Peter HUN 2547 and WGM Guramishvili Sopiko GEO 2329 - 7.0

13-22. GM Ipatov Alexander ESP 2562, Simonian Tigran ARM 2294, GM Nikolov Momchil BUL 2589, IM Sivuk Vitaly UKR 2422, FM Danilenko Dmitriy UKR 2360, FM Chatzidakis Mihail GRE 2311, FM Khabarov Sergey RUS 2305, IM Ashwin Jayaram IND 2449, IM Bae Torstein NOR 2414 and IM Burg Twan NED 2450 - 6.5 etc.

Official website

Kryvoruchko wins 4th Paleochora Open

4th Paleochora Open

The 4th Paleochora Open was held from 20th to 27th July 2011 in Paleohora, a small city belonging to the Municipality of Kandanos - Selino, located 60 km southwwest of the city of Chania, in Greece. the tournament was organized by the Municipality of Kandanos - Selino in cooperation with Chess Academy of Chania.

Ukrainian Grandmaster Yuriy Kryvoruchko won the tournament by edging GM Alberto David on better tiebreak. Both players have collected 7.5 points from nine rounds. Moreover, Kryvoruchko continued the string of successes, as he also won the 3rd Rethymno Open which ended few days before Paleochora, and was also the winner of the 3rd Paleochora Open last year. Crete must be his dream island.

Tigran Simonian from Armenia claimed an IM norm. Top placed woman is WGM Sopiko Guramishvili and best placed junior is GM Alexander Ipatov.

The Chania prefecture is the western of the four prefectures of the island of Crete and one of the most popular touristic destinations in Greece, during the summer. Accessing Chania is easy, due its popularity and can be done either by boat or by airplane, since the city has an airport (visit transition). Especially in the summer there are directs flights departing from the most European cities.

The southern part of Chania prefecture is exceptionally beautiful and thousands of tourists are visiting during the summer. The traveler can visit the astonishing Samaria Gorge and the blue-flagged beaches following the southern coastline of the prefecture. The municipality of Kandanos - Selino is famous for its beaches, especially the magic Elafonisi beach, as well as the city of Paleohora, a graphical city with rich nightlife.

Final standings:

1-2. GM Kryvoruchko Yuriy UKR 2652 and GM David Alberto LUX 2609 - 7.5

3-12. GM Banikas Hristos GRE 2593, GM Svetushkin Dmitry MDA 2576, IM Yilmaz Mustafa TUR 2519, GM Sandipan Chanda IND 2656, GM Zubarev Alexander UKR 2597, GM Maiorov Nikita BLR 2535, GM Zinchenko Yaroslav UKR 2543, GM Kharitonov Alexandr RUS 2539, GM Prohaszka Peter HUN 2547 and WGM Guramishvili Sopiko GEO 2329 - 7.0

13-22. GM Ipatov Alexander ESP 2562, Simonian Tigran ARM 2294, GM Nikolov Momchil BUL 2589, IM Sivuk Vitaly UKR 2422, FM Danilenko Dmitriy UKR 2360, FM Chatzidakis Mihail GRE 2311, FM Khabarov Sergey RUS 2305, IM Ashwin Jayaram IND 2449, IM Bae Torstein NOR 2414 and IM Burg Twan NED 2450 - 6.5 etc.

Official website

1st International Tournament Isthmia 2011 (updated)

1st International Tournament Isthmia 2011 (updated)

18th to 25th August at the Alkyon Hotel in Vrachati, Korinthia, Greece

The 1st International Tournament Isthmia 2011 is set to take place from 18th to 25th August at the "Alkyon" Hotel in Vrachati, Korinthia, Greece. The tournament will be 9-rounds Swiss event, divided in two rating groups.

Group A is for the players with FIDE rating over 2000 and Group B for the players with FIDE rating under 1900 or unrated. Players rated 1850 - 2000 may select in which group they will participate.

The organizers are Pnevmatiki Stegi Peristeriou, Korinthia Chess Academy "Argonaftis", Prefecture of Peloponnisos and Municipality of Velo Vocha.

The time control will be 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes until the end of the game, plus 30 seconds per move from move 1, for each player. Recording of the moves is compulsory for the entire duration of the game.

Cash prizes:

The cash prizes to be awarded to the winners of the tournament are, in euros (€):

Group A:

st winner 3000 / 1st Female 400
2nd winner 2000 / 2nd Female 200
3re winner 1200 / 3rd Female 100
4th winner 700 /
5th winner 500 /
6th winner 300 /
7th winner 200 /
8th winner 200 /
1st U2300 250 /
Best game 200

Group B:

1st winner 400
2nd winner 300
3rd winner 200
1st Female 100

Confirmation of participation by physical presence or by phone at (+30)6944914867 - Ms Saltamara, (+30)6977079007 - Mr Bellos, (+30)6936858968 - Mr Prevenios, until 14:30 of August 18th 2011.

Side Events:

- Sunday, August 21st 2011, at 11:00, simultaneous exhibition by Greek Champion GM Vasilios Kotronias against 25 juniors (boys & girls). 15 seats at the simul are to be distributed to interested participants according to order of registration.

- Saturday, August 20th 2011, at 18:00, individual blitz tournament (5' for the entire game & 3'' per move from move 1). Cash prizes: 1st winner 300€, 2nd winner 200€, 3rd winner 100€.

Registration at the tournament website http://isthmia11.peristerichess.gr or by phone at (+30)6977079007 - Mr Antonis Bellos, (+30)6944914867 - Ms Efi Saltamara.

Pre-registered players:

1. GM Tiviakov Sergei NED 2623
2. GM Baklan Vladimir UKR 2620
3. GM Atalik Suat TUR 2619
4. GM Macieja Bartlomiej POL 2612
5. GM Volkov Sergey RUS 2607
6. GM Peralta Fernando ARG 2601
7. GM Solak Dragan SRB 2598
8. GM Banikas Hristos GRE 2593
9. GM Kotronias Vasilios GRE 2588
10. GM Burmakin Vladimir RUS 2579
11. GM Svetushkin Dmitry MDA 2576
12. GM Nikolaidis Ioannis GRE 2545
13. GM Mastrovasilis Athanasios GRE 2537
14. GM Shanava Konstantine GEO 2535
15. GM Kapnisis Spyridon GRE 2529
16. GM Del Rio De Angelis Salvador G ESP 2509
17. GM Jojua Davit GEO 2505
18. GM Kasparov Sergey BLR 2503
19. GM Skembris Spyridon GRE 2475
20. IM Shoker Samy EGY 2475

1st International Tournament Isthmia 2011 (updated)

1st International Tournament Isthmia 2011 (updated)

18th to 25th August at the Alkyon Hotel in Vrachati, Korinthia, Greece

The 1st International Tournament Isthmia 2011 is set to take place from 18th to 25th August at the "Alkyon" Hotel in Vrachati, Korinthia, Greece. The tournament will be 9-rounds Swiss event, divided in two rating groups.

Group A is for the players with FIDE rating over 2000 and Group B for the players with FIDE rating under 1900 or unrated. Players rated 1850 - 2000 may select in which group they will participate.

The organizers are Pnevmatiki Stegi Peristeriou, Korinthia Chess Academy "Argonaftis", Prefecture of Peloponnisos and Municipality of Velo Vocha.

The time control will be 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes until the end of the game, plus 30 seconds per move from move 1, for each player. Recording of the moves is compulsory for the entire duration of the game.

Cash prizes:

The cash prizes to be awarded to the winners of the tournament are, in euros (€):

Group A:

st winner 3000 / 1st Female 400
2nd winner 2000 / 2nd Female 200
3re winner 1200 / 3rd Female 100
4th winner 700 /
5th winner 500 /
6th winner 300 /
7th winner 200 /
8th winner 200 /
1st U2300 250 /
Best game 200

Group B:

1st winner 400
2nd winner 300
3rd winner 200
1st Female 100

Confirmation of participation by physical presence or by phone at (+30)6944914867 - Ms Saltamara, (+30)6977079007 - Mr Bellos, (+30)6936858968 - Mr Prevenios, until 14:30 of August 18th 2011.

Side Events:

- Sunday, August 21st 2011, at 11:00, simultaneous exhibition by Greek Champion GM Vasilios Kotronias against 25 juniors (boys & girls). 15 seats at the simul are to be distributed to interested participants according to order of registration.

- Saturday, August 20th 2011, at 18:00, individual blitz tournament (5' for the entire game & 3'' per move from move 1). Cash prizes: 1st winner 300€, 2nd winner 200€, 3rd winner 100€.

Registration at the tournament website http://isthmia11.peristerichess.gr or by phone at (+30)6977079007 - Mr Antonis Bellos, (+30)6944914867 - Ms Efi Saltamara.

Pre-registered players:

1. GM Tiviakov Sergei NED 2623
2. GM Baklan Vladimir UKR 2620
3. GM Atalik Suat TUR 2619
4. GM Macieja Bartlomiej POL 2612
5. GM Volkov Sergey RUS 2607
6. GM Peralta Fernando ARG 2601
7. GM Solak Dragan SRB 2598
8. GM Banikas Hristos GRE 2593
9. GM Kotronias Vasilios GRE 2588
10. GM Burmakin Vladimir RUS 2579
11. GM Svetushkin Dmitry MDA 2576
12. GM Nikolaidis Ioannis GRE 2545
13. GM Mastrovasilis Athanasios GRE 2537
14. GM Shanava Konstantine GEO 2535
15. GM Kapnisis Spyridon GRE 2529
16. GM Del Rio De Angelis Salvador G ESP 2509
17. GM Jojua Davit GEO 2505
18. GM Kasparov Sergey BLR 2503
19. GM Skembris Spyridon GRE 2475
20. IM Shoker Samy EGY 2475

Mastrovasilis, Mirzoev and Hunt share first at Artemis Cup

3rd International Chess Tournament Artemis Cup
Athanasios Mastrovasilis, Azer Mirzoev and Adam Hunt share the first place

The 3rd International Chess Tournament "Artemis Cup" was held from 12th to 19th July at the Convention Center Crithoni’s Paradise Hotel, Crithoni on the island of Leros, Greece.

The 9-round Swiss open was organized by the Municipality of Leros, E.S.TH. (Union Of Chess Players Of Thessaloniki) and Educational and Cultural Youth Club "Artemis". The prize fund amounted to 5600 EUR, with 1200 EUR being reserved for the winner.

GM Athanasios Mastrovasilis, who was also joint winner in the 2nd Artemis Cup, GM Azer Mirzoev and IM Adam Hunt share the first place with 7 points each. Mastrovasilis takes the trophy on best tiebreak.

Leros is a Greek island and municipality in the Dodecanese in the southern Aegean Sea. Leros is known for its imposing medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John, built on a Byzantine fortress. In ancient times it was considered the island of Parthenos Iokallis and linked to the Hellenistic and Roman literature on Meleager and the Meleagrides.

Official website

Final top 20 standings:

1 GM Mastrovasilis Athanasios GRE 2537 - 7
2 GM Mirzoev Azer AZE 2415 - 7
3 IM Hunt Adam C ENG 2436 - 7
4 GM Nikolaidis Ioannis GRE 2545 - 6.5
5 FM Pavlidis Anastasios GRE 2323 - 6.5
6 GM Gordon Stephen J ENG 2533 - 6.5
7 GM Jeremic Veljko SRB 2519 - 6.5
8 GM Mastrovasilis Dimitrios GRE 2604 - 6
9 GM Horvath Adam HUN 2478 - 6
10 IM Csonka Attila Istvan HUN 2373 - 6
11 IM Devereaux Maxim L ENG 2376 - 6
12 IM Meszaros Tamas HUN 2462 - 6
13 IM Estremera Panos Sergio ESP 2364 - 6
14 WIM Sahl Sheila Barth NOR 2190 - 6
15 FM Matthiesen Arne DEN 2313 - 6
16 IM Borsuk Angela ISR 2254 - 6
17 GM Czebe Attila HUN 2526 - 5.5
18 WGM Calzetta Ruiz Monica ESP 2293 - 5.5
19 Kafetzis Georgios GRE 1984 - 5.5
20 IM Bokros Albert HUN 2470 - 5.5
21 Soultatis Kostas GRE 2050 - 5.5
22 WGM Partac Elena MDA 2106 - 5.5

Crete Chess Tournaments

Crete Chess Tournaments
3rd Rethymno Open and 4th Paleochora Open

3rd Rethymno Open

For one week Rethymno, the town of culture and art is becoming the center of chess events around Europe.

The Third International Chess Tournament "Rethymno 2011" is going to be held from 11 till 18 July 2011 and give hospitality to great personalities of chess from many different European countries and as a result the spiritual battles are expected to be fabulous and definitely intensive.

At the same time, all the participants will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this town through a series of cultural events, an issue which is going to characterize Rethymno as chess and multicultural town during the period of the tournament!

Last year winner was GM Mircea Parligras. You can visit the official web site of Rethymno tournament, 11-18th July 2011, www.rethymnochess.gr. Players list is bellow.

4th Paleochora Open

Municipality of Kandanos - Selino in cooperation with Chess Akademy of Chania organize the 4rd International Chess Tournament Paleohora in magic south Crete.

Paleohora is a small city belonging to the Municipality of Kandanos - Selino, located 60 km south - west of the city of Chania. The Chania prefecture is the western of the four prefectures of the island of Crete and one of the most popular touristic destinations in Greece, during the summer. Accessing Chania is easy, due its popularity and can be done either by boat or by airplane, since the city has an airport (visit transition). Especially in the summer there are directs flights departing from the most European cities.

The southern part of Chania prefecture is exceptionally beautiful and thousands of tourists are visiting during the summer. The traveler can visit the astonishing Samaria Gorge and the blue-flagged beaches following the southern coastline of the prefecture. The municipality of Kandanos - Selino is famous for its beaches, especially the magic Elafonisi beach, as well as the city of Paleohora, a graphical city with rich nightlife.

Last year winner was GM Yuriy Kryvoruchko. Official web site of Paleochora tournament, 20-27th July 2011, www.chaniachess.gr, e-mail: info@chaniachess.gr

3rd International Rethymno Open 2011 - Participants:

1 GM Sandipan Chanda IND 2656
2 GM Kryvoruchko Yuriy UKR 2652
3 GM David Alberto LUX 2609
4 GM Zubarev Alexander UKR 2597
5 GM Banikas Hristos GRE 2593
6 GM Nikolov Momchil BUL 2589
7 GM Jankovic Alojzije CRO 2586
8 GM Svetushkin Dmitry MDA 2576
9 GM Bosiocic Marin CRO 2573
10 GM Felgaer Ruben ARG 2573
11 IM Ipatov Alexander ESP 2562
12 GM Rychagov Andrey RUS 2560
13 GM Prohaszka Peter HUN 2547
14 GM Zinchenko Yaroslav UKR 2543
15 GM Kharitonov Alexandr RUS 2539
16 GM Maiorov Nikita BLR 2535
17 IM Yilmaz Mustafa TUR 2519
18 IM Pap Misa SRB 2507
19 GM Can Emre TUR 2498
20 IM Kohlweyer Bernd GER 2494

Π.Σ. ΠΕΡΙΣΤΕΡΙΟΥ leads Greek Team Championship

Team leaders after 6 rounds

Rk.	SNo	Team	Games	+	=	-	TB1	TB2	TB3
1	1	Π.Σ. ΠΕΡΙΣΤΕΡΙΟΥ	6	5	1	0	11	242.5	35.5
2	2	Σ.Ο. ΚΑΒΑΛΑΣ	6	4	2	0	10	210.5	30.0
3	7	Ε.Ο.Α.Ο. "Ο ΦΥΣΙΟΛΑΤΡΗΣ" ΝΙΚΑΙΑΣ	6	5	0	1	10	144.5	27.0
4	8	Ε.Ε.Σ. ΚΟΡΥΔΑΛΛΟΥ	6	4	1	1	9	166.5	27.5
5	10	ΠΑΝΙΩΝΙΟΣ Γ.Σ.Σ.	6	4	1	1	9	136.5	28.5
6	6	Ε.Σ. ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ	6	4	0	2	8	167.0	28.5
7	4	Α.Ο. "ΚΥΔΩΝ" ΧΑΝΙΩΝ	6	4	0	2	8	147.5	27.0
8	19	ΛΕΣΧΗ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΜΟΥ ΦΛΩΡΙΝΑΣ	6	3	2	1	8	121.0	23.0

Leading team performance:

Bo.		Name	Rtg	FED	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Pts.	Games	RtgAvg
1	GM	Ivanchuk Vassily	2776	UKR		½	1	1	½	0		3.0	5	2597
2	GM	Polgar Judit	2699	HUN			1	½	1			2.5	3	2392
3	GM	Halkias Stelios	2602	GRE	1			½		1		2.5	3	2366
4	GM	Kotronias Vasilios	2588	GRE	1	1		½	1			3.5	4	2365
5	GM	Banikas Hristos	2593	GRE	1	1	1		1	1		5.0	5	2216
6	WIM	Papadopoulou Vera	2210	GRE	1	½	1			1		3.5	4	1966

Full standings here.

Serbian Teams for the ETCC

Serbian Teams for the ETCC
Branko Damljanovic returns from the mini-retirement

At the press conference held on 1st July Serbian Chess Federation has announced the teams for the European Team Chess Championship which will be played later this year in Greece.

Captain of the men's team, GM Bosko Abramovic, drafted the following players - Ivan Ivanisevic, Branko Damljanovic (who is returning to the team after serving as a captain for the 2009 ETCC), Aleksandar Kovacevic, Milos Perunovic and Dragan Solak.

Captain of the women's team, WGM Ana Benderac, decided on the following lineup - Natasa Bojkovic, Irina Chelushkina, Andjelija Stojanovic, Ljilja Drljevic and reigning junior champion Jovana Eric.

Natasa Bojkovic

Benderac said that she hopes the team could repeat the excellent run from the 2010 Chess Olympiad when they constantly played on the top tables and contested the medal until the very last round. This time she hopes for better concentration in the final yards.

The federation also announced that Milos Roganovic and Jovana Eric will represent the country at the World Junior Championship on 1-16th August in Chennai, India.

Legendary Grandmaster Ljubomir Ljubojevic attended the press conference and gave valuable advice to the players and the chess federation.