2019 Spanish Championship
Quick 5-minute Summary
One of the strongest Spanish Championships — if not THE strongest — is currently underway in Marbella, between the 16th and 24th. Virtually all of the Spanish elite players are present, with Vallejo, Anton and Shirov leading the list.
The format is a 9-rd Swiss, time control a fast 90-minutes for the entire game (with 30” per move increment). A total of 142 participants, with prizes 5,000 euros, 3,000 euros, 2,000 euros etc. Top woman prize is 1,500 euros.
Shirov on Fire!
Grandmaster Alexi Shirov (originally from Latvia) is, in my opinion, the tournament favourite. Alexi has been having a great year as he tries to recover his former glory.
In yesterday’s 1st round he quickly punished his opponent’s risky opening play and won in less than 20 moves! Alexi playfully described his opponet’s play ‘loco’ on his FaceBook account. But you decide for yourself!
gm Shirov,A – Lopez Guerrero, J
Marbella 16.11.2019
(1-0)
