Bar Brawl in Prague!
All muscle and little finesse in Prague Tournament
The 2nd Prague Masters was described by social media as a supertournament without superstars, but in the end it turned out to be just an old fashioned bar brawl with not less than half the participants tieing for 1st prize with 5 points from 9 games.
The rules demanded a playoff and in the end the young self-exiled Iranian Ali Firouzja emerged on top and hence is recognized as the official 2020 champion. Congratulations!
Sarcasm aside, I actually really enjoyed following the tournament! Most of the participants are uncompromising fighters who took chances, refused to play for a draw from the opening and often fought to be bitter end. Congratulations to each of them!
Especially remarkable is the last round brawl between Anton and Firouzja: remarkable because I don’t understand how it was possible for Anton to not win this game any more than I can fathom the Houdini-type magic that allowed Firouzja to escape.
Pure entertainment from start to finish!
gm Anton,D – gm Firouzja,A
Prague 21,2,2020
draw
Credits: Jared Kirby Museum for the bar image and EuropeEchecs for the X-table. Gif of go-go superstar Sandy Sargent and Cliff Roberts and the Rebel Rousers
