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11th Open. Dusit Thani Pattaya. Pattaya 2011 ..... I was asked by Schach. Magazine to write an article about this tournament – I guess they will translate it for me ...
“ The best organised chess tournament for amateur players, in the world.” Grandmaster Nigel Short, 12th BCC Open Champion

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Contents Introduction..................................................................2 Press Conference in the Dusit Thani.......................6 Gold Sponsors..............................................................8 Silver Sponsors........................................................... 11 Tournament Organisation........................................12 Star players

GM Jan Gustafsson............................................14



GM Hou Yifan....................................................18



GM Nigel Short..................................................22



GM Hou Yifan at Government House...........27

The Tournament

Challenger Tournament....................................29



Open Tournament............................................ 30

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.



Titled Players.......................................................33

Chinese Proverb



Amazing Junior Players.................................... 34



Cooling Off on the Roof.................................. 36



Blitz Championship.......................................... 39



Most Frequent Visitors......................................41



Behind the Scenes..............................................42



Prizegiving Ceremony.......................................45

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Bangkok Chess Club.................................................47 Media

Bangkok Chess Club Website......................... 48



Asian Websites................................................... 50



International Websites...................................... 54

Publications........................................................ 68 Appendices

For more information and reservations, please contact us Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9000 | E-mail: [email protected] B www.facebook.com/dusitthani | Website: dusitthanibangkok.dusit.com



Collateral Material.............................................70



Final Standings - Open Tournament..............72



Final Standings - Challenger............................74



Press Releases.....................................................76

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The 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open 2012 The strongest international chess tournament ever held in Thailand

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Ukraine. The Tourism Authority (TAT) appreciates the

standards, but with some additional sponsorship we

positive image generated for Thailand, and has become

have attracted some of the top professional players

a regular sponsor of the event.

including GM Hou Yifan and GM Nigel Short, who jointly won the world’s most prestigious open tourna-

Player Profile

ment in Gibraltar earlier this year. This attracts more

he first international chess tournament organised

Some of those players have become keen enthu-

International chess players are generally more logical

by the Bangkok Chess Club was held at the Amari

siasts, making a visit to Thailand a regular part of their

and better educated than average. Many are educated

Orchid Pattaya in the year 2002, with 50 mostly Thai

annual vacations. This year we organised a special prize

to at least degree level, and our visitors included several

During the tournament there are one or two games

competitors. Setting a high standard of quality, it was a

for our most regular overseas visitor.

at PhD and Professor level. They represent the higher

per day for a total of nine rounds in seven days, usually

income brackets of their respective countries, and are

in the afternoon, each of which can last between four

usually the decision makers in both their families and

and five hours. All players will play in all rounds, from

their careers.

the start to the finish, as it is not a knockout contest.

success and the start of a great adventure culminating in the twelfth BCC Open with hundreds of players

A Positive Image for Thailand

from virtual beginners to the current women’s World

Bangkok Chess Club’s tournaments have gained

Champion. In his speech the 12th Champion, Grand-

respect around the world. The statistics speak for

improve their ranking and gain coveted chess titles.

There are actually two tournaments running

Tournament Profile

master Nigel Short, described this year’s tournament

themselves: 230 players from 38 different countries;

as “the best organised chess tournament for amateur

our champions have come from Australia, China,

The tournament is organised to high professional

players, in the world”.

Denmark, England, Germany, India, Philippines and

standards. The prize fund is small by international

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of the lower rated players, especially those wishing to

concurrently – the 9-round Open Tournament for all players and professionals, and the 7-round Challenger Tournament for unrated or lower rated amateurs. 3

Worldwide Publicity The advertising and marketing industry has changed radically in the last few years, with great opportunities being created in the social media. We have a mailing list of over 2,500 people via Facebook, where we can reach a targeted audience spread over the entire world. During the tournament, Bangkok Chess Club member Dr. Alex Klemm interviewed grandmasters and prepared daily press releases, which were picked up by newspapers, magazines and

websites around the world. In addition, many of the participants posted their thoughts of the tournaments on their blogs, on Facebook and on Twitter. Some of these can be viewed in later pages of this publication. A questionnaire completed by the players highlighted the overall satisfaction and enjoyment they experienced. We believe with the right sponsors, The Bangkok Chess Club Open Tournaments can continue to grow in size and prestige.

Bangkok Chess Club Open Champions Tournament

Venue

Winners

From

1st Open

Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya 2002

1. IM Tejas Bakre 2. IM Rahul Shetty 3. IM Chris Baker

India India England

2nd Open

Novotel Siam Square Bangkok 2003

1. GM Ruslan Pogorelov 2. IM Richard Polaczek 3. FM Banjuab Jiravorasuk

Ukraine Belgium Thailand

3rd Open

Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya 2003

1. GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. 2. GM Alexei Barsov 3. GM Ruslan Pogorelov

Philippines Uzbekistan Ukraine

4th Open

Novotel Siam Square Bangkok 2004

1. GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. 2. GM Ian Rogers 3. FM Colm Daly

Philippines Australia Ireland

5th Open

Regent Cha-Am Petchaburi 2005

1. GM Ian Rogers 2. GM Eugenio Torre 3. GM Wu Shaobin

Australia Philippines Singapore

6th Open

Century Park Hotel Bangkok 2006

1. GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. 2. FM Rico Salimbagat 3. IM Chandrashekhar Gokhale

Philippines Philippines India

7th Open

Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa Phuket 2007

1. IM David Smerdon 2. GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. 3. GM Ian Rogers

Australia Philippines Australia

8th Open

Century Park Hotel Bangkok 2008

1. Xiu Deshun 2. Zhang Ziyang 3. GM Li Shilong

China China China

9th Open

Aisawan Resort & Spa Pattaya 2009

1. Xiu Deshun 2. GM Elshan Moradiabadi 3. GM Nigel Short

China Iran England

Century Park Hotel Bangkok 2010

1. GM Sune Berg Hansen 2. GM Nigel Short 3. IM Mokal Prathamesh Sunil

Denmark England India

Dusit Thani Pattaya Pattaya 2011

1. GM Jan Gustafsson 2. GM Nigel Short 3. GM Francesco Vallejo Pons

Germany England Spain

Dusit Thani Bangkok Bangkok 2012

1. GM Nigel Short 2. GM Farrukh Amonatov 3. IM Nguyen Duc Hoa

England Tajikistan Vietnam

10th Open

11th Open

12th Open

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Clockwise from top left: ppGM Sune Berg Hansen (10th Open) ppIM David Smerdon (7th Open) ppGM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (4th Open) ppXiu Deshun (9th Open) ppGM Nigel Short (12th Open) ppGM Jan Gustafsson (11th Open)

Press Conference in the Dusit Thani Champagne Bar

To announce the tournament, a Press Conference was held in the Champagne Bar of the Dusit Thani Bangkok, on May 13th. Speakers included Tournament Director Kai Tuorila, Hotel General Manager Alex Willats, Dr. Palphol Rodloytuk of SIU University and Thailand Chess Association President Prajuab Nimityongsul. 7

Gold Sponsors PYN Fund Management Ltd PYN Fund Management Ltd is a fund management company licensed by the Finnish Government to engage in mutual fund activity and which is entered in the Finnish Trade Register. PYN Fund Management Ltd is an independent fund management company owned by the company’s executive management. PYN Fund Management Ltd manages two mutual funds, Elite and Populus, both of which are non-UCITS funds: Elite is a non-UCITS fund managed by PYN Fund Management Ltd. The Fund began its operations with investments in Southeast Asia and, so far, has focused only on Thai equities. Populus is a non-UCITS fund managed by PYN Fund Management Ltd. The Fund has made its first investments in Southeast Asia and the Far East. Website: www.PYN.fi

The Tourism Authority of Thailand The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established on the 18th March 1960. TAT was the first organisation in Thailand to be specifically responsible for the promotion of tourism. TAT supplies information and data on tourist areas to the public, publicizes Thailand with the intention of encouraging both Thai and international tourists to travel in and around Thailand, conducts studies to set development plans for tourist destinations, and co-operates with and supports the production and development of personnel in the field of tourism. Since the inception of the first local office of TAT in Chiang Mai in 1968, there are now 35 regional offices throughout Thailand. TAT has also established many overseas offices the first being in New York, which was opened in 1965. During the past 30 years, TAT has since established 15 more offices in different parts of the world. Website:http://www.tourismthailand.org/

The Dusit Thani Bangkok For 40 years, the famed Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel has been a ‘social and business’ landmark in Bangkok. Its international luxury hotel standards delivered with distinctive Thai artistry and graciousness personify the earthly manifestation of its name which means in Thai, a town in heaven. Website: www.dusit.com

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Silver Sponsors 2C2P Credit Card Payment Processor Leading e-commerce payment provider in Asia-Pacific. Website: www.2C2P.com

Chess4Thai Chess promoter, organiser and school, encouraging the development of chess in Thailand especially in young people. Website:.www.chess4thai.info

FinPro – Devoted to Finnish Success Finpro is a global expert network established by Finnish companies, with a national task for promoting the growth and competitiveness of Finnish

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MY

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FIDE Master Jirapak Pitirotjirathon. Facebook: jirapakchessacademy

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 AC AD

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A brand new School opening in Bangkok by current Thailand Champion,

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JCA – Jirapak Chess Academy

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companies through internationalisation. Website: www.finpro.fi

Könitz Porzellan The Mug Makers stand for outstanding potential to satisfy all of our customer’s wishes for their mugs! Website: www.3plus1.com

Pattaya Chess School Grandmaster Gerhard Schebler has settled in Pattaya, and aims to raise the standards of chess in Thailand to the point where there will be new grandmasters developing, Email: [email protected]

Shinawatra University Shinawatra University, SIU, aims to be a leading international university, with an emphasis on research, striving for excellence in learning and teaching, innovation, leadership, management, entrepreneurship, outreach and service with the highest ethical standards and social responsibilities. Website: www.siu.ac.th

Thai Board Games Dual language website where you can play online games – International Chess, Thai and Chinese Chess, Shogi, Go, Chequers and more. Website: www.ThaiBG.com

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Tournament Organisation This stellar tournament would not be possible without the dedication of our hardworking volunteers, bringing a range of different skills to the table: ppTournament Director: IO Kai Tuorila ppDeputy Tournament Director: Peter Darby ppChief Arbiter: IA Markku Kosonen ppDeputy Chief Arbiters: IA Panupand Vijjuprabha, IA Prajuab Nimityongskul (President of the Thailand Chess Association), IA Maung Maung Lwin ppArbiters: FA Opas Raungvorrarugsiri, Patcharawee Brahmawong, Sant Pongkiettisak ppTournament Officers: Araya Thesthong, Bruce Bell, Chananchita Boonchan, Jurairat Bhupisetsak, Kornkanok Hongsiri, Natta Khunawutvanit, Pimolpun Tuorila, Poompong Wiwatanadate, Watchara Raungvorrarugsiri, Worawong Pattanawong ppPairings Officer: Poompong Wiwatanadate ppPress Centre: Dr. Alexander Klemm, Peter Darby, Mark McCready, Bruce Bell ppComputer Technician: Thanapon Tangwachirachat. The tournament was fortunate to have many other able assistants for the tasks needed, too numerous to name individually.

Bangkok Chess Club (BCC) When IO Kai Tuorila settled in Thailand, there was nowhere to indulge his passion for chess – so he founded the Bangkok Chess Club, which used to meet weekly in a small pub owned by a fellow Finn. Over the years the club has grown and, with the organisation of the annual Bangkok Chess Club Open, has become well known to many around the world. This year’s tournament was the 12th International Open organised by the BCC team. Website: www.BangkokChess.com

The Thailand Chess Association (TCA) The TCA is the official Sport Association under the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), presided over by IA Prajuab Nimityongsakul. Website: www.thailandchess.or.th

The 2012 tournament team performed seamlessly, with everyone fulfilling their roles to perfection, and many willing extra hands for the hard work between rounds.

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“I chose to play in only two open tournaments this year: the Gibraltar Chess Festival and the 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open.”

cities you basically can do anything you want. It’s got

Nigel was Vice World Champion in 1993. I was 14 back

a relaxed atmosphere, that’s why I like it there. I was

then and following his match against Kasparov. I grew

about eleven when we came back to Germany. I joined

up watching his games. He has achieved so much in the

the Hamburg chess club and played for them for twenty

chess world and he’s still going strong at his advanced

years. Of course I still have close ties to them. It was a

age. I believe at 46 he’s the oldest guy in the top 100,

hard decision to leave to play for Baden-Baden, but

and now he’s back to a 2700 Elo rating, which is quite

basically all my growing up related to chess happened

impressive. And there is not much one needs to say

at the chess club in Hamburg.

about Hou Yifan. I believe she has just turned 18 and is

AK: Was it during your time in Hamburg that you decided to become a professional chess player?

the Women’s World Champion. Apart from Judit Polgar she’s clearly the greatest female chess player in history. I don’t know her very well, but she seems to be very

JG: I never really decided to become a professional.

friendly and is a tremendous player. I’m a bit annoyed

I guess the lines are very blurry there. I was a student,

because for 10 to 15 years now I would have been

a lazy one, and I was doing reasonably well with chess

the number two in the women’s world ranking but I’m

and some other game [Gustafsson has coauthored a

afraid I’m losing that spot to her.

book on poker], so I hung around but it was never my career plan to become a professional chess player. I have a full-time job. I work in an internet company and my work there is a bit related to chess because one

AK: After last year’s Open in Pattaya, this is the second time you are playing in Thailand. What are your impressions of these tournaments, venues and organisation?

The Defending Thailand Open Champion

of the tasks we are working on is to build a big chess platform which hopefully will be better than the other

JG: I’ve been very happy to come back. The venues

GM Jan Gustafsson is interviewed by Dr. Alexander J. Klemm

chess websites out there.

and organisation have been top notch, both here in

AK: Now to the Bangkok Chess Club Open 2012:......

uring the 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open 2012,

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AK: Based on your impressive score of 6.5 points out

How do you evaluate your performance so far [5

Dr. Alexander Klemm met up with last year’s

of 8 games in the German league, do you think your

points after 7 games] and how do you see your chances

champion GM Jan Gustafsson from Germany to talk

club will ask you to play more often, or is the competi-

to defend your title?

about chess, his hometown Hamburg, the Bangkok

tion within the team simply too high?

Bangkok and last year in Pattaya. Just look around the Dusit Thani Hotel. Chess players are not used to having this standard, the attention to detail like having a VIP dinner, and the support from Kai Tuorila [Tournament Director] and his team. They’re doing pretty

JG: My performance is terrible. I just can’t get my

much everything you could ask them for. It’s hard to

JG: I was happy with the games I was getting. I don’t

head to work. I’m not sure what the reasons are. You can

compare the two cities though. I like Pattaya because

AK: Congratulations, your German team OSG Baden-

think it’s so much about the score because normally

always come up with a lot of excuses: jet lag, double-

it’s a smaller city and you can walk around, and obvi-

Baden has just won the league title. How does that make

anyone on a low board is supposed to do well. It’s clear

rounds, you name it, but in general I just haven’t been

ously there’s quite a lot of nightlife just like in Bangkok.

you feel and what is the success strategy of your club?

that in the one week against Bremen we tried to bring

playing well and am upset about my performance. As

I enjoyed it there but the hotels are both excellent and

the strongest lineup, so I couldn’t make the team, but

for defending the title, there’s no chance anymore.

Bangkok also has a lot to see. I just haven’t found the

Open, his impressions of Thailand, and much more.

JG: Yes, I’ve read the news online. I can’t take much of the credit but it always feels good to win something. In general, having the strongest players is a good start if

apart from that, I sat out one weekend and now I am playing here so I couldn’t be there.

you want to win the league. Because of the generous

AK: You grew up in Hamburg, Germany, where

sponsoring of Grenkeleasing [a German incorporation],

you also developed into one of Germany’s strongest

Baden-Baden is in a situation in which we can afford

players. What is special about Hamburg and what does

having Anand and Carlson – even though he didn’t

the chess club Hamburg SK mean to you?

play well – and there are more strong players such as Bacrot, Naiditsch, Svidler, Shirov, and others. So I can’t say it’s a big surprise that we have won the title, but it’s still nice. Bremen put up a fight. It was a close match two rounds ago.

JG: I travel a lot but I really wouldn’t want to live anywhere else than in Hamburg. It’s my favourite city even though it rains a lot. Although the weather is not the main attraction, it’s a good place to live. It’s hard to describe what’s special about it. As with all big

AK: What do you think about the competition? JG: I think the field is very similar to last year’s. There are four players above 2600 and a lot of other strong players. But I’m just disappointed with my own play. Of

come here. AK: Do you have any suggestions for improvements to the tournament?

course I give my opponents credit for doing well, but

JG: I’ve been asking them to get rid of the double-

it’s mainly all in my own head so it’s very hard for me

rounds. I don’t think anybody really likes to play

to evaluate it adequately.

double-rounds and especially for international players

AK: Two other top players here are GM Nigel Short and Women’s World Champion GM Hou Yifan. What have they brought to chess that stands out? JG: They are both incredibly accomplished players.

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time yet to explore everything. It’s always a pleasure to

from Europe. They are jet lagged and start the games at 9 a.m. Thai time, which is 4 a.m. European time. That’s a bit tough. I would very much prefer to play one round per day. I understand there are considerations against it, such as the Thai holidays and the lower 15

costs when there are only seven days. I spoke to a lot of

admit. I arrived two days before the first round and

people beforehand, telling them that this is a nice tour-

went to Pattaya with some friends. Here, I’ve mainly

nament, but when they hear about the double-rounds,

been playing chess, as sad as it sounds. I did go out

they aren’t that eager to go. So, having one round per

at night and I had a look around at the usual nightlife

day is my suggestion.

hotspots, but I haven’t seen that much of the city to

AK: I’ve noticed that your first action after every game is to step out to smoke a cigarette. How important is this ritual for you. What are some other rituals that help you to focus before a match and to unwind afterwards?

really appreciate it yet. It’s obviously a megacity and offers probably more than I can imagine. But because I don’t know my way around and I’m a lazy guy I haven’t seen as much as I would like to. I will try to catch up. I enjoy coming here because everybody seems to be

JG: The smoking thing is not really a ritual; I’m just

very much at peace with themselves, which is different

an addict. You are short of time in the final parts of the

from Europe. The atmosphere seems relaxed here. I’m

game, so I fix my nicotine need afterwards. It’s nothing

not sure whether this has to do with people’s Buddhist

I’m overly proud of. I should quit because it’s obviously

world view. They seem to just seize the day and to be

not a clever thing to do as a chess player. Other rituals

content with what they’ve got. They don’t seem to be

keep changing. Most chess players are superstitious,

as stressed out as we are in Europe where we drive

including me. Back in the days I had a lot of obsessions.

ourselves crazy with our mental problems.

I thought when I had black I had to wear black shoes and when I was white I had to wear white shoes. I gave up on that rule at some point because I was too lazy to

AK: Is there a chance then that you will return next year for more chess in Thailand?

follow it through. So I always have some superstitious

JG: I’ll wait to see where the venue is and what will

nonsense in my mind, but there are no rituals.

happen with the question about double-rounds. If I can

AK: What are your impressions of Bangkok and Thailand? Have you had a chance to go sightseeing in the city or travelling through the country? And what do you think about Thai people and Thai culture? JG: I haven’t seen all that much yet, I have to 16

make it happen – like I said I have a full time job so I have to select my tournaments carefully – I would very much like to be back. AK: Thank you. We hope to see you here again too.

“The venues and organisation have been top notch, both here and last year in Pattaya. Just look around the Dusit Thani Hotel. Chess players are not used to having this standard.”

The Youngest Ever World Chess Champion GM Hou Yifan, Women’s World Champion, is interviewed by Dr. Alexander J. Klemm hortly after the 12th BCC Open, Alex Klemm

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championship in China. There I played in the men’s

talked with Women’s World Champion GM Hou

section, although there is a women’s section too.

Yifan about her performance and impressions during

Shortly thereafter I came here, so I didn’t have any

her first-time visit to Thailand.

special preparation. Before each game I sometimes

AK: Let’s talk about the tournament. How did it go for you? HY: At the beginning I played decently, but then, after half of the tournament the schedule changed from two

prepare and sometimes just relax. AK: Since this is your first time at the BCC Open, please tell me some of your impressions about this venue, the organisation and the competition.

to one game per day. Somehow that was bad for me. In

HY: I really like this place. The hotel is very comfort-

round six I actually had a lost position [win with white

able and convenient because it’s in the city centre. The

against German FM Martin Voigt], in another game I

tournament organisation is very good for the players.

blundered, and in my last game I also didn’t play well

Actually I didn’t have any problems, but if there

[draw with black against Filipino Sander Severino].

were any the organizers could find a solution quickly.

AK: Is there a game that you are very satisfied with? HY: Maybe the third one [win with black against Iranian GM Shojaat Ghane].

Concerning the level of competition:.......... although the ratings aren’t that high, the players are strong and many of the young players have shown their potential. AK: You played against some strong opponents here,

AK: How did you prepare for the tournament and

most notably GM Nigel Short. What can you still learn

each game?

from players of his quality? Would you ever consider

HY: Before this tournament I just finished the national

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hiring someone famous – someone like Garry Kasparov – to be your chess coach? 19

HY: Of course when you play against other GMs

durian and mangosteen. I have read that if durian is

there is always something to be learned. I have played

the king of fruits, then mangosteen is the queen. I have

against Nigel Short several times – and have lost against

also tried some Thai dishes. Some of them are similar to

him three times. But I remember I beat him in 2008 in

Chinese food, just spicier. I talked to some local people

Wijk aan Zee. As for your second question, I haven’t

who are connected to the tournament. I found them

had such an opportunity yet and haven’t really thought

to be very hospitable. And when I went sightseeing,

about it. In China we have coaches for the national

local people helped me to find my way around. Thai

teams. But I don’t have a private coach.

people are so polite and greet me with the Wai. During

AK: Your mother has accompanied you to Bangkok. Please tell me about her role in your life.

Songkran I went out for dinner, people splashed me with at least three bottles of cold water and put powder on my face. Not only children did that but adults too!

HY: My mother usually travels with me. She is here too and gives me her support. My parents are also my friends. We can talk about anything. They help me with my everyday life, and together we feel very comfortable.

“The players are strong and many of the young players have shown their potential.”

AK: Since your arrival in Bangkok you have been getting much attention. At Bangkok’s Government House you met Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, other important politicians, and many chess fans want to see you play and ask to take pictures with you. How do you manage all of this attention? HY: Usually I don’t think about this kind of thing too much. It’s good to see that people who don’t play chess become interested in the game. It’s fine when people would like to take a picture with me after the game, just not during the game [laughing]. AK: What do you like to do in your free time? HY: Sometimes I like to travel when I’m not playing competitive chess. I also enjoy reading, swimming, listening to a great variety of music and watching some television series and movies. When I was young I didn’t

AK: Your English is really good. Where did you learn to speak English? HY: When I’m in Beijing and don’t play a tournament or have other business to take care of, I sometimes go to a popular English language school there. AK: Do you have any intention to further your studies? HY: I’m planning to enrol at Beijing University this year to get a BA in International Relations. I don’t have a clear picture yet about the plan of study, but I’m following my feeling and the suggestions of others. I think I will be able to study and to focus on chess at the same time, but of course I will have to find a way to balance both.

like to watch movies that much, but recently I like it

AK: Is there a chance that you will return next year to

more. My favourite film at this point is Shawshank

play more chess in Thailand?

Redemption. [Maybe because the main character likes to play chess?]

HY: If the timing of the tournament fits my schedule and if some other arrangements are fine, then maybe

AK: What are your impressions of Bangkok? Have

I will come back. I hope in the future I can return to

you had a chance to go sightseeing?

Thailand again because I would like to experience

HY: Before the tournament I went to several places

more.

such as a crocodile farm, temples, the Royal Thai

AK: Thank you for this interview. It would be great to

Elephant Museum, and Wat Pho where I saw the

see you again next year.

Reclining Buddha. I appreciate the overall environment here and especially Thai fruits, for example coconuts, 20

The 12th BCC Open 2012 Champion An interview with “Moving Target” GM Nigel Short by Dr. Alexander J. Klemm AK: Congratulations. After seven rounds you are in the

too and a huge asset for a tournament like this. It’s ok to

lead. What are your chances to win the tournament?

have the oldies like myself, but there’s also something

NS: I’m in a strong position but winning will require a lot of concentration in the last two games. So far things have been pretty good. My performance has been fantastic. I could not hope for more. I could hope for 100 percent but I’ll take 6.5 points out of seven games any time.

very exciting about having some young blood here. Gusti is a decent and highly respected grandmaster. He played very well in the European Team Championship, won by Germany. So that’s another distinction that he has. But here Gusti’s not quite in his best form. It goes like that sometimes. Last year everything went fine, but this year he has already dropped two points. Although

AK: What has been your most interesting game?

he can still finish well I don’t see him winning the event.

NS: I think that would be the complicated game I

AK: Do you follow any rituals or a routine before and

played in the fifth round against the Chinese player Liu

after every game?

Qingnan.

NS: I try to keep to some sort of routine, but it’s

AK: Besides you, there are other top players in the

flexible. Today I was a bit annoyed because I overslept.

tournament, among them Women’s World Champion

That knocked me a bit off balance. Now we are at the

GM Hou Yifan and the GM Jan Gustafsson. What have

business end of the tournament, so the preparation

they brought to the world of chess that stands out?

comes in much more seriously, whereas when you’re

NS: I think Hou Yifan is a huge star. Everyone is still talking about her performance in Gibraltar, and rightly so. She’s young, female, and very talented. She’s even younger than my daughter! She’s a really nice person 22

playing double rounds there is no chance to do meaningful preparation. I’m hoping they will do something about it. I bet with nine rounds on nine separate days the tournament would break its record of attendance.

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AK: By now you have come to Thailand four times

to make a file. There was an entire procedure, it was

already to compete in this tournament. What are

complicated and boring. But now, everyone can use it.

your impressions of the playing locations Pattaya and

The technological gap has narrowed considerably, and

Bangkok? What do you think about the Thai people

I also use the computer effectively in my preparation

and culture?

to make an assessment of my opponent’s play. I read

NS: The tournament is very nice indeed. This is a historic hotel and far superior to the vast majority of tournaments I have played. I love it here. That’s why I keep coming back. It’s not only the country, though. I like the organisers. They are very friendly people. The Thai people are great too. People on the streets are friendly and everyone is welcoming. I think that this is, maybe, the best tournament for amateur players because of the location and conditions. When I look at the tournament purely from the perspective of a professional chess player, I would like to see a bit more money go into the prize fund. AK: At the age of 46 you are the oldest player in FIDE’s top 100. How is that possible? Is professional chess a game for young people? NS: Yes, for kiddies. It’s very much a game of the young players. But I subscribe to the theory of John Nunn. Many years ago he said to me that while the brain does rot, the most important thing is motivation. This accounts for a lot. People get married, have kids, and change their priorities in life. So working hard on your game becomes less and less appealing. I think that

using these analysis engines. He thought that chess was moving much more towards playing ability. When there’s a democratisation of information – which we’ve got these days – everyone has their Houdinis or Rybkas. That’s why players have to be more versatile these days. I’m not really a d4-player, but I played d4 today. I’ve been doing a lot of this stuff recently, and with pretty good results, actually. It helps me to present a moving target rather than a sitting target when I play. AK: You have published a couple of books on chess and a DVD. Are you planning any further publications for this or the next year? NS: No. I’m not really a writer. My idea of doing a DVD was in lieu of doing a book on my best games. In fact, I have done columns for a number of years. And now I write about 1500 words for each issue of New in Chess. I’m quite enjoying it. I was asked by Schach Magazine to write an article about this tournament – I guess they will translate it for me.

lose the appetite, you stop working, your results go

What made you decide to move to Greece?

get into this death spiral.

NS: My wife is Greek. Greece is a lovely country. It has many positive things about it but right now the mood is down. The economy is seriously struggling, but

AK: What about someone like Viktor Kortchnoi? He’s

the Greeks caused the problems themselves and now

over 80 years old but still going strong

the bill has arrived. However, many of the people there

NS: He’s the exception to the rule.

over the top (the Dusit Thani rooftop that is)

the opening these days, especially because people are

AK: You live in the beautiful city of Athens in Greece.

you work less, and your results go further down. You

everywhere – over the board, over dinner and

was that it is very difficult to get a big advantage in

this is the problem that most people have. When you down. Therefore, you get less enjoyment out of chess,

Nigel’s larger than life presence was felt

an interesting remark by Kramnik recently: his opinion

do not deserve having to pay the bill too. There are still plenty of reasons why I’m staying in Greece for

AK: In recent years computers seem to have become

now, but my centre of gravity is shifting back to the UK.

indispensible in chess. In what ways do you rely on the

I bought a flat in London last year and my daughter

help of chess programs?

studies there.

NS: My view is slightly different on this. The programs

AK: Are you interested in coming back to Thailand

that we have now don’t require great technical skills.

next year?

You are doing a search on some reference – you hit a button. It’s not like in the old days where you had

NS: Yes, as long as things are kept up to standard I would like to come back. 25

World Champion GM Hou Yifan at Government House

GM Hou Yifan with Dr. Palphol Rodloytuk of Shinawatra University.

Dr. Alexander Klemm and Kai Tuorila with the World Champion.

Looking relaxed in an unusual black dress and swan.

Ceremonies had to be observed before the games could begin.

IO Kai Tuorila presents the official Könitz tournament coffee mug to the Prime Minister.

Kittirat Na Ranong was instrumental in organising the event at Government House.

Petri Deryng of Gold Sponsors PYN Fund Management with the World Champion.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra faces the World Champion on Board One.

Thailand’s Finance Minister was brave enough to challenge the Chinese Grandmaster.

The World Champion rapidly got through the games for a final score of 29-0.

Even the Chairman of the Bank of Thailand could not find a way to win.

BCC member Dr. Alexander Klemm was the “last man standing”, but a draw eluded him.

Grandmaster Hou Yifan was Guest of Honour at Government House, where she met Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong. Also in attendance was the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, HE Guan Mu. 26

The Bangkok Chess Club Challenger 2012

28

Top seed and defending Champion S Bharath of India.

There was a high proportion of lady players in the Challenger Division.

Thai junior player and Olympiad team member Ruja Phitchayarom.

Highest placed Thai player, Issara Vitithum, faces Bernd Chod of Germany.

There were also many talented juniors in the Challenger division.

In what other sporting event can you find such a range of ages competing with each other?

There were 95 players competing for the Challenger’s top prize of 15,000 Baht

The ever popular Nina Tuorila took part in the games as well as helping the organisers.

Regular British visitor Mark Ruston faces Paulleandru Elauria of the Philippines.

Junior girls Mei-Xian Eunice Hng of Singapore and Nisakorn Valyasevi of Thailand..

Father of a chess dynasty, Sayan Atthaworadej takes on Tarun Mathur of India

Junior players had no problems maintaining their concentration through long matches.

The Bangkok Chess Club Open 2012

38 countries of Europe, Asia Pacific, Americas and Africa were represented.

Concert pianist Patrick Holming of Sweden.

Finnish Ambassador, Her Excellency Sirpa Mäenpää came to view the tournament.

The Napalai Ballroom at the Dusit Thani provided ample space for the players

The atmosphere during the games was intense, especially in the middle game.

Highest placed Thai player, FM Wisuwat Theerapabpaisit.

The most senior player was Pricha Srivatanakul, seen here with Andreas Trinkl of Germany.

Top boards were cordoned off to keep back the many spectators.

FIDE Master Nakorn Trisa-Ard has represented Thailand in many Olympiads.

With 135 competitors in the Open section and 95 in the Challenger, this was the largest tournament Grandmaster Gerhard Schebler follows the games of one of his junior students.

British player Tristan Cox faces one of the large Singaporean contingent.

Aung Kyaw Moe of Burma faces Erik Frederiksen of Denmark.

the Bangkok Chess Club has organised. 31

Titled Players at the 12th BCC Open 2012

32

Burmese IM Wynn Zaw Htun, with GM Pogorelov in the background.

IM Venkatesh was the surprise leader of the tournament after the fifth round.

GM Ruslan Pogorelov, Champion of the 2nd BCC Open in 2003

Indian IM Nisha Mohota deep in concentration.

Chinese IM Liu Qingnan battles with GM Farrukh Amonatov of Tajikistan.

GM Yrjo Rantanen held the Women’s World Champion to a draw.

Iranian Grandmaster Shojaat Ghane played against local junior talent, Warot Kananub.

WGM Kruttiga Nadig of India faces GM Meng Kong Wong of Singapore

Former BCC Champion GM Xiu Deshun with BCC regular Ron Hoffman.

GM Das Neelotpal with IM Roy Saptarshi, both from India.

Indian Grandmaster Sriram Jha with IM Duc Hoa Nguyen of Vietnam.

The Pattaya Team: GM Gerhard Schebler and FM Martin Voigt.

Amazing Junior Players!

The future champions were amazingly focused and knowledgeable even at a young age!

34

35

Cooling Off on the Dusit Thani Rooftop with Grandmasters Hou Yifan,

Jan Gustafsson and Nigel Short

An impromptu photo session took place on the rooftop of the Dusit Thani overlooking Lumpini Park, with Grandmasters Nigel Short, Jan Gustafsson, Hou Yifan and WGM Kruttika Nadig.

36

The BCC Blitz Championship 2012 Our annual tournament, with the final held at Roadhouse Barbecue in Surawong Road.

E

Deshun and GM Yrjo Rantanen.

ach year, alongside the main Challenger and Open tournaments, the Bangkok Chess Club also runs

The relaxed atmosphere of Roadhouse Barbecue

a Blitz Championship. The games are played at great

proved to be an excellent choice for the final, with food

speed, with only 5 minutes on the clock for each player

and soft drinks provided for the finalists. Tournament

to complete all their moves.

Director Kai Tuorila and Chef Arbiter Markku Kosonen

In the past these games are only rated on the Thailand Blitz rating list but this year, after FIDE intro-

presided over the event. The winners were:

duced their blitz ratings, the results were also submitted

pp1. GM Amonatov Farrukh (TJK)

to the world chess governing body.

pp2. IM Nguyen Van Huy (VIE)

The tournament is run over two days, in the

pp3. Wan Yunguo (CHN)

evenings after the long games are completed. On day one there were 6 groups of up to 14 players competing in a round robin for the opportunity to take part in the final. The top 15 players were invited to Roadhouse Barbecue for an exciting final. Top players in the Open tournament are usually too concentrated on their preparations to take part, but this year we were lucky to have Grandmaster

Grandmaster Farrukh Amonatov proved to be the master of speed scoring a near perfect 12.5/14

Farrukh Amonatov, who made a clean sweep of his qualifying match to finish top seed for the final. Also playing in the final were former Champion GM Xiu

39

Most Frequent Overseas Visitor competing at Bangkok Chess Club’s annual Open Championships Clockwise from top left: ppFM Tim Reilly (Australia) ppStein Sollid (Norway) ppFM Wisuwat Theerapabpaisit (Thailand) ppPeter Darby (England) and Chor Yuen Chong (Singapore) ppIO Kai Tuorila (Finland) ppFM Jirapak Pitirotjirathon (Thailand) ppDominique Laurain (France)

n twelve years and twelve tournaments, there

I

competitors, especially FIDE Masters Jirapak Pitirotjira-

have been many people who have returned year

thon and Wisuwat Theerapabpaisit.

after year. This year, the organisers decided to make

The award for Most Frequent Overseas Visitor

a special award for the most frequent overseas visitor.

goes to the Australian FIDE Master Tim Reilly who,

Regular visitors include Jon Eriksson from Finland,

along with Chong Chor Yuen of Hong Kong, has

FM Colm Daly, one of Ireland’s strongest players, and

competed at 9 of the 12 Bangkok Chess Club Open

CM Damian Norris From Fiji (pictured above).

Tournaments.

Thailand’s strongest players have also been regular

Hope to see you again next year! 41

Behind the Scenes at the 12th BCC Open 2012

During the tournament many small jobs were taken care of by a crew of enthusiastic volunteers.

42

43

Prizegiving Ceremony

44

The Dusit Thani organised a beautiful traditional Thai dance show.

The VIPs came off the stage to present Philippine Sander Severino with his Certificate for a well-deserved IM norm. Severino held both GM Nigel Short and GM Hou Yifan to draws.

Local juniors made their presence felt with some strong performances.

The best Thai player in 2012, FM Wisuwat Theerapabpaisit.

4th placed GM Sriram Jha stunned GM Xiu Deshun with a brilliant queen sacrifice.

3rd Place and a GM norm went to IM Nguyen GM Farrukh Amonatov took the trophy for Duc Hoa of Vietnam. the Blitz Tournament as well as 2nd Place.

On his 4th attempt, GM Nigel Short is the new BCC Open Champion…

…and is gracious in victory with a very complimentary speech.

GM Shojaat Ghane with the local players in the audience.

The new Champion with GM Sriram Jha and IM Venkatesh who was the early leader.

Regular Events at the Bangkok Chess Club

The Junior National Team from Myanmar, with IA Maung Maung Lwin (centre). 46

Simultaneous exhibition match with chess legend GM Genna Sosonko.

GM Nigel Short looks very handsome in a Bangkok Chess Club shirt.

GM Antonio “Joey” Rogelio Jr. of the Philippines, 3-time BCC Open Champion.

Local players, expats and tourists at a regular Friday night at the Queen Victoria Pub.

There was a well-fought draw in this blitz game between Nigel Short and Ian Rogers.

Roadhouse Barbecue provides a convivial place for the BCC every Tuesday.

US national team player GM Varuzhan Akobian blitzes Aung Kyaw Moe.

Simultaneous exhibition match with Argentinian GM Alejandro Hoffman.

GM Sune Berg Hansen of Denmark with WIM Christin Andersson of Sweden.

GM Sergey Kayumov from Uzbekistan.

Bessel Kok dropped by on his promotional tour of the world.

Danish IM Torben Sørensen is a Bangkok regular, with great stories to tell.

Bangkok Chess Club Website

www.BangkokChess.com – 29 April 2012

www.BangkokChess.com – 13 November 2011

Asian Websites

www.TalkVietnam.com – 20 April 2012

www.philippineblitzchess.blogspot.com – 23 April 2012

www.PattayaMail.com – 27 April 2012

www.AsianChess.net – 3 May 2012

www.Dusit.com – 20 April 2012

www.taipeichess.com – 20 April 2012

www.visayandailystar.com – 19 April 2012

International Websites

www.Chess.com – 20 April 2012

www.Chess.com – 20 April 2012

www.Chess.com – 15 April 2012

www.ChessBase.com – 20 April 2012

www.ChessDom.com – 19 April 2012

www.susanpolgar.blogspot.com – 14 April 2012

www.snelschaakmarathon.nl – 20 April 2012

www.austria-graz.at – 18 April 2012

www.chessischess.blogspot.com – 20 April 2012

www.davidkaufmannchess.com – 20 April 2012

www.sf-bir.de – 20 April 2012

www.chess.co.uk/twic/ – 23 April 2012

www.chess.co.uk/twic/ – 20 April 2012

www.chess.co.uk/twic/ – 21 April 2012

www.chess-international.de – 11 April 2012

www.chess.co.uk/twic/ – 21 April 2012

www.chessvibes.com – 16 April 2012

Publications

Siam Sport Daily – April 2012

ScandAsia – April 2012

Chiang Mai News – April 2012

Collateral Material

13–19 April 2012, Dusit Thani, Bangkok To:

Emojong Elijah

[email protected]

elija Email: emojong 2012 Date: 2 January,

Dear Sir,

12

2 Club Open 201

2, and to confirm h BCC Open 201

k Chess 12t ticipate in the invitation to par extend you an This letter is to rnament. of April, h to the 19th for the chess tou k, from the 13t gko your registration Thani Ban e at the Dusit t will take plac ance. adv men in rna s tou day The one or two Bangkok. isable to arrive seeing you in 2012. It is adv look forward to regulations. We ched details and Please find atta

12th Bangko

times in 12 years, the Bangkok Chess Club, with the Thailand Chess Association, has brought you a world-class chess tournament in popular holiday destinations – Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket – for players of all levels from juniors to grandmasters, including world famous players such as GM Nigel Short and GM Ian Rogers.

The tournament will take place at the renowned Dusit Thani Bangkok during Thailand’s Songkran holidays, 13-19 April, 2012.

World Champion

With beautiful rooms at special rates, there many great reasons to come to one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, famous for its friendly people and delicious cuisine.

It is our 12th anniversary and this time we are excited to welcome the new Ladies’ World Champion, Grandmaster Hou Yifan of China.

Last year’s winners have already registered, and many players enjoy our tournaments so much they return year after year – so join them for a the holiday of a liftime at the 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open 2012.

,

Yours faithfully

er

Organis E International Kai Tuorila, FID b gkok Chess Clu President, Ban

ri 11120, red, Nonthabu , Klong Klua, Pakk com ng Wattana Road .BangkokChess. g Thani, Chae l.com • www Bldg., Muang Thon kokchess@gmai 1, Wandee Siam 2877 • bang Moo 574 4 02 58/8 Fax: c/o • Tel: 081 815 2029

Thailand

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Final Standings – Open Tournament Rk. Name

FED Rtg

Pts.

Rk. Name

FED Rtg

1

GM Short Nigel D ENG 2697 8.0

41 Cai Jiaying

2

GM Amonatov Farrukh

TJK

2604 7.0

3

IM Nguyen Duc Hoa

VIE

2453 7.0

4

GM Sriram Jha

IND 2406 7.0

5

IM Liu Qingnan

6

Pts.

Rk. Name

FED Rtg

CHN 2064 5.5

81 Faika Michael

42 IM Wynn Zaw Htun

MYA 2414 5.0

82 Atthaworadej Woradej

43 WIM Wang Xiaohui

CHN 2209 5.0

Pts.

Rk. Name

FED Rtg

GER 2119 4.0

121 Karasmaki Seppo

FIN

THA 1670 4.0

122 Frost Peter

AUS 1897 2.5

83 Chong Chor Yuen HKG 2075 4.0

123 Wuest Andreas

SUI

44 Cox Tristan A ENG 2096 5.0

84 Zhu Ying

CHN 1999 4.0

124 Lie Terje

NOR 1653 2.5

CHN 2461 6.5

45 Ni Shiqun

CHN 2157 5.0

85 Akharaboollasez Akharin

THA 1906 4.0

125 Vinod G

IND 2044 2.0

IM Venkatesh M R

IND 2509 6.5

46 FM Reilly Tim

AUS 2256 5.0

86 Attwood James

AUS 2090 4.0

126 Greenwood Martin C ENG 1625 2.0

7

IM Saptarshi Roy

IND 2384 6.5

47 Zhao Zhouqiao Chn

CHN 2141 5.0

87 Frederiksen Erik

DEN 1996 4.0

127 Shah Etash

IND 1674 2.0

8

Wan Yunguo

CHN 2441 6.5

48 Chen Yang

CHN 2084 5.0

88 Ramirez Leyva Freddy

MEX 1955 4.0

128 Wongsawan Thoetsak

THA 1564 2.0

9

GM Gustafsson Jan

GER 2642 6.5

49 Anasrullah

INA 2127 5.0

89 Darby Peter ENG 1912 4.0

129 Tuamsang Sawapop

THA 1968 1.5

10 Liu Chang

CHN 2262 6.5

50 Lee Kai Jie Edward

SIN

2093 5.0

90 Limono Handjojo

INA

1950 4.0

130 Eldridge James

AUS 1410 1.5

11 IM Nguyen Van Huy

VIE

51 Portugalera Ric

PHI

2176 5.0

91 CM Norris Damian C

FIJ

2071 4.0

131 Chua Xavier

SIN

1681 1.0

12 GM Schebler Gerhard

GER 2449 6.5

52 FM Lamorelle Julien

FRA

2301 5.0

92 Lim Kian Hwa

MAS 1891 4.0

132 Petchrongrusamee Pornpong THA

1786 1.0

13 GM Neelotpal Das

IND 2462 6.5

53 Zhou Guijue

CHN 2205 5.0

93 Franzen Johan

SWE 2111 4.0

133 FM Shrestha Bilam Lal

14 GM Hou Yifan

CHN 2639 6.0

54 FM Aschenbrenner Robert AUT 2254 5.0

94 Klubwong Prakarn

THA 1798 4.0

134 McCready Mark ENG 1817 0.0

15 Severino Sander

PHI

2344 6.0

55 FM Kyaw Lin Naing

MYA 2252 5.0

95 Rinquest Ted

USA 2113 3.5

135 Khongboonkirt Hirun

16 GM Ghane Shojaat

IRI

2339 6.0

56 Steinbrecht Ralf

GER 2194 5.0

96 Sollid Stein

NOR 2018 3.5

17 GM Xiu Deshun

CHN 2492 6.0

57 Rom Jasper B

USA 2208 5.0

97 Bianchetti Raoul

ITA

18 IM Contin Daniel

ITA

58 Soyeur Alain

FRA

98 Blasl Dietmar

AUT 2103 3.5

19 M. Nubairshah Shaikh

IND 2119 6.0

59 Aung Kyaw Moe

MYA 2161 5.0

99 Calacday Henry

PHI

20 IM Myo Naing

MYA 2321 6.0

60 Ilmoni Tommy

FIN

2113 5.0

100 Tachaplalert Suvich

THA 1799 3.5

21 IM Lammers Markus

GER 2384 6.0

61 FM Van Rijn Wouter

NED 2201 4.5

101 Hutzheimer Alfred

AUT 2093 3.5

62 Abanco Ernie

PHI

102 Yutithamnon Surapole

THA 1981 3.5

23 FM Teerapabpaisit Wisuwat THA 2278 5.5

63 WGM Nadig Kruttika

IND 2238 4.5

103 Arjun Vairavan

SIN

24 Stany G A

IND 2376 5.5

64 Tan Weiliang

SIN

104 Campi William

USA 1789 3.5

25 IM Mohota Nisha

IND 2312 5.5

65 FM Frosch Erich

AUT 2284 4.5

105 Debbeler Adrian

GER 1759 3.5

26 FM Voigt Martin

GER 2364 5.5

66 Shao Shuai

CHN 2188 4.5

106 Larsen Hans Haagen

DEN 1715 3.5

27 GM Rantanen Yrjo A

FIN

67 Frosch Ronald

AUT 2241 4.5

107 Kwak Junyong

KOR 0

28 Sie Thu

MYA 2243 5.5

68 FM Trisa-Ard Nakorn

THA 2265 4.5

108 Holming Patrick

SWE 2000 3.0

29 Xiao Yiyi

CHN 2103 5.5

69 Eriksson Jon

FIN

109 Thanarotrung Ratchaphon THA 1858 3.0

30 FM Pitirotjirathon Jirapak

THA 2252 5.5

70 Thanatipanonda Thotsaporn THA 2101 4.5

110 A. Jaradpong

31 Nishant Malhotra

IND 1977 5.5

71 Li Xueyi

CHN 2076 4.5

111 Maneeratanasak Chanavuth THA 1846 3.0

32 CM Neubronner Jarred

SIN

72 Tuorila Kai

FIN

112 Jennewein Norbert

GER 1851 3.0

33 Akshat Chandra

IND 2130 5.5

73 Wiwatanadate Poompong

THA 2080 4.5

113 Trinkl Andreas

GER 1827 3.0

34 Pranav Vijay

IND 2116 5.5

74 Xu Fei

CHN 1990 4.5

114 Low Zhen Yu Cyrus

SIN

1722 3.0

35 FM Daly Colm

IRL

75 Hoffman Ron

NED 2097 4.5

115 Siddiqui Nida Mishraz

PAK

1567 3.0

36 GM Pogorelov Ruslan

UKR 2426 5.5

76 Laurain Dominique

FRA

116 Srivatanakul Pricha

THA 1741 3.0

37 Kananub Warot

THA 2120 5.5

77 Liu Hongyan

CHN 1978 4.5

117 Watharow Sean

AUS 1921 3.0

38 Kulpruthanon Thanadon

THA 1989 5.5

78 Kivimaki Jaakko

FIN

118 Shah Taksh

IND 1571 2.5

39 WFM Zhai Mo

CHN 2262 5.5

79 FM Saeheng Boonsueb

THA 2207 4.0

119 Balasubramanian Akshaj

IND 1504 2.5

40 GM Wong Meng Kong

SIN

80 Lam Daniel King-Wai HKG 2084 4.0

120 Nakvanich Sahapol

THA 1884 2.5

22 WGM P. Le Thao Nguyen VIE

72

2485 6.5

2331 6.0

2351 6.0

2383 5.5

2312 5.5

2285 5.5

2343 5.5

2133 5.0

2066 4.5 2267 4.5

2152 4.5

2119 4.5

1972 4.5 2186 4.0

Pts.

1858 2.5 1873 2.5

NEP 2136 0.0 THA 1591 0.0

1948 3.5 1964 3.5

1760 3.5

3.0

THA 1968 3.0

73

Final Standings – Challenger Tournament Rk. Name

FED Rtg

1

Tint Swe Win

2

Gavilan Jr Arnulfo

3

Gutierrez Jaymarc

4 5

Llantada Kyz

6

Ting Marvin

7 8 9

Pts.

Rk. Name

FED Rtg

MYA 1898 6.5

49 Mazzoni Renzo

SUI

1627 3.5

PHI

0

50 Mabeza Clark Ian

PHI

0

PHI

1768 6.0

51 Lee Jun Wei

SIN

1403 3.5

Viernes Tucker Howard E. PHI

1678 5.5

52 Shuban Saha

IND 1446 3.5

PHI

1672 5.5

53 Lau Xian Hui Rudolph

SIN

1686 3.5

PHI

1968 5.5

54 Ahjonen Reijo

FIN

1858 3.5

Vitithum Issara

THA 2019 5.5

55 Skrede Snorre

NOR 1496 3.5

Barun Pal

IND 1885 5.5

56 Duangchaiya Papon

THA 1723 3.5

De Leon Haince Patrick

6.0

Pts. 3.5

PHI

1714 5.0

57 Garcia Edil Gester

PHI

10 Andrian Endang

INA

0

58 Sakdavisarak Komgrib

THA 1776 3.0

11 Setiawan Iwan

INA

2050 5.0

59 Tha Zan

MYA 0

3.0

12 Raghuraman S

IND 2059 5.0

60 Susanto Budhi

INA

0

3.0

13 Gates David A ENG 1707 5.0

61 Suresh Vishnupriya

IND 0

3.0

14 Lean Boon Cheng Richard SIN

62 Oktonia Devi

INA

0

3.0 3.0

0

5.0

5.0

1631 3.0

15 Bharath S

IND 2074 4.5

63 Khairil A. M. K. A.

MAS 0

16 Hamal Manish

NEP 2056 4.5

64 Nixon Billy

USA 1350 3.0

17 Calacday Eric

PHI

1916 4.5

65 Shrestha Rajendra Prasad

NEP 2040 3.0

18 Ruston Mark R ENG 2046 4.5

66 Charoenkwan Pat

THA 1753 3.0

19 Rohaya Suci

INA

0

4.5

67 Brantzeg Pal

NOR 1736 3.0

20 Curry Stephen ENG 1779 4.5

68 Elauria Paulleandru

PHI

1726 2.5

21 Shakya Rabindra

NEP 1984 4.5

69 Noel Nicolas

FRA

0

22 Irawan Yuranda

INA

4.5

70 Atthaworadej Sayan

THA 1430 2.5

23 Atul Kumar

IND 1920 4.5

71 Tianopart Ruengyot

THA 0

2.5

24 Mitev Krassen

BUL 1795 4.5

72 Momot Maxim

RUS 0

2.5

25 Munjal Roshan

IND 0

4.0

73 Nikolaev Arsenii

RUS 0

2.5

26 Malakar Man Prachanda

NEP 1976 4.0

74 Tuorila Christina

FIN

0

2.5

27 Pitkar Ashutosh

IND 1491 4.0

75 Anuar Farah Aina

MAS 0

2.5

28 Caranyagan Carlo

PHI

76 Sakboon Chanita

THA 0

2.5

29 Hanumantha R

IND 1757 4.0

77 Mcgladdery David G ENG 1375 2.0

30 Roslan Mohd Faizal

MAS 1851 4.0

78 Norris Christopher

THA 1267 2.0

31 Culasing Michael

PHI

79 Phitchayarom Ruja

THA 1639 2.0

32 Atthaworadej Worasuda

THA 1647 4.0

0

1885 4.0

1837 4.0

2.5

80 Vongvatthana Chananchida THA 1473 2.0

33 Arunnuntapanich Tinnakrit THA 1914 4.0

81 Shanbhag Rohan

IND 0

2.0

34 Canape Ynna Sophia

PHI

82 Valyasevi Nisakorn

THA 0

2.0

35 Da Lu

CHN 0

83 Chaoweeraprasit Chayapol THA 0

2.0

36 Biswajit Bharadwaj

IND 1841 4.0

84 Mishra Kaustubhi

IND 0

2.0

37 Yumanova Sofiya

RUS 0

4.0

85 Tuorila Nina

FIN

38 Oganesyan Nikolay

RUS 0

4.0

86 Kumar Parmod

IND 0

2.0

39 Hng Emmanuelle

SIN

4.0

87 Thanarotrung Natkritta

THA 0

2.0

40 Chod Bernd

GER 1943 3.5

88 Iyer Vishal

IND 0

1.5

41 Kuich Gero

SUI

1855 3.5

89 Vikram Mavlankar

IND 1842 1.5

42 Calacday Ryan

PHI

1563 3.5

90 Williams Michael

USA 2000 1.0

43 Mathur Tarun

IND 1735 3.5

91 Eunice Hng Mei-Xian

SIN

0

1.0

44 Sakboon Harit

THA 1594 3.5

92 Faizal Junaidi Adi Iskandar MAS 0

1.0

45 Trinabh Chokhani

IND 1303 3.5

93 Hasnan Harith Suffi

MAS 0

1.0

94 Singh Mahal Dharminder

IND 0

1.0

95 Norzaman Farah Nabila

MAS 0

1.0

1679 4.0

0

46 Parrott Laurence ENG 0

4.0

3.5

47 Goh Jinghan Cameron

SIN

48 Pandit Suraj

NEP 1737 3.5

74

1776 3.5

1209 2.0

Press Releases for the 12th BCC Open 2012 Dr. Alexander Klemm was asked to prepare a press release each day during the tournament and, in cooperation with Bruce Bell as Copy Editor and Peter Darby handling Press Relations, these were sent out to many international websites, newspapers and magazines.

Bangkok, April 13, 2012

Women’s World Chess Champion Hou Yifan in Bangkok Ready to Compete in the 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open

GM Hou Yifan (CHI, Elo 2639), the 18-year-old rising

Boonsueb Saeheng (THA, Elo 2207).

star in the world of chess, arrived in Bangkok earlier

On Wednesday, Ms. Yifan met with a great number

this week to compete in the 12th Bangkok Chess Club

of VIPs and aspiring chess talents. First, at Shinawatra

Open at the Dusit Thani Hotel. While this is her first

University’s city campus she visited the library’s chess

time in Thailand, many of the approximately 230

corner and mingled with university students and young

players from around the world have returned to partici-

talents. For the second year in a row, SIU is a valuable

pate in either the Open or the Challenger category.

sponsor of the tournament thanks to chess devotee

Ms. Yifan’s presence, together with that of many other

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr.

world-class players, gives prestige to a chess event that

Kittirat Na Ranong. She also met with representatives

in recent years has become one of Asia’s best.

of SIU, most notably Acting President Assist. Prof. Dr.

The women’s world champion will battle for the

Prinya Tantaswadi, BCC President and Chief Organizer

top spot against strong rivals, including the tourna-

Kai Tuorila, Deputy Chief Arbiter IA Panupand Vijju-

ment’s highest-ranked player and longtime supporter

prabha, as well as tournament correspondent Assist.

of the BCC Open, GM Nigel Short (ENG, Elo 2697).

Prof. Dr. Alexander J. Klemm.

Both GMs demonstrated their great form at last Janu-

Later, in the Blue Room of Thailand’s Government

ary’s Gibraltar Chess Festival when they finished first

House and under the watchful eyes of chess enthusi-

and second in a field that included 55 GMs.

asts, Ms. Yifan met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Ms.

Other outstanding players who will have a shot

Yingluck Shinawatra, China’s Ambassador to Thailand

at the first prize are the 2011 Champion GM Jan

Mr. Guan Mu, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance

Gustafsson (GER, Elo 2642), first-time participant

Minister Mr. Kittirat Na Ranong, Minister for the Office

GM Farrukh Amonatov (TJK, Elo 2604), as well as

of the Prime Minister Ms. Nalinee Taweesin, Deputy

played a chess simul against thirty children, students,

and impressed with the venue, this was a day they are

returning champions GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. (PHI, Elo

Governor of Bank of Thailand Dr. Krirk Vanikul, and

and sponsors. While everyone played with passion and

unlikely to ever forget. And there is no doubt: thanks

2557, winner 2003, 2004, 2006) and GM Deshun

Petri Deryng, founder of PYN Fund Management and a

skill, Ms. Yifan took this as a welcomed warm-up for

to the efforts of the BCC, the Thailand Chess Asso-

Xiu (CHN, Elo 2492, winner 2008, 2009). But many

valuable sponsor of the tournament. These representa-

the main event as she brushed aside her last opponent

ciation, schools and universities, chess in Thailand is a

other players will not be brushed aside easily, such as

tives of Thailand and China honoured Ms. Yifan for

after only two hours. The indisputable score: Yifan 30

sport rapidly on the rise.

Thailand’s hopefuls FM Wisuwat Teerapabpaisit (THA,

her outstanding achievements and thanked the young

– grateful opponents 0. Especially for the children and

For updates about the tournament, reports, inter-

Elo 2278), FM Nakorn Trisa-ard (THA, Elo 2265),

players, sponsors, and organizers for their great efforts.

their proud parents who must have been pleased with

views, analyses and pictures, please visit bangkokchess.

FM Jirapak Pitirotjirathon (THA, Elo 2252) and FM

After a well-orchestrated photo session the champion

the kindness of Yifan and Thailand’s top politicians

com and facebook.com/bangkokchessclub.

76

77

Bangkok, 13 April 2012

Bangkok, 14 April 2012

12th Bangkok Chess Club Open 2012 Gets Off to a Flying Start

Competition Is Heating Up at the 12th BCC Open 2012

Thailand is celebrating its joyous and rowdy Songkran Festival when Thais and tourists throng in the streets and splash each other with water to cool off from the fierce Taking place at the high-class Dusit Thani Hotel in the

the wins of the professionals were straightforward, one

heart of Bangkok, 135 players are competing in the 12th

could not fail to notice that the amateur players fought

Bangkok Chess Club Open 9-round Open category,

hard. However, their respect for the GMs often led to

among them 41 titled players. Tomorrow the 7-round

worries about making mistakes, which then got them

Challenger section will start, with 106 participants regis-

into severe time trouble and lost positions between the

tered so far. With over 230 players from 34 countries

middlegame and endgame. Tomorrow the top players

the tournament has broken its attendance record from

will face stronger opposition in rounds two and three.

2011 to confirm its ever-increasing popularity. German

The upset of the day was achieved by 18-year-

GM Jan Gustafsson has traveled to Thailand to defend

old

his title as the winner of last year’s tournament, but top

Kulpruthanon who beat Singaporean GM Wong Meng

seed GM Nigel Short, Women’s World Champion GM

Kong with white in a Caro-Kann exchange variation.

Hou Yifan and other professionals are ready to fight

Another result of note was achieved by Tristan Cox

him for first place.

from England who drew with Vietnamese IM Nguyen

The first round saw no upsets at the six top boards where Gustafsson, Amonatov and Xiu Deshun with the white pieces, and Short, Hou Yifan and Venkatesh with black won their games within a couple of hours against

Thammasat

University

freshman

Thanadon

Van Huy on board seven despite almost 400 Elo points rating difference.

summer heat. A popular location to “play Songkran” is Bangkok’s Silom District where the Dusit Thani Hotel is hosting the 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open. While the crowds go wild with buckets of water outside the hotel, the competition inside is more restrained but heating up. The tournament’s top seeds, GMs Nigel Short, Hou Yifan, Jan Gustafsson and Farrukh Amonatov won their round-two games in convincing fashion. Surprises included draws between Chinese GM Xiu Deshun (champion 2008 and 2009) and Burmese Sie Thu, as well as German GM Gerhard Schebler and Thai FM Boonsueb Saeheng. An interesting position arose on board two. Australian FM Tim Reilly with the white pieces had been playing a solid game against the defending champion GM Jan Gustafsson, but then he took a “poisoned” pawn with 28.Bxa7 (see diagram)

If White had played 28. Rxa7, he would have lost a bishop to 28..Rxa7 29.Bxa7 Qa2. Instead 28.Qg3 would have been fine, but the game move was refuted by 28..Nd3 which put black on the attack. 29.Bxd3 made things worse, whilst 29.Qg4 would have put up more resistance. Gustafsson secured a quick victory with 29..Bxa1 30.Rxa1 exd3 31.Qxh6 Qf6 0-1.

strong club players. Short and Amonatov in particular

Surprise results on the top boards in round three

played aggressively as they quickly converted positional

were Sander Severino (PHI) 1/2-1/2 GM Nigel Short

advantages into material gains and solid wins. While

(ENG), GM Jan Gustafsson (GER) 1/2-1/2, IM Daniel

78

79

Contin (ITA), GM Shojaat Ghane (IRA) 0-1 GM Hou

FA: “I signed up for it just a few days before the start

Yifan (CHN), GM Farrukh Amonatov (TJK) 1-0 IM

because my wife and I have been staying on Koh Samui

Nisha Mohota (IND).

for four months and the tournament organizers invited

After laborious games in rounds one and two, GM

me. I’m from Tajikistan but actually live in Moscow. As

Hou Yifan seemed to have found her comfort zone

you know in Russia it’s quite cold sometimes, that’s

as in round three she went on the attack with black

why we come here. Many people from Russia love to

against Iranian GM Ghane: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3

come to Thailand for the warm weather.”

Bb4 4.Qc2 0–0 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3 Qe8 7.Nf3 b6

AK: “Since you are participating in the BCC Open

8.e3 Bb7 9.Be2 d6 10.0–0 Nbd7 11.b3 Ne4 12.Qc2

for the first time, what’s your impression of the tourna-

f5 13.Ne1 Rf6 14.f3 Ng5 15.e4 f4 16.Nd3 e5 17.d5

ment and how do you think the further competition

(closing the centre allowed Hou Yifan to push on the

will unfold?”

kingside) 17..Qh5 18.Nf2 Rg6 19.Qd3 Nf6 20.Rd1 Bc8

FA: “It’s very pleasant to be here and the conditions

21.Ra2 (The rook was supposed to protect the second

are truly great. As far as the games are concerned, I

row, but it was soon lost) 21..Rh6 22.h3. A sacrifice

don’t know whether I can compete with the other GMs

was in the air.

because I haven’t played much in the last six months. That’s why I don’t think much about others and just want to play as well as possible.” BCC President and Chief Organizer Kai Tuorila is satisfied with the second day of play and glad that the Challenger category also got off to a strong start with 95 players, including a great number of youngsters, making this edition of the BCC Open the bestattended so far with a total of 230 players. The top

Bangkok, 15 April 2012

IM Venkatesh Surprise Leader after 5 Rounds at BCC Open 2012 The third day of play at the 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open 2012 was the second but last double round. The morning round began at 9 a.m. sharp, so the maxim was “The early bird catches the worm.” Some players had to dig deep to find their top form shortly after breakfast. No doubt, for some of us chess is not a morning sport. Among the wide-awake, however, were tournament favorites GM Nigel Short, title defender GM Jan Gustafsson, Indian IM M.R. Venkatesh, and former champion GM Xiu Deshun all of whom took advantage of middle- and endgame inaccuracies by their opponents to squeeze out full points. Rather unexpectedly, GM Hou Yifan and GM Farrukh Amonatov both dropped half a point. The surprise leader after four rounds was IM Venkatesh from India, remaining the only player with a clean sheet. He was followed by a pack of eleven players with 3½ points. The results of the top boards from round 4:

against the Burmese IM Wynn Zaw Htun. 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4 Nc6 5.Bb5 Bd7 6.Bxc6

seeds in this 7-round under-2100 Elo contest are S.

1. GM Hou Yifan (CHN) ½ -½ IM Nguyen Duc Hoa

Bxc6 7.Bg5 Nf6 8.0–0–0 e6 9.f4 Be7 10.Nf3 0–0

Bharath (IND, Elo 2074), S. Raghuraman (IND, Elo

2. IM Liu Qingnan (CHN) ½-½ GM Amonatov (TJK)

11.Qd3 Qc7 12.Nd4 Rfd8 13.f5 Ng4 14.Bxe7 Qxe7

2069) and FM Manish Hamal (NEP, Elo 2056). Since

3. IM Venkatesh M. R. (IND) 1-0 IM Wynn Zaw Htun

15.Qg3 Ne5 16.Rhf1 Kh8 17.Rf2 Rac8 18.Rdf1 a6

in the first round S. Bharath already dropped half a

4. GM Short (ENG) 1-0 FM Voigt (GER)

19.Kb1 Bd7 20.b3 b5 21.fxe6 fxe6 22.Nce2 Kg8

point against Kyz Llantana (PHI, Elo 1672), this group

5. Severino (PHI) 0-1 GM Gustafsson Jan (GER)

23.Nf4 Rf8 24.Nf3 Nxf3 25.Rxf3 Bc6 26.Re1 e5

promises interesting battles and upsets too.

6. IM Contin (ITA) 0- 1 GM Xiu Deshun (CHN)

27.Nh5 g6 28.Ref1 Bxe4 29.Nf6+ Rxf6 30.Rxf6 Rxc2

And there it was: 22..Bxh3 23.gxh3 Nxh3+

With players from 34 nations the BCC Open 2012 is

24.Nxh3 Qxh3 25.Bf1 Qh1+ 26.Kf2 Rh2+ 27.Ke1

as internationally diverse as ever. IM Venkatesh is one

Rxa2 28.Rd2 Rxd2 29.Bxd2 Nh5 0-1.

of 33 tournament participants from India, making this

31.Ka1 Rxg2? (31… Rc1+ 32.Rxc1 Qxf6 with equal chances) 32.Qh4 (White is better.) 32… Qc7 33.Rf8+ Kg7 34.Qf6+ Kh6 35.Qh4+ Kg7 36.R1f7+ Qxf7 37.Rxf7+ Kxf7 38.Qxe4 1-0

After round three only seven players had a perfect

the best-represented nation and proving the tourna-

score: GM Hou Yifan (CHN), IM Ngyuen Duc Hoa

ment’s lasting popularity with Thailand’s big neighbor

(VIE), IM Liu Qingnan (CHN), GM Amonatov (TJK),

to the West. While there are also numerous players

IM Venkatesh (IND), IM Wynn Zaw Htun (MYA) and

from China and the Southeast Asian countries, players

FM Voigt (GER).

travelled from as far away as Europe, the USA, and

2. IM Liu Qingnan (CHN) 0-1 GM Short (ENG)

Australia to be part of one of Asia’s foremost chess

3. Wan Yunguo (CHN) ½ -½ GM Hou Yifan (CHN)

events, hosted by the outstanding Dusit Thani Hotel

4. GM Amonatov (TJK) ½ -½ GM Sriram Jha (IND)

FA: “I had a small advantage but the position was

which offers terrific playing conditions and accom-

5. GM Xiu Deshun (CHN) ½ -½ Stany G. A. (IND)

difficult to play. My opponent got into time trouble and

modation. Many players have stated this time and in

6. IM Nguyen Duc Hoa (VIE) ½ -½ IM Nguyen Van

didn’t play well then, so I got the win, but if she had

previous years that they appreciate the BCC Open

more time I could not have won easily.”

because it allows them to combine their love for the

I asked a cheerful GM Farrukh Amonatov: “How did the game against IM Mohota go?”

AK: “How did you come to play at this tournament?” 80

game with a vacation in the “Land of Smiles.” The following is IM Venkatesh’s fourth-round win

Here are the round 5 results of the first six boards: 1. GM Gustafsson (GER) 0-1 IM Venkatesh M. R. (IND)

Huy (VIE) After five rounds IM Venkatesh is the sole leader with 5 points, followed by GM Nigel Short (4.5 points) and 16 others with 4 points. 81

Bangkok, 16 April 2012

Mohota, IM Nguyen Duc Hoa, and Wan Yunguo with 5 points.

GM Nigel Short Storms into Sole Lead at 12th BCC Open 2012

Here are two critical games from round 6: IM Venkatesh - GM Short 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 Be6 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.d3 Qd7 6.Rb1 g6 7.b4 Bg7 8.b5 Nd8 9.a4 Ne7 10.Nd5 0–0 11.a5 a6 12.b6 c6 13.Nc7 Rc8 14.Ba3 f5 15.Nf3 h6 16.0–0 Bf7 17.c5 d5 18.d4 e4 19.Ne5 Bxe5 20.dxe5 Ne6 21.Nxe6 Bxe6 22.f4 exf3 23.exf3 f4 24.Rb4 fxg3 25.hxg3 Nf5 26.Qe1 g5 27.Bb2 Qe7 28.Qf2 Rf7 29.Bh3 Rcf8 30.Bxf5 Rxf5 31.f4 gxf4 32.Rxf4 Rxf4 33.gxf4 Kh7 (In a slightly better position for black, white makes a decisive mistake.) 34.Kg2? (34.Kh2 Qf7 35.Qf3 was needed.) 34..Rg8+ 35.Kf3 Bg4+ 36.Ke3 Qxc5+ 37.Kd2 Qxa5+ 38.Kc1 Bf5 39.Rh1 Rg4 40.Qh2 Qc5+ 41.Kd1 Rg6 0-1 GM Hou Yifan - FM Voigt 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6 6.Nh3 e6 7.Nf4 Bd6 8.c3 Nf6 9.h4 Qc7 10.Qf3 Nbd7 11.h5 Bc2 12.h6 gxh6 13.Bd3 Bxd3 14.Nxd3 Bxg3 15.fxg3 Rg8 16.Bf4 Qa5 17.0–0 Qh5 18.Bc7 Qxf3 19.Rxf3 Ne4 20.Re1 f5 21.c4 Ndf6 22.Be5 Ng4 23.d5 0–0–0 24.dxc6 Rxd3 25.cxb7+ Kxb7 26.Rxd3 Nxe5 27.Rb3+ Kc6 28.Ra3 Kb6 29.c5+ Kb7 30.b4 a6 31.Rb3 h5 32.a4 Nc6 33.Rd1 Kc7 34.b5 axb5 35.axb5

Yesterday’s invitational dinner in the Library Room of the

6 instead, which saw the matchup between leader IM

Ne5 36.Rc1 Nxg3 37.Ra1 Ne2+ 38.Kf1 Nd4 39.Rb4

Dusit Thani Hotel was hosted by tournament sponsor

M.R. Venkatesh against second-placed GM Short on

Rg4 40.g3 (With both players in acute time trouble,

and founder of PYN Fund Management Petri Deryng.

board 1. The British GM showed his class and came up

black starts making inaccurate moves that waste his

On this occasion GM Nigel Short called the Bangkok

on top. On board 2, GM Hou Yifan came back from

winning advantage.) 40..Nc2? (40..Nd3 41.b6 Kb8 is

Chess Club Open the best open tournament organ-

a technically lost position to defeat FM Martin Voigt,

much better.) 41.Rxg4 hxg4 42.Ra7+ Kb8 43.Rxh7

ized by amateur players that he has ever been to, and

and last year’s champion GM Jan Gustafsson recovered

Nd4 44.Re7 Kc8 45.b6 Nec6 46.Rc7+ Kb8 47.Kf2 e5

GM Jan Gustafsson confirmed that he is only playing

from an upset in the previous round with a win against

48.Ke3 Nb4 49.Rf7 Nd5+ 50.Kd3 Nb4+ 51.Kc4 Nbc6

two opens this year, Gibraltar and Bangkok! Among

WGM Kruttika Nadig.

52.Kd5 e4 53.Rf8+ Kb7 54.Rf7+ (The position is equal

the guests were also Women’s World Champion GM

1. IM Venkatesh M.R. (5) 0 – 1 GM Short Nigel (4½)

but with only seconds on both clocks black wants too

Hou Yifan, Her Excellency Ambassador of Finland to

2. GM Hou Yifan (4) 1 – 0 FM Voigt Martin (4)

much.) 54..Ka6?? 55.b7 Ka7 56.Rc7 e3 57.Rxc6 Nc2

Thailand Sirpa Mäenpää, President of Myanmar Chess

3. Stany G.A. (4) 0 – 1 GM Amonatov Farrukh (4)

58.Rb6 Kb8 59.c6 1-0

Federation Mr. Maung Maung Lwin, as well as several

4. GM Ghane Shojaat (4) 1 – 0 GM Xiu Deshun (4)

more players and organizers. The discussion topics

5. IM Nguyen Van Huy (4) 1 – 0 FM Teerapabpaisit

swayed from chess in Asia to issues about double-

Wisuwat (4)

The top game of round 7 will see GM Short vs. GM Hou Yifan. In the Challenger category things are well under

rounds, from chess player’s faith to the centenary of

6. IM Mohota Nisha (4) 1 – 0 GM Neelotpal Das (4)

way too. After four rounds of play, only three players

the sinking of the Titanic. The celebratory mood hit a

7. WGM Nadig Kruttika (3½) 0 – 1 GM Gustafsson

remain with a perfect score: Malakar Man Prachanda,

peak when GM Short started playing chess with filled

Jan (3½)

wine glasses…

After round 6 GM Short is leading with 5½

…but maybe that’s a story better to be told on

points, followed by GM Hou Yifan, GM Amonatov,

another day. Let us look at Monday’s action in round

GM Ghane, IM Venkatesh, IM Nguyen Van Huy, IM

82

Arnulfo Gavilan Jr. and Marvin Ting.

83

Bangkok, 17 April 2012

Bangkok, 19 April 2012

GM Nigel Short Stays in Lead with Win over GM Hou Yifan at BCC Open 2012

GM Nigel Short Triumphs at the 12th Bangkok Chess Club Open

In Round 7 GM Nigel Short won the much anticipated

19.Qe4 Bf6 20.g4 Rd5 21.c3 White’s last two moves

match against GM Hou Yifan in great fashion.

create several weak pawns. 21...Rf8 22.Rg3 Ne5

Here are the top results:

23.Nxe5 Bxe5 24.Rh3 Bf4 25.Kg2 Bxe3 26.Qxe3

GM Short Nigel 1 – 0 GM Hou Yifan

Black’s pieces are more active. This alone is not enough

GM Amonatov Farrukh 1 – 0 GM Ghane Shojaat

for a win, but Gustafsson increases his positional advan-

IM Nguyen Duc Hoa 1 – 0 IM Venkatesh

tage. 26...Re5 27.Qd2 Rf7 (27...Qc4 would have been

Wan Yunguo ½ - ½ IM Nguyen Van Huy

even stronger.) 28.Re3 Qc6+ 29.Kg1 Re4 30.h3 Rxe3

IM Liu Qingnan 1 – 0 IM Mohota Nisha

31.Qxe3 Black’s pieces are active and ready to attack

GM Gustafsson Jan ½ - ½ IM Saprarshi Roy

white’s weak pawns. White cannot defend them all.

After Round 7 GM Short leads with an impressive 6.5 points, closely followed by GM Amonatov and GM Ghane with 6 points, and Liu Qingnan, Wan Yunguo,

31...Rf3 32.Qh6 Qd5 33.Qh4 Qd2 34.Rf1 Rf7 35.Qd8+ Kg7 Nothing can stop the black queen now. 36.Qb6 Qxb2 37.Qxa6 Qxc3 38.Kg2 Qf3+ 39.Kh2 Qd3

British GM Nigel Short has won the 12th Bangkok

4. GM Sriram Jha (IND) 7

Chess Club Open 2012 with a last-round draw against

5. IM Liu Qingnan (CHN) 6.5

IM Nguyen Duc Hoa, whose outstanding performance

6. IM Venkatesh M.R. (IND) 6.5

has earned the Vietnamese player a GM norm. From

7. IM Saptarshi Roy (IND) 6.5

IM Nguyen Van Huy – IM Liu Qingnan

the beginning of the tournament, Short demonstrated

8. Wan Yunguo (CHN) 6.5

IM Venkatesh M.R. – Wan Yunguo

his great fighting spirit. Having won the Gibraltar Chess

9. GM Gustafsson Jan (GER) 6.5

Stany G.A. – GM Gustafsson Jan

Festival in January, it was apparent that he had come to

10. Liu Chang (CHN) 6.5

GM Hou Yifan – GM Rantanen Yrjo A.

Bangkok with a high confidence level and the mission

GM Sriram Jha and IM Nguyen Van Huy. The top matches of Wednesday’s Round 8 are thus: GM Short Nigel – GM Amonatov Farrukh GM Sriram Jha – IM Nguyen Duc Hoa

40.Kg2 Qd5+ 41.Kh2 Rf3 42.Qa7 Qd6+ 43.Kg2 Ra3 44.Qb7 Qd3 45.Rh1 Rxa2 46.Qc7 Qd5+ 0-1 (White will lose more material.)

to become the sole champion. Mission accomplished!

Here is the game of the day:

GM Nigel Short has played with passion and expertise

Rd. 7: GM Nigel Short – GM Hou Yifan

in his fourth consecutive BCC Open tournament and has

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 b6 4.e3 Bb7 5.Bd3 d5

finally won it. While defending champion GM Jan Gustaf-

6.0–0 Bd6 7.b3 0–0 8.Bb2 Nbd7 9.Nc3 a6 10.Qc2

sson and Women’s World Champion GM Hou Yifan

dxc4 11.bxc4 Bxf3 12.gxf3 c5 13.d5 exd5 14.cxd5 b5

underperformed, other predominantly Asian participants

15.Be2 c4 16.Ne4 Nxe4 17.fxe4 Qe7 18.f4 f6 19.Rad1

played very well and often surpassed expectations.

Rac8 20.Bd4 Nc5 21.Bxc5 Bxc5 22.Bg4 Bxe3+ 23.Kh1

Here are the top results of the final round:

f5 24.Bxf5 Rcd8 25.e5 Kh8 26.Qe4 Qc5 27.Bxh7 c3 28.Bg6 c2 29.Qg2 Bxf4 30.Bxc2 Qe7 31.d6 Qe6

Final position

IM Nguyen Duc Hoa ½ – ½ GM Short Nigel

In the Challenger category, Tint Swe Win (MYA) is the sole winner with 6.5 points after having defeated Filipino front-runner Arnulfo Gavilan Jr. in the final round. Tint Swe Win is followed by a pack of six players from the Philippines! Challenger Round 7 top results: Gavilan Jr. Arnulfo 0 – 1 Tint Swe Win Vitithum Issara ½ - ½ Ting Marvin Gutierrez Jaymarc 1 – 0 De Leon Haince Patrick

32.Rde1 g5 33.Rf3 g4 34.Rf2 Qh6 35.Qxg4 Bxe5

GM Amonatov Farrukh 1 – 0 IM Nguyen Van Huy

36.Rxe5 Rxf2 37.Rh5 Rxd6 38.Rxh6+ Rxh6 39.Qc8+

Liu Chang ½ – ½ IM Venkatesh M.R.

1. Tint Swe Win 6½

Kg7 40.Qc7+ Rf7 41.Qg3+ Kf8 42.h4 Rhf6 43.Bb3

GM Xiu Deshun 0 – 1 GM Sriram Jha

2. Gavilan Jr. Arnulfo 6

Rf1+ 44.Kg2 R7f6 45.h5 1-0

GM Neelotpal Das ½ – ½ IM Saptarshi Roy

3. Gutierrez Jaymarc 6

GM Gustafsson Jan 1 – 0 GM Rantanen Yrjo A.

4. Viernes Tucker Howear Elstein 6

The following is an instructive game from Round 6: WGM Nadig Kruttika – GM Gustafsson Jan 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 b5

Sander Severino ½ – ½ GM Hou Yifan The final standings after 9 rounds are as follows:

6.Bd3 Qb6 7.Nf3 Qc7 8.0–0 Bb7 9.Re1 Bc5 10.e5

1. GM Short Nigel (ENG) 7.5

f5 11.exf6 Nxf6 12.Ne4 Nxe4 13.Bxe4 Bxe4 14.Rxe4

2. GM Amonatov Farrukh (TJK) 7

0–0 15.Qd3 Nc6 16.Rh4 Rf5 17.Be3 Be7 18.Rh3 g6

3. IM Nguyen Duc Hoa (VIE) 7

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Challenger final standings:

Please go to chess-results.com for more results and final standings and visit bangkokchess.com again soon for interviews with GM Hou Yifan and others. The very competitive and well-attended blitz tournament was won by GM Farrukh Amonatov. IM 85

Nguyen Van Huy was the runner-up, and Wan Yunguo finished third. Here’s an exciting attacking game from the last round:

Nigel Short – Farrukh Amonatov 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 c5 4.Nc3 e6 5.Nb5 Na6 6.a4 Be7 7.c3 0–0 8.h3 Bd7 9.Nf3 Bxb5 10.Bxb5 Nb8 11.Bd3 Nc6 12.0–0 Bd6 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bh4 Be7 15.Ne5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Nd7 17.Bg3 g6 18.b3 Qc7 19.f4 c4 20.bxc4 dxc4 21.Bc2 Rfd8 22.Qe2 Qa5 23.Be1 Rac8 24.h4 Nc5 25.h5 g5 26.Qxc4 Nd3 27.Qe4 Qd5 28.Bxd3 Qxd3 29.Qxb7 Bc5 30.fxg5 Qxe3+ 31.Kh1 Rf8 32.gxh6 Qxe5 33.Rf3 Qxh5+ 34.Rh3 Qd5 35.Qxd5 exd5 36.Rd1 Rfe8 37.Rh5 Kh7 38.Bd2 Be3 39.Bxe3 Rxe3 40.Rdxd5 Rexc3 41.Rdg5 Rg8 42.Rxg8 Kxg8 43.Rg5+ Kh8 44.Rf5 Rc4 45.a5 Rh4+ 46.Kg1 Rxh6 47.Rxf7 Ra6 48.Rf5 Kg7 49.Kf2 Kg6 50.g4 Rc6 51.Kg3 Rc3+ 52.Kh4 Rc1 53.Rg5+ Kf6 54.Rd5 Rh1+ 55.Kg3 Ra1 56.Rc5 Ra2 57.Rf5+ Kg6 58.Rb5 Kf6 59.Kf3 Ra3+ 60.Ke4 Ra4+ 61.Kf3 Ra3+ 62.Kf4

Xiu Deshun – GM Sriram Jha 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Qc7 8.g3 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 g5 12.Ne3 gxf4 13.Nxf5 0–0–0 14.Qc2

Ra4+ 63.Kg3 Ra1 64.g5+ Kg6 65.Kf4 Ra4+ 66.Ke3 Rg4 67.Rb7 Rxg5 68.Rxa7 Kf6 69.a6 Ra5 70.Ra8 Ra4 71.Kd3 Kg7 72.Kc3 Rf4 73.Ra7+ Kg6 74.Rb7 Ra4 75.a7 Kf6 76.Kb3 Ra1 77.Kc4 Ke6 78.Kc5 1-0

Kb8 15.0–0 fxg3 16.hxg3 h5 17.Rfc1 Nf6 18.a5 h4

While GM Jan Gustafsson was not always happy with

19.Nxh4 Rxh4 20.gxh4 Neg4 21.Qf5 Qh2+ 22.Kf1

his play, the following game from Round 6 is instructive

Bh6 23.Ne4? Rg8 24.Ng5 Qxh4 25.Nh3?? This misses

in how to exploit an opponent’s weak pawn structure.

black’s crushing move. 25…Qxh3! 0-1 The black queen cannot be taken

Nadig Kruttika – Jan Gustafsson

because of the knight check on h2 and a quick check-

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 b5

mate. After 26.Qc8+ Rxc8 27.Bxh3 Bxc1 28.Rxc1 Rh8

6.Bd3 Qb6 7.Nf3 Qc7 8.0–0 Bb7 9.Re1 Bc5 10.e5

black would still be a piece up.

f5 11.exf6 Nxf6 12.Ne4 Nxe4 13.Bxe4 Bxe4 14.Rxe4

Here are two games that confirmed Short’s domi-

0–0 15.Qd3 Nc6 16.Rh4 Rf5 17.Be3 Be7 18.Rh3 g6

nance. In Round 7 he beat GM Hou Yifan, in Round 8

19.Qe4 Bf6 20.g4 Rd5 21.c3 White’s last two moves

GM Farrukh Amonatov.

have created several weak pawns. 21...Rf8 22.Rg3 Ne5 23.Nxe5 Bxe5 24.Rh3 Bf4 25.Kg2 Bxe3 26.Qxe3

Nigel Short – Hou Yifan

Black’s pieces are more active. This alone is not enough

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 b6 4.e3 Bb7 5.Bd3 d5

for a win, but Gustafsson increases his positional advan-

6.0–0 Bd6 7.b3 0–0 8.Bb2 Nbd7 9.Nc3 a6 10.Qc2

tage. 26...Re5 27.Qd2 Rf7 (27...Qc4 would have been

dxc4 11.bxc4 Bxf3 12.gxf3 c5 13.d5 exd5 14.cxd5 b5

even stronger.) 28.Re3 Qc6+ 29.Kg1 Re4 30.h3 Rxe3

15.Be2 c4 16.Ne4 Nxe4 17.fxe4 Qe7 18.f4 f6 19.Rad1

31.Qxe3 Black’s pieces are active and ready to attack

Rac8 20.Bd4 Nc5 21.Bxc5 Bxc5 22.Bg4 Bxe3+ 23.Kh1

white’s weak pawns. White cannot defend them all.

f5 24.Bxf5 Rcd8 25.e5 Kh8 26.Qe4 Qc5 27.Bxh7 c3 28.Bg6 c2 29.Qg2 Bxf4 30.Bxc2 Qe7 31.d6 Qe6

31...Rf3 32.Qh6 Qd5 33.Qh4 Qd2 34.Rf1 Rf7 35.Qd8+ Kg7 

32.Rde1 g5 33.Rf3 g4 34.Rf2 Qh6 35.Qxg4 Bxe5

Nothing can stop the black queen now. 36.Qb6

36.Rxe5 Rxf2 37.Rh5 Rxd6 38.Rxh6+ Rxh6 39.Qc8+

Qxb2 37.Qxa6 Qxc3 38.Kg2 Qf3+ 39.Kh2 Qd3

Kg7 40.Qc7+ Rf7 41.Qg3+ Kf8 42.h4 Rhf6 43.Bb3

40.Kg2 Qd5+ 41.Kh2 Rf3 42.Qa7 Qd6+ 43.Kg2 Ra3

Rf1+ 44.Kg2 R7f6 45.h5 1-0

44.Qb7 Qd3 45.Rh1 Rxa2 46.Qc7 Qd5+ 0-1 White will lose more material.

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