The Moscow Blitz

By Misha Savinov

The Moscow Blitz Championship, sponsored by the local newspaper “Evening Moscow”, is certainly one of the greatest traditional events on the Russian chess scene. Many famous players enjoyed the democratic atmosphere of this tournament, usually held in one of Moscow parks. In different times there were different first prizes, like bicycles, for example.

But the best known of them is, of course, the Russian samovar. This trophy has enriched the collections of David Bronstein, Vassily Smyslov, Tigran Petrosian, Yuri Averbakh, and others. The record holder is the most beloved blitz player of all times – Mikhail Tal. The Magician from Riga brought home as many as twelve samovars! Tal’s skill in blitz was legendary. Needless to remind you that it was he, an old and sick man, who won first World Blitz Championship, ahead of world’s strongest players, including Garry Kasparov himself.

The Moscow Blitz is not only about great grandmasters. Some of very successful blitz players are hardly known for their classical chess victories. It is enough to name a few: Genrikh Chepukaitis from Leningrad/St. Petersburg, and Valentin Arbakov from Moscow. So talented – and so carefree. As the chess world becomes more pragmatic there is no room for romantics with their own understanding of the game, an understanding which can’t be verified by and analysis engine. Both Arbakov and Chepukaitis passed on this year, and we already miss our veterans...

This year’s Blitz championship was under a threat of cancellation, due to Russia’s mourning for the victims of recent terrorist attacks. However, Moscow authorities decided not to cancel sport events. Another threat was bad weather. On Friday, September 3rd Moscow experienced a tropical rain, which raised doubts about the location of the event. Playing outside suddenly became inappropriate.

The President Hotel

Organizers reacted swiftly, and for the first time in many years the competition moved to the elite “President Hotel”.

Participants and spectators arriving to the “President Hotel”. Vadim Zvjaginsev and Vladimir Malakhov enjoying the company of fellow players

Many players raised doubts about the clocks used in the event. For example, Morozevich said that it is highly inconvenient to play with them, as he could not read the times during the game. So, Evgeny Najer (left) and Alexander Motylev (right) used the first opportunity to learn more about it

Vadim Zvjaginsev (above left) became a surprise leader from the very beginning. No doubt, he is very strong chess player, solid and skilled, but he was hardly considered to be specialist in blitz. Nevertheless, he led the race until round 13...

Alexander Grischuk came here to play for a win, but he was not in a good shape – Alexander caught a cold and had a slight fever.

Alexey Aleksandrov from Belarus came to Moscow to take part in the Blitz final. He was close to the leaders in the beginning, but got tired during the second part of the event.

Legendary David Bronstein, who rarely visits chess events now, came to the “Samovar Blitz” to take a look at those young lions.

The former world vice-champion did not chat with the participants, making only two exceptions. David Bronstein and Evgeny Najer.

Alexander Grischuk took the lead after Vadim Zvjaginsev’s loss in round 13, but the spectators did not spoil him with their extra attention. Crowds more often gathered around other tables.

Traditional hand-made tables look nicer than print-outs

Alexander Morozevich – paying attention to the pieces

It wasn’t easy for TV crew to get closer to Moro’s board

Morozevich chalked up seven wins in a row between the 12th and 18th rounds, practically securing a win, as Grischuk trailed a full point with only one round to go. IM Deviatkin (above right) lost to Morozevich as well, but his overall score was surprisingly high: with 13 out of 19 he tied for 3rd-5th.

Alexander Motylev (being photographed above), future participant of Russian Super Final (which will take place in November), has never been regarded as particularly dangerous blitz player, but it was hard to expect disastrous 6 out of 19. However, the player himself did not look depressed at all... Former Russian champion enjoys media attention... and promotes one of the sponsor companies!

Alexander Riazantsev (left) tied for 3rd-5th, together with Deviatkin and Zvjaginsev. His opponent here is FIDE Master Pavel Dvalishvili, who is more dangerous in speed rather than in classical chess

Youngest participant, candidate master Mikhail Glotov, qualified to the final by winning Moscow U18 blitz championship. However, with adults he only collected 1.5 in 19 rounds.

There was only one conflict during the tournament. Alexey Dreev had an extra exchange against Valery Popov, but, as usual, no one could read the clocks, so the atmosphere was quite tense. Popov made an illegal move, but did not push yet the clock button, when Dreev impatiently shouted: “Illegal move!” and attempted to claim a victory by default. The game was stopped for a minute or two. An arbiter decided that he game should go on, and unhappy Dreev mated his opponent in 5 or 6 more moves. However, in the end Popov finished with 11.5 out of 19, a clear point ahead of Alexey...

Boris Spassky came to "President Hotel" directly from airport

David Ionovich watches the last round game of Morozevich

“Do you think it would be ok if I congratulate Morozevich? Could I approach him?” – asked Bronstein one of his friends with a timid voice. It seems it worked out well...

Alexander Morozevich with his trophy, and obviously tired of media attention

This mysterious visitor has something in mind...

And indeed! Here is a special prize from France to the oldest participant of the tournament. Surprisingly, the oldest player was Alexey Dreev!

Final standings

Previous Moscow Blitz tournaments

• Alexei Dreev wins Moscow Open Air Blitz (2003)
• Man in shades wins blitz in park (2002)