Judit Polgar wins Festa da Uva Invitational

by Albert Silver
3/4/2012 – The final of the invitational rapid event of the Festa da Uva was determined by Judit Polgar beating Gilberto Milos 2-0, while Andrés Rodriquez beat Henrique Mecking for third. After the tournament, the players saw the Grape festival with a water fountain shooting wine, and the world's longest bus. Then came Judit's book signing, and a large popular simul. Pictorial report by Albert Silver.

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Judit Polgar wins Festa da Uva Invitational

Report and photographs by Albert Silver

The final of the invitational rapid event of the Festa da Uva was determined by Judit Polgar and Gilberto Milos, while third and fourth were decided by Henrique Mecking and Andrés Rodriquez.  Polgar beat Milos 2-0 to take the title, while Rodriquez beat Mecking for third. It was a disappointing result for the two Brazilian players, especially for Mecking, but they will have their chance for revenge in the XII Rapid Open in which all the players will partake over nine rounds of intense competition.


This was the second match between Judit Polgar and Gilberto Milos, the first which
took place in 1996, and was another success for the Hungarian.


Milos showed his competitive resilience by beating Rodríquez to qualify for the final


Judit did what was expected of her: top-notch chess with friendliness and class.


A top view of the action in and out of the playing area


Mecking was unable to stop an inspired Rodríguez from taking third


Jean Lago, one of the organizers, shares some pictures with Judit and Timea Jaksa


The local Secretary of Tourism, Jaison Barbosa, the former governor of Paraná state,
Judit Polgar, and André Boff, the event organizer.


The venue had figurines warmly hugging any and all who arrived.
The above is not a scene of old friends or relatives.


The Grape Festival was well-represented by numerous wine sellers, and even a maker
of draft wine...


In the stead of a water fountain they even created a wine fountain! Bottoms up!


Still, they had other representatives of other products, even unusual ones such as this
stall for the local police. No, it was not a security force for the venue.


This shot is of the world's longest bus, also displayed there for passers by


This stall was to display old TVs and the original equipment that broadcast the first
color television transmission in Brazil which took place in Caxias do Sul.

After the last round was over, Judit was whisked away to the Iguatemi Shopping Center in Caxias do Sul where she was to officially launch the Portuguese translation of “Chess Playground” followed by a book signing, after which came a very popular simul.


Judit Polgar and her book, "Chess Playground" translated as
"Fun Chess in the Animal Kingdom".


A stand with her latest book enjoying its first translation


The book signing was a great success


There were lines of fans to get their copy autographed


The simul was held here against no fewer than 38 opponents, some stronger than planned


Her opponents were of all ages and strength


Judit treated all with the same courtesy and smile


They diligently recorded their games


The simul lasted over three hours


She walked in high heels for the most part, but eventually
finished barefoot.


The last to finish, and winner of his game, was Australian Tristan Stevens (2134 Elo)

Copyright ChessBase


Born in the US, he grew up in Paris, France, where he completed his Baccalaureat, and after college moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He had a peak rating of 2240 FIDE, and was a key designer of Chess Assistant 6. In 2010 he joined the ChessBase family as an editor and writer at ChessBase News. He is also a passionate photographer with work appearing in numerous publications, and the content creator of the YouTube channel, Chess & Tech.

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