Rabat Blitz Marathon won by L'Ami (2/2)

I must admit that the success of the tournament in Rabat didn't come as a surprise to me, judging from the enthusiasm and efforts of the team of young organizers, animated by the sincere desire to promote chess, ready to adapt their own views on-the-go to those of the participants.

After the long walk in the harsh sun...

... a break is more than welcome.

The stalls are all incredibly colorful...

... and the people no less.

The organizers call the tournament "an independent event", detaching themselves from political pressure and influences, aspiring and succeeding in promoting the Rabat Blitz Marathon as one of the world’s main blitz events. They believe the faster time control is one of the best ways to promote chess, make it cool and spectacular, and bring it to the masses.

Credits: François-Alexandre Léonard

Two l'Amis on the first two boards: Thanks Lennart Ootes!

L'Ami, Erwin - Larino Nieto, David

Erwin l'Ami contemplating his massive score on the tournament table

Is that a phone in your hands, Loek?!

The marathon in action

First move on Mamedyarov's board played by Short, assisted by the tournament director, Youssef Iraqui

The top-rated player in the tournament, Mamedyarov

Blitz games will always attract a large number of fans

By holding it in an appealing and exotic place, organizers are trying to make it a memorable experience for players with a full schedule of social activities. There was absolutely no way one could get bored, especially in such a short amount of time.

Three minutes is more than enough to play your moves and take a selfie!

Carried away by my other big passion, photography, I was at first disappointed that local people (or at least those I met in Medina, the old market) didn't look too enthusiastic about being immortalized by my camera. Still, just when I started asking myself whether it was something personal or just a closure of character, I received proof none of my fears were true.

When the giants clash

Romero Holmes, Alfonso - L'Ami, Erwin

I was finishing lunch together with other chess players on a terrace, when at the neighboring table I saw a family enjoying a huge plate of couscous, their traditional meal. I just couldn't help sharking around their table, trying to get the courage of asking if there would be anything wrong with taking a picture of their dish. Cutting the story short, I suddenly found myself, a total stranger, sitting next to them! Time was too short to allow me to clear up this contradiction of evidence, but who said this was my last visit?!

The winner in the commentary booth with Dirk Jan ten Gezeundam and Nigel Short

Shirov, Alexei - Fridman, Daniel

The beautiful hostesses

Erwin and Loek: influenced by the Moroccan warmth?!

The winner, his trophy and the tournament poster

Returning to the tournament and its roller-coaster speed: live stream with Nigel Short and Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam was provided, who were commentating right from the middle of the events - the playing hall. The show was completed by the unusual game between Short and Libiszewski, during which both opponents were commenting over their moves and plans, reviving the spirit of the famous TV show from the UK - “The Master Game”. Talking with both players on their feelings about this peculiar type of game, they admitted it is much harder to play, as there is a sort of race between the mind and tongue, making it difficult to focus on both simultaneously.

The Short vs Libiszewski duel

The French GM Fabien Libiszewski

Nigel Short sharing his thoughts on his game against Fabien

Libiszewski, Fabien - Short, Nigel

The future of Moroccan chess

Anand came here in 2014 and promised to come back: "Rabat Blitz is very well-organized and I am always happy to play. Hope to see you all next year. Wishing Youssef (the tournament organizer) and his team a successful event in 2015."
Since it surely was, could we reiterate Anand's message, with only one correction: “2016”?!

Final standings

Click for complete standings

Links Official tournament site All games in PGN The games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 13 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs.