Winning starts with what you know
The new version 18 offers completely new possibilities for chess training and analysis: playing style analysis, search for strategic themes, access to 6 billion Lichess games, player preparation by matching Lichess games, download Chess.com games with built-in API, built-in cloud engine and much more.
The ACP Masters was opened on Monday, December 7th, in the Kivoonim Cultural Centre in the city of Ashdod, Israel. The players were welcomed by Moshe Slav, chairman of the Israeli Chess Federation and chief organizer, who said that it is in fact the strongest invitational tournament ever to be held in Israel, and that it would be transmitted to the entire world with the new Israeli technology ‘Chess Vision’.
The lovely city of Ashdod is the sixth largest city in Israel, on the coast of the Mediterranean
He thanked the mayor, Dr. Yechiel Lasri, for the town hall’s continuous support, mentioning that no fewer than 3500 children were enjoying chess education in 30 chess centres throughout the city. He awarded the special stamp that had been issued for the 80th anniversary of Israeli chess to the next distinguished speaker: Oded Forer, member of the Israeli parliament (Israel Beitenu party). Dr. Lasri added that Israel is a chess power and the government should do a lot more to develop chess and support Israeli participation in official events worldwide.
The opening ceremony
Ian Nepomniachtchi is invited on stage for the drawing of lots
The mayor also stressed the importance of sports in general and chess in particular for the city, praising the remarkable achievements of the municipal chess club since its foundation in 2003, especially the top team that has won five national championship titles and five times the cup games and the ladies team that has won nine national titles to date.
The tournament venue
Following the speeches and the refreshments the qualification games started in both preliminary groups. Three rounds were held in each group, which played at separate times.
Following two days of short, fierce and close battles the preliminary groups of the ACP Masters in Ashdod, played at 15 minutes plus 10 seconds increment, reached a clear conclusion with no need for further tie-breakers.
Among the guests was Samuel Sevian who scored 2.0/5 in his group
Nepomniachtchi was too much to handle here, and won the game. The again, what do you
expect from the silver medal winner at the World Rapid Championship two months ago?
Both Georgiev and Jakovenko actually played a Berlin in their group, a flogging offense in
most civilized countries... or should be
Boris Gefand qualified from his group with exciting chess to the delight of the fans
Guseinov - Gelfand
Emil Sutovsky certainly brought it, but overall was unable to shine. Ivanchuk on the other
hand was his world-class self and had not trouble qualifying.
Photos by official site and Moshe Slav
LinksThe 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. |
|
