ChessBase 17 - Mega package - Edition 2024
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Except for a humongous list, I didn't ask much for Christmas this year. Leaving aside my personal wishes, I just want you, dear reader, to be healthy, happy and loved! Even though you may have a different religious or spiritual perspective, be it atheism or agnosticism, I trust that your end-of-the-year days are filled with everything you wanted: perhaps a crowded house with family and presents or simply enjoying quiet solitude.
Your reporter had the unique chance to feel that paradise exists!
To swim here was magical, unusual, unexpected, undefinable. It is also a good thing I can
swim well enough, as the 50 meter depth is not a picnic if one gets tired
In case these December days caught you off guard, in other words your rating dropped, your games are far from ideal or you didn't receive any gifts, not to mention the possibly complicated relations with the other human beings... stay calm. Christmas is not a date, and winter holidays are not seasonal. It is all about the feeling and state of mind, which can persist and be celebrated all year round, no matter where you are or with whom you are. If for some reason you have the blues right now, remember: tomorrow is another day. As for today, I hope you will accept my article as a small virtual “present”.
If you haven't had the chance yet to visit the famous Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, then
there is Plan B – the pyramid is coming to you…in a virtual visit!
I have been told that the top was where human sacrifices took place, a very potent source
of nourishment for the Mayan deities ...an truly fascinating history that is worth discovering.
One of the new 7 Wonders in the World, which is no surprise given its popularity, both in
the past...
...and in the present.
It used to be an honour to give your life for a higher cause...
...which was witnessed at times by these enigmatic cenotes, ideal for
the practice of rain, life and death rituals. They were also considered
the home of the water gods by the ancient Mayans. I think they were
almost in need of a new offering...luckily it was not my turn, as I sort
of succeeded in photographing this without losing my camera or break
some bones. (I almost fell)
In the Yucatan Peninsula there are three types of cenotes : open ones that look like ponds
or springs, semi–open ones that are partially covered by a dome shaped rock formation, and
the underground cenotes that I have yet to see, mostly hidden inside a cavern.
A great trip is even better with great people: with the Capablanca Memorial's tournament
director, Carlos Rivero González and his lovely wife
Yes, it is true that winter holidays are supposed to take place in the “winter”, with snow and hot drinks, but who says we cannot paint the town pink under a hot 35 C. sun?!
From my perspective, it is actually even better, especially if we talk about Mérida, Mexico! And by the way, I heard that it is precisely hot drinks that help you beat the heat… or the rather low air-conditioned temperature set in the Carlos Torre Repetto Open tournament hall.
The opening ceremony with its first symbolic move
The tournament t-shirt
Quite “strange” some might say that I have only two photos from Merida's downtown...but I
have a good excuse: all the points of interest in Yucatan are rather far. Furthermore, when
the games are in progress, it is quite difficult to un-glue myself.
Merida's cathedral, built with the stones from the pyramid that stood in its exact spot before
Top eight boards in the main tournament hall…
… and many more spaces to house the rest of the 400 players.
As promised in my previous report, I return with the second part of the Mexican tale, which had a happy-end for the top seed: no disappointment here for the favourite, Lazaro Bruzon Batista, who firmly occupied the first place, with no losses and an excellent 7.0/9!
Clear first, even though shared with three more players: Lazaro Bruzon Batista
The Cuban was always super focused; I can say I never saw him smiling...until he got his trophy!
Lazaro Batista Bruzon - Alan Pichot
Another important victory for Lazaro against Andrey Baryshpolets
A good tournament for the Ukranian GM nevertheless: ninth place and nine more rating points...
... but the winner gets all the attention.
Closing ceremony where...Santa Claus is coming to town
Jorge Cori had an amazing comeback after losing in the second round,
and ended tied for first, second on tiebreak
Jorge Cori - Giuseppe Leiva
Jorge Cori - Mariano Ortega Amarelle
Continued in part two
