The Israel open championship was held on December 8-16 2021 in the old northern city of Tzfat (Safed) by the Israel chess federation, under the auspices of the local municipality and Mifal Hapais (the national lottery). 102 players, including nine GMs and nine IMs competed in nine Swiss rounds for the top honours as well as for the 80,000 NIS prize-fund. 4 members of the national team led the starting rankings being the natural favourites: GMs Tamir Nabaty, Ilya Smirin (both former Israeli champions), Victor Mikhalevski (the current champion) and Evgeny Postny (former winner of the open championship). Quite a few of the country’s best junior players were among the participants too led by IMs Or Bronstein, Yair Parkhov and Ido Gorshtein.
GM Tamir Nabaty, the highest rated participant, emerged winner on 7.5 points despite an early defeat in round three, ahead of GM Evgeny Postny, Israel’s best female player IM Marsel Efroimsky, both undefeated, and 19 year-old IM Yair Parkhov on 7.0. They were followed by GMs Ori Kobo, Victor Mikhalevski and Israel Caspi, IMs Ido Gorshtein and Or Bronstein and FM Yotam Shohat on 6.5 points each. Best u-18 was FM Yeshaaiahu Tzidkiya on 6. GM Avigdor Bykhovsky was declared best senior, while the best female prize was awarded to WCM Ronit Levitan – both on 5.5. 28 players in total shared the money prizes in all categories.
Two games by the winner
Mayor Shuki Oçhana playing the ceremonial first move on board one in the first round.
GMs Ilya Smirin and Victor Mikhalevski having good time in the opening ceremony
Mayor Shuki (Joshua) Ochana and Dr. Zvika Barkai, chairman of the ICF award GM Tamir Nabaty with the winner’s trophy.
Best u18 player FM Yeshaaiahu Tzidkiya
Best senior GM Avigdor Bykhovsky
Tournament director Olga Volkov
Chief arbiter IA Alon Shulman
