
From 28. January to 4. February the 2. International Chess tournament to honor King Mohammed VI took place in Casablanca. The tournament was organised by the Royal Chess Federation of Morocco. The invitation promised a prize-fund of 150.000 Dirham (about 16.000 Euros), of which the winner was to receive 60.000 Dirham (about 5.500 Euros). 100 players took part in the international open. Parallel to that tournament an U20-Open was played.

Picture of King Mohammed VI

U20-Open
The tournament was played in the "Eglise Sacré-Cœur de Casablanca", formerly a catholic church, which had been built in 1930, but which no longer was used as a church after Morocco's independence in 1956. The church was not heated and thus rather cold, and the players had to wear jackets and coats during their games.


Chess in the former church


Players with coats

Malakahtko-El Gindy
Unfortunately, this was not the only thing that left to be desired. There were complaints about the modest accomodation and the small portions given out at mealtimes in the players hotel. But the biggest scandal is that the promised prize-money has not been paid yet.
At the closing ceremony the representatives of the Chess Federation (including the Vice-President) promised the prize-winners that the prize-money would be transferred to their accounts within a week - at the latest. This did not happen. Email of the players were not answered. The players now asked FIDE to become active.

Cup and badge but no money
Sergey Tiviakov won the tournament with 7.5/9 and the better tie-break. Second was Vadim Malakhatko who also had 7.5/9. Best women player was Deimante Daulyte with 6.5/9.

The winner Sergey Tiviakov is not amused

Vadim Malakhatko

Deimante Daulyte, Karina Mabartsumova

Sophie Milliet

Iva Videnova

Boris Chatalbashev (re.)
Final results after 9 rounds
... 100 players

Winter at the Atlantic coast

The palace of justice

Entry to the law

The central bank

Downtown

The new tram

Mosque

The bazaar

Colorful diversity

Karina and Daimante

Karina Ambartsumova


Karina Ambartsumova bought a souvenir

Daimante Daulyte


Greetings from Morocco