The third Hainan Danzhou Super Grand Master Chess Tournament began on May 29 in Danzhou. This year the ten players are: Wang Yue, Ding Liren, Ni Hua, Bu Xiangzhi, Yu Yangyi, Zhou Weiqi, Hou Yifan, Zhou Jianchao, Zhao Jun, and Wen Yang. China’s top two rated players, Wang Hao and Li Chao, for reasons unknown are not participating. The competition is more than simply a national tournament of the highest level, with a generous prizefund, the champion will be also earn a spot on the Chinese team and join them in the upcoming Olympiad in Istanbul.
The 3rd Hainan Danzhou GM tournament finished in a race. The sole leader before the last round was GM Ni Hua, and in the last round he played a quick draw with GM Zhao Jun with black. GM Bu Xiangzhi, who was half a point behind, came back with a last round win over top seed GM Wang Yue, who had a dreadful tournament, and snatched first place due to a better tiebreak. This also gave Bu Xiangzhi the last spot on the to the Chinese team for the Olympiad. To decide third place, defending champion GM Yu Yangyi defeated GM Wen Yang in a blitz playoff.
Before the last round, the question Ni Hua had to ask himself, was whether he should
take the draw, or play for a win.
GM Ni Hua
GM Zhao Jun
This was another key encounter: Bu Xiangzhi against top seed Wang Yue
GM Bu Xiangzhi looks relaxed and confident
Wang Yue, who is a close friend of Ni Hua, was under considerable pressure
The only female in the event, Hou Yifan was unable to make a mark, though she fought hard
GM Zhou Weiqi, known as "Mr. Fight" also had a tough tournament
GM Zhou Jianchao
Newcomer GM Wen Yang (2550) played quite well and ended with a 2683 performance
Two Chinese talents, Ding Liren and Yu Yangyi face each other in the final round
The closing ceremony was short and to the point
7th-9th place: GM Zhou Jianchao, GM Wang Yue, GM Zhou Weiqi and guests
4th-6th places: GM Wen Yang, GM Ding Liren, GM Zhao Jun
Third:GM Yu Yangyi, first was GM Bu Xiangzhi, and second, GM Ni Hua,
Xiangzhi was jubilant for earning a spot on the team, but emphasized
the importance of the team working together to get a result.
The hotel was very nice with lovely gardens
Here is where the players stayed
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 11 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs. |
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