Latvian champion GM Igor Kovalenko simply crushed the opposition in the 21st edition of Liepajas Rokade Chess Festival 2014, that took part on 10-12th July 2014 in Liepaja, a city in western Latvia, situated on the Baltic Sea.
Kovalenko finished first with the impressive score 12,5/13 points in the Open Tournament, full 3 points ahead of the nearest followers, with a 2956-performance.
Second place was shared by GM Vladislav Kovalev(Belarus) and GM Alexander Khalifman (Russia) on 9,5 points each.
The champion wasn’t less convincing in the Blitz Tournament, where he lifted the trophy after collecting 12/13 points.
GM Daniel Fridman finished second with 11 points, while NM Tokranovs Dmitrijs surprisingly took the bronze with 9,5 points.
Reminder about Kovalenko’s tournament achievements since the beginning of 2014:
Paul Keres Memorial 2014 – first place
Latvian championship for men 2014 – first place
Zalakros Chess Festival 2014 – first place
Baltic Zonal Tournament 2014 – first place
Cesme Open 2014 – first place
Open final standings (top finishers):
1 GM Kovalenko Igor 2617 LAT 12,5
2 GM Kovalev Vladislav 2545 BLR 9,5
3 GM Khalifman Alexander 2628 RUS 9,5
4 GM Aleksandrov Aleksej 2586 BLR 9
5 GM Shirov Alexei 2712 LAT 9
6 GM Fridman Daniel 2689 GER 9
7 IM Chigaev Maksim 2523 RUS 9
8 MK Muhamadejevs Rinats 2299 LAT 9
9 GM Kveinys Aloyzas 2487 LTU 8,5
10 IM Zatonskih Anna 2472 USA 8,5
A total blow out.