GM Rafael Leitao winner at Bienal Professor Joao Braga
20th to 24th April in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Aberto do Brazil Bienal Professor Joao Braga was played from 20th to 24th April in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 164 players took participation in the 9-round Swiss with the prize fund of 10.000 EUR.
Top seeded GM Rafael Leitao won the tournament by collecting 7.5 points, half a point clear of IM Samy Shoker of Egypt, FM Ernesto Rodi Luis (Argentina), GM Alexandr Fier and IM Fernando Cubas Jose of Paraguay.
There was not a sufficient number of international players in the field, thus making it impossible to earn title norms, but nevertheless there were several important achievements. IM Cubas reached the 2500-elo level and will be awarded the Grandmaster title. He scored the final GM norm back in 2008. FM Rodi jumped over 2400-elo and is expecting the confirmation of his International Master status. Brazilian player Jomar Egoroff became a new FIDE Master.
The Brazilian chess scene appears to be very active, with SP Masters Series becoming a regular fixture in the calendar. Brazil will also host the 2011 World Youth Chess Championships.
Thanks to GM Krikor Sevag Mekhitarian who contributed to the report.
Final standings (top 15):
1 GM Leitao Rafael BRA 2620 – 7.5
2 IM Shoker Samy EGY 2441 – 7
3 FM Rodi Luis Ernesto ARG 2359 – 7
4 GM Fier Alexandr BRA 2586 – 7
5 IM Cubas Jose Fernando PAR 2463 – 7
6 IM Rocha Wellington Carlos BRA 2417 – 6.5
7 GM El Debs Felipe De Cresce BRA 2496 – 6.5
8 FM Shumyatsky Victor BRA 2382 – 6.5
9 FM Terao Rodrigo Akira BRA 2332 – 6.5
10 GM Matsuura Everaldo BRA 2488 – 6.5
11 Bassan Remo VEN 2291 – 6.5
12 IM Di Berardino Diego Rafael BRA 2480 – 6.5
13 FM Choma Ernani Francisco BRA 2348 – 6.5
14 IM Perdomo Leandro ARG 2382 – 6.5
15 Egoroff Jomar BRA 2273 – 6.5
16 FM Bueno Alfeu Junior Varela BRA 2345 – 6.5
17 Guimaraes Artemis Pamela BRA 1944 – 6.5
Cat and mouse fight.