Much more than just chess at Livigno

The players taking part in the 1st International Livigno Chess Open (sponsored, among others, by Baume & Mercier and Mazzetti d’Altavilla grappa liqueur) don’t just talk about chess – quite the contrary. Among the subjects of conversation are the beauties of Livigno, the village hosting the event. Magnificent panoramas, a quiet environment, the wide choice of activities (mountain biking, trekking, shopping etc) – this is what chess friends speak of. Many of them have fallen in love with this valleys and some also with… the marmots, whose homes are just a few hundred yards away from the playroom.

A few results (see also ranking at the end)

Igor Naumkin – Hotel Möta (Russia) has beaten the Israeli Ehud Shachar, thus jumping back to the leading position in the Open A tournament. The young Slowakian Peter Michalik was against Petar G. Arnaudov – Hotel Allegra. Despite being Michalik’s birthday today, Arnaudov didn’t make any present to him (at least on the chessboard) and the game ended up with a draw. Both now follow the leader by 1 point, together with two Israeli: Yair Yudkovsky and the above-mentioned Shachar.

Thursday’s programme

Just like today, also tomorrow morning, 16th September, four Italian top players will meet the students in the local schools, whereas the 7th round will be at 3pm CET.

In the evening there will also be a socialization event, with the Gala dinner at 8,30 pm at Hotel Lac Salin Spa & Mountain Resort. As “dessert”, a 5-minute blitz tournament for Grand Masters: the Grand Prix Mazzetti d’Altavilla, The prize will be a valuable blown glass chessboard, whose pieces are little hand made bottles containing two types of liqueur. An undoubtedly original, prestigious present for the best player.

Live games, results and rankings, as usual, on www.livignoscacchi.it

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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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