Icelanders dominate in San Salvador Chess Open
Dec 12, 2014
GM Hannes Stefansson and reigning champion of Iceland IM Gudmundur Kjartansson shared the first place in San Salvador Chess Open with 7,5/9 points each.
San Salvador Chess Open was held from 5-10th December at the Palacio de los Deportes INDES in San Salvador, El Salvador.
The 9-round Swiss event was organized by the Federacion Salvadoreña de Ajedrez and offered $8000 in prizes.
A total of 131 players from 12 countries competed, including 8 Grandmasters and 10 International Masters.
Palacio de los Deportes INDES
Final standings (top finishers):
1. GM Stefansson Hannes ISL 2564 – 7.5
2. IM Kjartansson Gudmundur ISL 2451 – 7.5
3. GM Iturrizaga Bonelli Eduardo VEN 2654 – 7
4. WGM Marrero Lopez Yaniet CUB 2283 – 7
5. GM Ramirez Alejandro USA 2579 – 7
6. FM Cu Hor Winston Darwin GUA 2286 – 7
7. IM Juarez Flores Carlos A. GUA 2427 – 7
8. FM Sanchez Alvarez Roberto Carlo CUB 2390 – 6.5
9. IM Kaufman Raymond USA 2315 – 6.5
10. IM Davila Carlos NCA 2279 – 6.5
11. FM Sanchez Jorge PAN 2078 – 6.5
12. GM Almeida Quintana Omar CUB 2485 – 6
13. GM Martinez Duany Lelys Stanley CUB 2484 – 6
14. GM Romero Holmes Alfonso ESP 2470 – 6
15. IM Leyva Hector ESA 2336 – 6
16. IM Baules Jorge PAN 2348 – 6
17. IM Arias Lemnys A. ESA 2328 – 6
18. WIM Llaudy Pupo Lisandra CUB 2217 – 6
19. Cardenas Carbajal Nilson HON 2037 – 6
20. FM Garcia Ricardo Nca NCA 2174 – 6
Did he get GM norm?
It seems not. Although he got 4/5 against the GMs, the average rating of his opponents was 2370, which is below the lower limit allowed under FIDE regulations in awarding GM norms. His first three opponents were rated over 400 less than him, and they dragged the average down, even though he beat them all.