Himal Gusain dominates 1st Genova International Chess Festival 2024
Top seed IM Himal Gusain scored an unbeaten 7.5/9 to win 1st Genova International Open A 2024. He finished a full point ahead of the field. IM Vilka Sipila (FIN) and IM Conor E Murphy (IRL) scored 6.5/9 each. They secured second and third place according to tie-breaks. Himal defeated both runners-up in sixth and fifth round respectively. The total prize fund combining three groups was €7000. The top three prizes were €1500, €1000 and €800 each. The seven-day nine round Rating Open A (>2000) tournament was organized by Circolo scacchistico Luigi Centurini at Stadium Genova in Genova, Italy from 13th to 19th July 2024. IM Nitish Belurkar, WGM-elect WIM Sakshi Chitlange and CM Joel Paul Ganta are three more Indians to make a top ten finish. They scored 6/9, 5.5/9 and 5.5/9 each to be placed seventh, ninth and tenth respectively. This was Himal's seventh tournament victory of the year. Photo: Paulo Aiello
Himal's seventh triumph of the year
The Open B (1600-2050) event witnessed the participation of 52 players and Open C (<1650) had 36 players. Total 119 players from 18 countries across the world took part in the inaugural Genova International Chess Festival 2024. IM Himal Gusain had a full point lead going into the final round 7/8. IM Nitish Belurkar was the sole pursuer at 6/8. Himal drew with IM Giorgi Sibashvili (GEO) to become a clear champion. Himal gained a valuable 12.1 Elo rating points to cross 2500 in the August 2024 FIDE Rating list. WGM-elect WIM Sakshi Chitlange continued her good form to increase her Elo rating by 34.4 points. She is now 30 Elo rating points away from becoming India's next Woman Grandmaster.
Himal - Vilka, Round 6
IM Himal Gusain (2494) had a wild game against IM Vilka Sipila (FIN, 2450). White was forced to move his king to d3. Eventually it found its safe haven at b1 via d2-c1.
Thanks to Mr. Paolo Aiello, Tournament Organizer, for sharing the photographs.
A total of 36 players including 4 GMs, 5 IMs and 2 WIMs took part from 15 countries across the world in this seven-day nine round Rating Open A (>2000) tournament. It was organized by Circolo scacchistico Luigi Centurini at Stadium Genova in Genova, Italy from 13th to 19th July 2024. The time control of the event was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.
Replay all available Open A games
Final standings
Pos. | Num. | Name | Fed | Rtg. | Pts. | BH | BH-C1 | SB | KS | ARO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
