Vignesh N R victorious at Basel Christmas Festival 2023

by Shahid Ahmed - 11/01/2024

GM Vignesh N R scored an unbeaten 7/9 to win Basel Christmas Festival 2023 Master (Above 2050). He finished a half point ahead of the rest. FM Gabriele Lumachi (ITA), GM Boris Chatalbashev (DEN) and FM Enis Zuferi (GER) scored 6.5/9 each. They were placed second to fourth respectively according to tie-breaks. Vignesh drew against both eventual runners-up, Lumachi and Chatalbashev. The total prize fund of the tournament was CHF 8000. The top three prizes were CHF 2000 + trophy, 1500 and 1200 each. Apart from Vignesh, GM Venkatesh M R and Vignesh's younger brother, GM Visakh N R made a top ten finish. They scored 6/9 each to secure sixth and eighth place respectively. Photos: Official site

Vignesh's second triumph in 2023

GM Vignesh N R was the sole leader 6.5/8 heading into the final round. GM Boris Chatalbashev (DEN) and FM Gabriele Lumcahi (ITA) were the sole pursuers at 6/8 each. Vignesh, Chatalbashev and Lumachi drew against FM Andrean Susilodinata (INA), GM Visakh N R and Fabian Frey (SUI) respectively. Thus, Vignesh became a clear champion, Lumachi second and Chatalbashev third. Vignesh became the second Indian to win this tournament after IM C R G Krishna won it back in 2019.

Top prize winners: 6th GM Venkatesh M R (third from left) 6/9, 2nd FM Gabriele Lumachi (ITA) 6.5/9, 1st GM Vignesh N R 7/9, 3rd GM Boris Chatalbashev (DEN) 6.5/9

GM Vignesh N R in action during various rounds

GM Vignesh N R scored an unbeaten 7/9, finished a half point ahead of the field and gained 4.2 Elo rating points

The tournament hall at Mövenpick Hotel in Basel, Switzerland

A total of 55 players including 5 GMs and an IM took part from 15 countries across the world in the Master (>2050) section. The five-day nine round Rating tournament was organized by Claudio Boschetti (SUI) at Mövenpick Hotel in Basel, Switzerland from 26th to 30th December 2023. The time control of the event was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.

Final standings

Rk.	SNo		Name	Typ	sex	FED	RtgI	RtgN	Pts.	TB1	TB2	TB3	K	rtg+/-
1	2	GM	Vignesh N R			IND	2529	0	7	49,5	46	2341	10	4,2
2	6	FM	Lumachi Gabriele			ITA	2395	0	6,5	48	44	2287	10	8,9
3	4	GM	Chatalbashev Boris			DEN	2457	2540	6,5	46	43	2305	10	3,6
4	8	FM	Zuferi Enis			GER	2373	2402	6,5	45,5	43,5	2298	20	23,8
5	3	GM	Stojanovic Mihajlo			SRB	2487	2519	6	50	47	2336	10	-0,9
6	5	GM	Venkatesh M.R.			IND	2417	0	6	47,5	43,5	2295	10	1,1
7	9	FM	Susilodinata Andrean			INA	2354	0	6	47	43,5	2270	20	11,6
8	1	GM	Visakh N R			IND	2546	2527	6	43,5	39,5	2244	10	-13,1
9	16		Frey Fabian			SUI	2233	2252	6	41	37,5	2141	20	8,2
10	20	CM	Krivenko Dion			EST	2220	0	5,5	47,5	43,5	2236	40	45,2

Details

Links

Official site

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