A South American Chess Tradition
The 8th edition of the ‘Ciudad de Montevideo Open’ commenced last Friday, January 31st, at the Montevideo Municipality Conference Center. Organized by International Arbiter Sabrina de San Vicente, this tournament has become a respected event in South American chess. It is supported by Argentine businessmen and International Master Tomas Darcyl and Dr. Ricardo Costianovsky, who are offering over $5,000 in prizes across the Open, Women’s, and Seniors (60+) categories.
The event is held for the eighth time thanks to the continued support of journalist Silvia Pérez, Sports Coordinator of Montevideo Municipality.
Participants are enjoying the comfortable setting of the Red and Golden Hall in the Montevideo Municipality Conference Center. The tournament is also backed by FIDE, the Uruguayan Chess Federation, and Club Banco República.
This year marks the debut of Grandmaster Samy Shoker from Egypt, a participant in several regional tournaments, including events in Chile and Brazil before arriving in Montevideo as the top-seeded player. The top ranks also include Argentine International Masters Lucas Coro and Julian Villca, along with Uruguayan FIDE Master Facundo Vázquez, all competing for the championship.
After the initial five rounds, four players are sharing the lead with 4½ points each: International Masters Julian Villca and Lucas Coro from Argentina, Claudio Coppola from Uruguay, and FIDE Master Facundo Vazquez from Uruguay. Eight more players are closely following, just half a point behind, hoping to catch up in the remaining rounds. The sixth round, scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th, at 6:30 PM Uruguay time, will feature Lucas Coro against Facundo Vázquez on the first board, and Claudio Coppola against Julian Villca on the second.
The tournament will proceed with one round daily until the final day, Saturday, February 8th, when the final standings will be determined.
All games can be followed on ChessBase’s live portal and via the official Twitch stream by FM José Riverol on Nau64ajedrez.
GM Samy Shoker
IM Lucas Coro
WIM Milagros Brizzi
Chess Promotional Tournament
The 2nd edition of the Chess Promotional Tournament began on Monday, February 3rd, also at Montevideo City Hall, running concurrently with the Open. This tournament is designed for amateur players and those with a FIDE rating under 1800, offering a stepping stone into formal competitive chess.
This year’s promotional event has 45 participants vying for the title, with a strong showing of young talents aiming to make their mark in national chess.
The tournament will consist of five rounds, concluding on Friday, February 7th. Participants can look forward to raffles before each round, and prizes will be awarded in all categories.
IA Sabrina de San Vicente, Silvia Pérez and IM Bernardo Roselli Mailhe
