Kenny Solomon wins the blitz marathon
International Master Kenneth Solomon, first board for South Africa at the last Olympiad, wins the blitz marathon of 2-3 November with a final score of 74 points out of 82. Second place, and clearly first among Club 64 members, for Master Antonio Lapenna, who with his 71.5 points out of 82 confirms his excellent talent as a blitz player. The lowest step of the podium is occupied by FM Artem Gilevich of Bologna (70.5 out of 82), who finished with the same points as 4th overall Lorenzo Lucchi, but prevailed on the better Sonneborn-Berger. The category winners are: first in the 2000 - 2200 band Lorenzo Lucchi from Rimini (70.5 out of 82), first in the 1800 - 2000 band Elisa Chiarion from Nonantola (54.5 out of 82), first in the 1600 - 1800 band Andrea Cricca from Rovigo (43.5 out of 82), first in the 1450 - 1600 band Flavio Parenti from Rome (41 out of 82) and first in the under-1450 band Alessandro Biacchi from Mantua (22.5 out of 82). 41 players turned up at the starting line instead of the 42 expected, due to the last-minute withdrawal of Michelangelo Lapenna through illness. The tournament began as scheduled a few minutes after 9.30 on Saturday and, with 2 quick breaks for lunch and dinner (50 minutes each), ended at 3.50 on Sunday night, in line with expectations beforehand. The unusual night-time prize-giving ceremony took place at 4.15, under the flashes of the camera of the tireless reporter Giorgio Gozzi, to whom our thanks go for the photo coverage. Sincere thanks also to arbiter Andrea Vezzelli. A total of 1,638 games were played (783 wins for White, 120 draws and 735 wins for Black). Sincere thanks to the Hotel 2 Pini, which hosted the event and won the approval of all the players. Congratulations to all the winners and to all the participants for the sportsmanship shown throughout the tournament. In the real hope of repeating the event in 2014 as well, greetings and thanks to all the players in the marathon.
Photos: 16-hour non-stop Blitz Marathon
77 photos
Photos: 15-hour non-stop blitz marathon
72 photos