Skalický Šachový festival, a chess forum financially supported by the FIDE Aid Package, took place in the town of Skalica (Slovakia) from August 20-28. The main event, FIDE Slovak Open, a nine-round Swiss tournament, attracted 68 players from 10 federations.
To the delight of local fans, two Slovakian players, IM Filip Haring and GM Jergus Pechac (who was recently awarded Gligoric Tropy 2021), tied for first place, scoring 7/9 each, with the former coming out on top thanks to a slightly better Buchholz.
The 19-year-old Haring was in the leading pack from start to finish and deservedly took the title, earning 19 ELO points along the way.
Vlastimil Babula (Czech Republic), Pranav Anand (India) and Gergely Aczel (Hungary) finished a half point behind Haring and Pechac and shared third place.
Final standings:
1 | IM | Haring Filip | SVK | 2449 | 7 |
2 | GM | Pechac Jergus | SVK | 2587 | 7 |
3 | GM | Babula Vlastimil | CZE | 2577 | 6½ |
4 | IM | Pranav Anand | IND | 2489 | 6½ |
5 | GM | Aczel Gergely | HUN | 2497 | 6½ |
6 | GM | Mihok Oliver | HUN | 2552 | 6 |
7 | FM | Turcan Richard | SVK | 2320 | 6 |
8 | GM | Lanka Zigurds | LAT | 2399 | 6 |
9 | IM | Sahidi Samir | SVK | 2477 | 6 |
10 | FM | Holtel Jasper | GER | 2405 | 5½ |
Photo: Skalický Šachový festival Facebook page
Official website: chessslovakopen.sk/
