Twenty nations at the International Livigno Chess Open
The 1st International Livigno Chess Open (10th to 18th September) is bound to be a very interesting event. Livigno, the resort hosting the tournament, has a lot to offer for everyone – players and accompanying persons alike. Trekking, climbing, food and wine, duty free shopping, these are just some of the possibilities the visitors will have to relax between the chess matches. All this while completely surrounded by nature and fresh air of the Italian Alps.
The list of nations represented is quite long, with about twenty countries and more than 70 participants. Pre-inscriptions are updated regularly, also because the World Chess Olympiad is starting in the week which follows the event.
A group of players from Libya has shown interest to take part in this tournament, and their applications should be processed shortly. Large delegation from the Czech Republic is already confirmed.
Some very young Italian players will certainly be present, such as Alessio Valsecchi (born in 1992, Elo 2331), who defeated the world star Fabiano Caruana in a recent Italian Chess Championship, Andrea Stella (born in 1993, Elo 2310), Marco Codenotti (1997, Elo 2169) and the twelve-years-old Fulvio Zamengo (Elo 1936).
Inscriptions are still open to all players. On the event’s website (www.livignoscacchi.it), you will also be able to easily book for accommodation.
GM Eduardo Iturrizaga
Currently top seeded player is Eduardo Iturrizaga (2609), 20-years old Grandmaster heading from Venezuela. This imaginative player with unlimited energy is competing in many tournaments and, of course, also wins many trophies. Earlier this year he edged a very strong opposition to win the prestigious Dubai Open on best tiebreak. Despite the young age, he already qualified for the FIDE World Cup twice.
Another young star is GM Emilio Cordova (19 years, 2536 elo) from Peru. For many years our only thought about Peruvian chess was the legendary GM Julio Granda Zuniga, but in the recent years there has been an upsurge of a new talented generation led by Cordova and Cori siblings. Cordova’s play is sharp, exciting, with lots of fireworks on the board – always pleasure to watch!
Livigno Valley (copyright by D.Pasini)
