American GM Robert Hess (2565) and Greek GM Stelios Halkias (2579) have each full marks after the fourth round of the MP Reykjavik Open played this morning. Icelandic GMs Thorhallsson (2387) and Danielsen (2533) and IM Björn Thorfinnsson (2419) – with three points – lead among the locals. In the third round last night, Danielsen earned a hard fought 1/2 point against Norwegian IM Thomassen (2396) in 153 moves, which is probably a record in the 47-year history of the Reykjavik Open.
The two “H”s each beat considerably higher ranked GMs in the fourth round. Hess beat Bosnian GM Sokolov (2643) and Halkias beat blindfold expert GM Miroshnichenko (2670). Other notable results included Belarusian WGM Sharevich´s (2323) victory over Brazilian GM Fier (2586). Sharevich, which beat Icelandic GM Stefansson (2557) in the second round, has 3-1/2 points together with 12 other players.
The fifth round, played this afternoon at 16:30, sees Hess and Halkias square up against each other, GM McShane (2683) and GM A.Gupta (2580), and Swedish GM Hillarp Person (2524) and Danish GM Hansen (2603), who together with Faroese IM Ziska (2432) lead the field in the Nordic Open Championship, which is also contested at the MP Reykjavik Open. Icelandic GM H. Olafsson will provide live match analysis.
Tonight, the players and other chess enthusiasts will pair up in the third annual Reykjavik Chess Pub Quiz. More about the quiz – and players after hours activities – later!
Special thanks to Gunnar Björnsson for the information.
What’s in the water in Iceland? Sharevich is rocking on.