Ukraine’s Ivanchuk Grabs the Cup at Mexican Chess Tournament
By Maryla García Santos
Merida, Mexico, Dec 22, 2006
Ukranian Grand Master Vasily Ivanchuk regained the title of the international chess tournament Carlos Torre Repetto which was held in the Mexican city of Merida, in the state of Yucatan, from December 14 through the 22.
Ivanchuk, who ranks 6th on the FIDE’s list with an ELO rating of 2741 points, had been the champion of the 2004 edition. This time, he won the title after defeating Cuba’s Bruzon in rapid games 1.5 to 0.5, while the Cuban player had grabbed last year’s cup.
Tthe match concluded with a couple of draws in the morning and afternoon rounds, so it was necessary to play the 15-minute games. The first also ended tied after 41 moves. But in the second the Ukrainian, who was playing with whites, was able to beat Bruzon in 36 moves.
Speaking with the press, the new champion said that he had done his best to win the competition, especially in the last match. He also said he hoped to have given satisfaction to the spectators at the Olimpo culture center, which was the venue of the event.
Source: Periodico 26 Cuba
Merida is a beautiful city — one of my favorites in Mexico.
It’s a pity that Ivanchuk will miss from the 2007 World Championship in Mexico City…
The event was great! I was able to attend most of the matches and was there for the final two rapid games.
I have only known Ivanchuk from this event and saw a stoic man without much emotions throughout the week. When he jumped up and pumped his fists in the air at the end of the second game, I was shocked. We gave him a standing ovation as he ran out of the auditorium to see his wife.
He was quite animated as he talked with the press afterwards. It was a great week. I feel honored to have met him as well as the many other great chess players who were with us.