Start of Season: Alberto Muniz clinches first in the Blitz tournament

One week after the season opener Rapid event, the Blitz enthusiasts gathered in Caissa. Just over 30 players played seven double rounds to decide the winner of the day.

Alberto Muniz joined the event as a player for the first time in a very long time. After years of arbitering Caissa tournaments, he was able to enjoy them as a player. Alberto started the tournament as the rating favourite, but the opposition would be tough. Caissa talents Branding Fan and Kyle Chen have been upcoming stars for a while now and their ratings prove they can pose a challenge to anyone in Hong Kong.

After three double rounds, it was Brandon who emerged on top with a perfect 6/6. Kyle had lost his first game against Alberto, but was able to hold him to a draw in the second one. The fourth double round would have to shine clarity on the standings: will Alberto be able to catch Brandon, or is a surprise winner in the making.

Alberto charged his batteries, he had to prove something and left no questions unanswered. He defeated Brandon in both games and after one more slip up against Ching Yin Law (1 win, 1 loss), he won the remainder of his games and clinched first place. Congratulations Alberto!

Brandon won his mini match against Kyle, along with Alberto they all won their last 4 games and finished in second and third place.

Special shoutout to Ying Ching Law who finished in fifth place and continued good form from the rapid event the week before.

For the youth prizes we have Hoi Cheung Wong winning the U10 prize, while the highest ranked U12 and U16 players finished in the top six. It were Ethan Cao (U16) with 8/14 and Arjun Iyer (U12) with 6.5/14 who took their youth category trophies home.

Congratulations to all the winners!