S.O.S Start of Season Rapid: Ole!
The S.O.S Open Rapid 2018 held on 2 September 2018 burst the new season open with a very strong player field across 8 different country chess federations. From those, a tourist Spanish armada of 3 guest players had arrived, all well into 2,000+ rating. Together with coach David, although also under Spain chess federation flag but first and foremost Cassia's torch bearer, and the highest over 2200 rated player Bjorn, from Sweden, local 2000+ player Tushar under Indian flag and former HK Champion Andrew, there was not going to be any walk-over today. Indeed.
The 7 round 15m5s rapid event went smooth. After 5 rounds only Caissa coach David Rivas had won all his games, and he remained undefeated with two draws in the last two rounds to claim the Open Championship title. Applause David. We are proud of you!
Number 2 through 5 all ended with 5.5 points but on tie-break Bjorn and Julio got 2nd and 3rd prizes.
Hong Kong local youth talents did well again, and a special mention of merit goes to Savin, who as U8 player scored 5 point to end on 8th place overall. Also U12 Oliver, who had a difficult last round, played noteworthy well to end on 9th place overall.
The final cross table is below or online here.
Thanks all for a very nice tournament in excellent friendly but serious atmosphere. Hope to see you at our Blitz in 2 weeks!
