The third edition of the Sardinia World Chess Festival has come to a successful close, once again confirming its place among the strongest open tournaments in Italy. The event was proudly hosted by the Club Hotel Marina Beach in Orosei, offering an exceptional setting that combined high-level chess with the beauty of Sardinia.
Svane triumphs after tight finish
Germany’s Frederik Svane claimed victory in Open A with an impressive score of 7½/9. In a dramatic final round he scored a crucial victory over Murali Karthikeyan of India, clinching clear first place.
Behind him, the battle for the podium was extremely close. Haik Martirosyan, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Mamikon Gharibyan all finished on 7/9, sharing second place. The final order was decided by tiebreaks, with Martirosyan taking second place, Nepomniachtchi third, and Gharibyan fourth.
Historic milestone for Faustino Oro
One of the defining moments of the tournament came from Faustino Oro, who achieved his final Grandmaster norm, becoming the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history.
In the final round, Oro faced Ian Nepomniachtchi on the top board. Having already secured the required performance of 6/9, Oro only needed the game to take place for the norm to be valid. Nepomniachtchi’s participation ensured this crucial requirement, allowing Oro to complete his historic achievement regardless of the game result.
Closing ceremony and distinguished guests
The closing ceremony was a festive conclusion to the event, celebrating the winners across all sections.
Prizes were awarded in the presence of:
- GM Roberto Mogranzini, organizer and tournament director
- Danilo Mallò, President of the Sardinian Regional Chess Committee
- Gerhard Bertagnolli, Chief Arbiter of the tournament
Their presence underlined the strong cooperation between organizers and regional chess authorities, contributing to the success of the festival.
A unique chess experience in Sardinia
Beyond the competition, players enjoyed the outstanding conditions offered by the Club Hotel Marina Beach, combining high-level chess with the beauty of Sardinia – its beaches, hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere.
This unique blend of sport and location continues to make the Sardinia World Chess Festival a special event on the international calendar.
Looking ahead
At the closing ceremony, organizers officially announced the next edition of the Sardinia World Chess Festival to take place from May 2 to May 9, 2027, and invited players from around the world to return for another unforgettable experience.
With record participation, a stronger field than ever, and historic achievements, the 2026 edition has set a new benchmark for the festival – leaving players and fans already looking forward to next year.
All final standings can be found on the official results pages:
Open A:
https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1251111.aspx?lan=1&art=4&fed=ARG&flag=30&SNode=S0
Open B:
https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1407196.aspx?lan=1&art=4&fed=ARG&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0
Open C:
https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1407197.aspx?lan=1&art=0&fed=ARG&turdet=YES&flag=30&SNode=S0
Photos: KNZO Photography