The Prague International Chess Festival 2024, featuring the Masters, Challengers and Futures tournaments, is in the books.
The most prestigious Masters event saw the triumph of Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who came out on top with an excellent score of 6.5/9. The 19-year old Uzbek GM took the lead after Round 5 and never gave it up, despite suffering a defeat in the next round.
Nodirbek had his most important test in the penultimate round clash with Parham Maghsoodloo. Abdusattorov passed it with flying colors, prevailing in a tense battle and clinching the title with a round to spare.
"I'm very tired, obviously, but at the same time, very happy to win this tournament. It's a huge achievement for me and my career, the tournament was, in general, one of my best," Nodirbek expressed his delight right after the final move and also praised his opponent. "He's a great fighter, always fighting. But while creating chances for himself, he opens some for opponents as well. As many times earlier in our games, some crazy things happen. So I was hoping for that," smiled the winner of the Masters.
Nodirbek gained 15 rating points and reached fourth place in the world live rating, ahead of the reigning world champion Ding Liren. He also moved to the top position in the 2024 FIDE Circuit.
GMs Nguyen Thai Dai Van (CZE), Parham Maghsoodloo (IRI) and Praggnanandhaa R (IND) finished on 5/9, with the local player and the Iranian taking second and third places, respectively, based on this trio's direct encounters.
Another chess prodigy, Ediz Gurel of Turkey, emerged as the winner of the Challengers, netting 6.5/9. Jaime Santos Latasa from Spain finished a half-point behind, while Erwin L'ami (NED) came third thanks to a superior Sonneborn-Berger over Abhimanyu Mishra (USA).
The fifth seed Aansh Nandan Nerurkar (IND) dominated the Futures tournament scoring impressive 8/9 and finishing 1.5 points ahead of the runner-up Pawel Brzezina (POL).
Photos: Anezka Kruzikova and Petr Vrabec
Official website: praguechessfestival.com/en/2024
