From April 18 to 23, the eleventh edition of the Noisiel International Chess Open took place. It was another success for the organizing club, which saw over 200 players across three different categories.
5 international grandmasters
For the eleventh time, professionals and amateurs gathered at the versatile and sporty venue of la Ferme du Buisson.
In total, there were 240 participants at the starting line, coming from 26 countries on four continents and divided into three categories. Among the players present, there were five international grandmasters, eight international masters, and twelve masters from the International Chess Federation.
For many, this Open is a crucial moment in the season. Among them, Ananth Touré, a club member and mentor, who played his final match on Thursday, April 23rd: “It’s one of the most important Opens in France every year. So, it’s quite interesting to participate in it.”
A venue in two zones
During this competition week, the venue is divided into two zones. The first, at the entrance, is a playing room. Over a dozen chessboards are available for the public and players for training.
A bit further, we find the competition room. In this space, silence is key to the game. Players are focused on their boards and move sheets.
Three tournaments run simultaneously: there is the Open C, which has been the tournament for players over 50 for the past 2 years. Next is the Open B open to everyone, with an Elo (level certifying point) below 2000.
Lastly, the Open A is reserved for the elite of the competition where the best players compete. There are promising players like Marco Materia, deemed a future “International Grandmaster” by the club president and competition organizer, Narayanin Oupindri. These matches were livestreamed on the Internet throughout the week.
A special pace
On average, each game lasted four hours, but some went on much longer. With each player having to play nine games, the tournament was challenging for them. “It’s difficult. That’s why I often stand up and try to clear my mind,” explains Marco Materia.
Despite the international context complicating the attendance of several players, the Noisiel club remains very satisfied with the tournament. According to the club president, the competition has become over the years “a must-attend event on the chess calendar.”
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