KVALITET 2025

Hi guys, it's been a while, but welcome to post #3 on Road to GM series, where I analyze my OTB games and document my chess journey so far. I, left with barely any tournaments, decided to play in one national tournament, with a quite good prize fund. I ended up getting 3rd wining 200 euros which i will spend on chess lessons I drew a FIDE master here and had some instructive games.

Lets dive into the games!

Olzhas Ibrakhim-Michael Burns 0-1

This one was easy, and i see no reason to further document it.

Michael Burns -Veleva Ilijana 1/2-1/2

OUCH! A draw with a 1600 in round 2, based on a terrible miscalculation. I have to be more watchful, and to not underestimate my opponent. I tried passing her a slight edge to try and generate winning chances, but she found the way to kill the game. I unfortunate lesson to learn from.

Game 3: Matej Divanisov-Michael Burns 0-1

My opponent here knew a solid amount of theory, but he liquidated, and found a way to get into a equal position. But he made a blunder and it wrapped up quickly.

Game 4 Michael Burns-Madan Bogdan 1-0

So basically my opening went well, I applied some pressure but squandered the advantage. But, in his time trouble, I posed practical tricks to get him thinking, which resulted in his final Mistake Kh8.

Game 5 Dino Tabakovski-Michael Burns 0-1

A dodge of a bullet, as I made it out alive from some strange opening preparation by my opponent. But thankfully, he allowed me to liquidate into a drawn ending, but I pursued the full point and achieved it. A neat grind. 

Game 6 Michael Burns-FM Anton Zlatkov 1/2-1/2

This was the big game, where I did not know the opening, and he got a great position. But, he played Qb7? which allowed me to simplify matters, and to draw the game.

Game 7 Kiril Nikolovski-Michael Burns 1/2-1/2

A ok way to finish the tournament, but since I was tired i lost the will to keep fighting.

Final Thoughts

Overall, after a disaster in round 2, I recovered well.

I have to be more creative when I am surprised, and to always find ways to continue the fight.

My FIDE currently sits at 2036 Now, My next stop is Pristina Open.

Thanks for reading,

Michael Burns.