Andorra Chess - January Overview
Chess.com and the Andorra Chess Federation work together to promote chess in our region. To celebrate this collaboration, I am excited to start a monthly blog updating you on the chess activities happening in Andorra. I hope I will have enough energy to keep this monthly task going!
Second Prix Tournament Series
January saw the continuation of our new tournament format, the "Prix" series. What’s a Prix? Previously, we only had one tournament that was valid for the FIDE Blitz rating (Gran Prix) and FIDE Rapid rating (National Championship). This new initiative aims to provide more opportunities for players to participate in FIDE-rated blitz and rapid chess tournaments. The second Prix was a 10+5 event, which attracted a strong field of competitors. Unfortunately, we missed some of our more promising players as they were focused on their exams. With this format, we hope to encourage consistent play and growth within the Andorran chess community and also engage players from neighboring areas.
Catalan Cup - Provincial Qualifier
In the Catalan Cup, our GEVA-CEA A team put in a solid performance and successfully qualified for the final stage. However, they finished in second place as Lleida claimed the top spot after winning their direct match against us. Despite the outcome, the team showed great resilience and determination. Meanwhile, our B and C teams delivered commendable performances but, unfortunately, fell short of qualification. Their efforts, however, demonstrate the depth and potential of our club.
Catalan League - Honor Division
Our A team, competing in the Honor Division, started the tournament with an impressive victory against the formidable Figueres team. However, they faced a tough challenge against Mollet and narrowly lost in a closely contested match. The team remains optimistic and is looking forward to upcoming rounds, aiming to stay another season in the top division.
In the Second Division, our B team showcased their strength by securing wins in both rounds against Balaguer and Molins de Rei. These victories are especially significant, as our team performed exceptionally well against opponents with higher Elo ratings, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our players.
Unfortunately, our C team in the Preferent Division has yet to start their campaign. The first round saw them receive a bye, and in the second round, their match against Ponts was withdrawn as most of their opponents were unable to play due to illness. We hope for better luck in the upcoming rounds and are eager to see them in action soon.
Upcoming Chess.com Arena Tournament
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that tomorrow (27th January 21:00 CET) we will be hosting a Chess.com arena tournament open to everyone interested in Andorran chess. This is a fantastic opportunity for players of all levels to compete and enjoy the game. The top three players will be rewarded with diamond memberships, adding an extra incentive to participate and showcase their skills.
Stay tuned for more updates, and good luck to all participants in the upcoming events!
