Andorra Open - Round 4: The numerous draws result in a regrouping of 15 players at the top

In this fourth round, the focus was on the top five boards. These boards featured the 10 players who, at the start of the round, had a perfect score so far (3 out of 3!). Therefore, any of them who could secure a win would take the lead in the standings.

Well, the balance was absolute, as after a little more than three hours of play, the boards from number 2 to number 5 had all ended in draws.

The first to finish was the game between IM Francisco Fiorito (ARG) and GM Josep Manuel López (ESP), who agreed to a draw in the opening after a solid London System.

English FM Sohum Lohia, playing with the white pieces, also chose a very safe setup, and his opponent, GM Andrey Sumets, took no unnecessary risks, aware that he was playing black and it was still only the fourth round. Conclusion… draw on move twenty-nine in an equal position.

Boards 2 and 4 ended more or less at the same time, with both games also resulting in draws.

On board 4, FM Serafín Moral (ESP) with the black pieces was able to consistently neutralize the initiative of his opponent, GM Danyyil Dvirnyy (ITA). The game remained balanced throughout, and neither player found a way to tip the scales.

As for board 2, GM Mads Andersen chose a solid variation to combat the Caro-Kann Defense played by his opponent. Even so, he achieved a slight initiative and, in the middlegame, after a flawed plan by Black, reached a favorable position with an extra pawn going into the endgame. Unfortunately for his interests, a mistaken simplification to win a second pawn allowed his opponent to create a very dangerous passed pawn which, being unstoppable, forced him to repeat moves and settle for a draw.

This left only board 1, where IM Daniel Garcia faced GM Aleksandr Shimanov, as the potential game to produce a decisive result—possibly leading to a sole tournament leader.

After the time control at move 40, Shimanov had a piece advantage, which should have meant good winning chances. However, the activity of White’s rooks and the pawn structure made things far from simple. He tried to make his extra material count, but in the end, misjudged the position. Instead of repeating moves and accepting the draw, he pushed too hard and overlooked his opponent’s resource. In any case, Daniel Garcia, under time pressure, was unable to capitalize… So, after nearly 5 hours of play, the draw was agreed.

The ones who didn’t slip today were the number 1 and 2 seeds. Both Aryan Tari (NOR) and Cristóbal Henríquez (CHI) defeated their opponents and rejoin the lead with 3½ points.

Among the players with 2½ points, IM Maciej Czopor (POL), IM Mads Vestby-Ellingsen (NOR), and WGM Lan Yao (ENG) all won their games. Notably, Lan Yao defeated IM Ilya Karp (ISR) with the black pieces—the same player who had drawn yesterday against the tournament’s top seed.

Therefore, the total number of players tied at 3½ points now rises to 15, resulting in a reshuffle at the top of the standings.

In the middle of the table, there were numerous surprises. It’s difficult to list and explain them all, but perhaps the most notable were the following: WFM Antonia Christodoulaki (GRE) defeated FM Leo Valle (ESP), Jan Balló beat FM Edgar Roca, Eithan Ruiz (MEX) won with black against WFM Adhara Rodríguez (ESP), and Gavril Draghici (ESP), also with black, defeated Jorge Marrero (ESP).

Regarding the situation of players from the Principality, the highest-ranked are FM Daniel Gómez and CM Josep Mª Ribera, both with 2½ points.

Daniel drew today with IM and WGM Marta García (ESP) in a game where he used an uncommon variation to counter his opponent’s Sicilian. The game reached a rather locked position, and a draw was agreed.

Josep Mª defeated WCM Lali Bibilashvili (GEO), securing his second victory. Following them, with two points each, are Cristofer Luke, Raul Garcia, Manel Cabarcos, and Àlex Alcón, all of whom won their games today.

Tomorrow, the fifth round starts at 4:00 PM, and for those eager to keep playing, don’t forget the Festa Major Night Tournament at 10:00 PM!