Floripa Open in Brazil: A tough, multitudinous field

A field of 542 players from 19 countries

Having to win every game is a major challenge. This also applies when GMs, round after round in an open tournament, are all but obliged to score points against untitled players.

Aware of this, Niclas Huschenbeth travelled to a multitudinous tournament in Florianópolis. With 542 participants, the rating favourites inevitably face a number of significantly lower-rated opponents in the early rounds. After two opening wins, the only German participant in the field had to come to terms with an initial disappointment as early as round three: he drew against Argentine untitled player Franco Acosta. The South American has exactly 399 rating points fewer than Huschenbeth, and arguably played the game of his life.

In round four, Huschenbeth lived up to his role as favourite once again. However, in the fifth round he was surprised by Diogo Duarte Guimaraes, who produced remarkably error-free play. Up to move 54 the game was absolutely level – the engine reported no notable swings at all. Then came the mistake. And it was not made by the FM – it was the GM who erred, and the game was already over six moves later.

Huschenbeth bounced back with a win over Brazilian NM Acyr Rogerio Calcado, and now stands in 52nd place with 4½ points to his name.

Two players are tied for first place with perfect 6/6 scores: 27-year-old Cuban IM Jorge Roberto Elías and 35-year-old Brazilian GM André Diamant.

Six players stand a half point back, including top seed José Martínez, who recently impressed by reaching the quarterfinals at the FIDE World Cup (he was knocked out by eventual champion Javokhir Sindarov). Also in the chasing group are second seed Aryan Tari from Norway and José “Pepe” Cuenca from Spain, who recently won a strong open in Temuco, Chile.

Co-leader Jorge Roberto Elías (right) defeated Nathan Filgueiras with the white pieces in round five | Photo: Vivian Passig

Ilan Schnaider, a 14-year-old Argentine prodigy, playing white against Brazilian GM Krikor Mekhitarian in round five (½-½) | Photo: Vivian Passig

Niclas Huschenbeth in action during round four | Photo: Vivian Passig

Standings after round 6

In this video course, Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov explores the fascinating world of King’s Indian and Pirc structures with colours reversed, often arising from the French or Sicilian.
The King’s Indian Defence is one of the most dynamic openings in chess – and Pirc structures share much of the same DNA. With colours reversed (the King’s Indian Attack), these setups can be just as powerful. What may look modest at first often transforms into highly complex middlegames, where timing, precision, and a deep feel for dynamics make all the difference.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Misplaced Pieces

…542 participants

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