Emmanuel Jiménez and Kristel Díaz are the new champions of Costa Rica. Both absolute and women's sections of the national chess championship, 9-round Swiss tournaments with classical time control, took place in Costa Rica Tennis Club (first round) and then at the National Stadium from January 7-15, 2023.
The open event that brought together 27 players turned into an exciting race between top-rated IMs Emmanuel Jimenez and the defending champion Leonardo Valdes.
Coming to the final round a half-point ahead of his main rival, Jiménez drew his game with Felipe Fernández. In his turn, Valdes could not break David Cabezas's resistance and had to settle for a draw as well. As a result, Jiménez retained a half-point margin and won the title with an excellent score of 8/9.
Both the champion and the runner-up completed the event unbeaten.
IM Sergio Duran and WFM Mauricio Valverde tied for third place, with the former taking bronze thanks to superior Buchholz.
"It is a very important step, I had already won this title in 2021, but it was online, and it was time to win it over the board. I am pleased to take the title since this year, I am going to make an effort to become a grandmaster. This type of results help a lot to seek sponsorship when it comes to going out and playing tournaments," Jiménez said after receiving the champion's trophy.
Final standings:
1 |
IM |
Jimenez Garcia, Emmanuel |
2411 |
8 |
2 |
IM |
Valdes Romero, Leonardo |
2399 |
7½ |
3 |
IM |
Duran Vega, Sergio |
2374 |
6 |
4 |
Valverde Mora, Mauricio |
1800 |
6 |
|
5 |
CM |
Fernandez Sibaja, Felipe |
2024 |
5½ |
6 |
FM |
Cabezas Solano, David |
2057 |
5½ |
7 |
Pastor Carvajal, Jeigoth |
1967 |
5 |
|
8 |
Cartin Aguilar, Luis |
1880 |
5 |
|
9 |
NM |
Ugalde Garcia, Ronald |
2084 |
5 |
10 |
NM |
Chaves Sanchez, Gabriel |
2104 |
5 |
Kristel Díaz from Guapilena dominated the women's section conceding just a half-point to her opponents. After three runner-up attempts in previous years, she finally clinched her maiden national title. WFM María José Ramírez finished a full point behind on 7.5/9 while WCM Sofía Mayorga came third with 7.
"I am quite happy to win this championship. I think I played well, and I am very excited and satisfied. It is an achievement that I sought for a long time, and I am happy that my effort paid off," the champion said.
Final standings:
1 |
WFM |
Diaz Charpentier, Kristel |
1948 |
8½ |
2 |
WFM |
Ramirez Gonzalez, Maria |
1765 |
7½ |
3 |
WCM |
Mayorga Araya, Sofia |
1774 |
7 |
4 |
Canales Chinchilla, Victoria |
1429 |
5 |
|
5 |
Lobo Meneses, Natalia |
1371 |
5 |
|
6 |
Bogantes Robleto, Karina |
1680 |
4½ |
|
7 |
Diaz Charpentier, Ashly |
1174 |
4½ |
|
8 |
Campos Astorga, Priscila |
1449 |
4½ |
|
9 |
Campos Munoz, Valentina |
1081 |
4½ |
|
10 |
WFM |
Acevedo Mendez, Jennifer |
1745 |
4½ |
Photo: Costa Rican Chess Federation webpage and Emmanuel Jiménez García Facebook page