November 14, 2023
In the European Team Chess Championship 2023 in Budva, Poland and Germany have achieved perfect results after three rounds in the Open division. They have won all their matches and are preparing for a critical match against each other. World-renowned chess player, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, drew one game and won another but couldn’t prevent his team, Norway, from losing their matches.
Can Germany achieve a similar triumph as their 2011 European Team Championship success? Photo credit: Mark Livshitz, ECU.
In the Women’s division, the teams from France and Azerbaijan are the ones shining, with no defeats so far. However, the most surprising outcome came when Spain beat the top-seeded team from Georgia. As we look forward to round four on Tuesday, the championship is becoming increasingly exciting in Budva, Montenegro.
Both the Open and Women’s divisions have seen unexpected results, with only two teams in each maintaining a perfect score. The competition is fierce, and even the favorites have faced losses.
Highlights of the Open section include Germany’s consistent wins, with the young chess star, Grandmaster Vincent Keymer, leading the way. Despite a setback for Keymer in round three, the German team secured their victory. Also noteworthy was Grandmaster Matthias Bluebaum’s skillful escape from a series of attacks by his opponent’s queen.
Poland’s success was marked by Grandmaster Mateusz Bartel’s exceptional play, leading to an early advantage in their match against Slovenia.
The next round has Armenia, known for its incredible team spirit and impressive chess history, close on the leaders’ heels.
Despite Carlsen’s individual performance, the Norwegian team has faced challenges, and their next match against Finland is crucial.
In the Women’s division, Spain’s surprising victory over Georgia stands out, with International Master Marta Garcia Martin playing a pivotal role. The upcoming matches, especially between Spain and the equally undefeated team from Azerbaijan, are highly anticipated.
The championship, which is taking place in Budva, Montenegro, from November 11-20, invites chess federations from all over Europe to compete. The matches are played across four boards with a classical time control, making for a tournament full of strategy and endurance.
Remember, round four begins on Tuesday, November 14, at 9:15 a.m. ET/15:15 CET/7:45 p.m. IST, and it promises to bring more exciting chess action to the forefront!
Source: chess.com