In a multinational field of over 300 players, Australian number one, GM Zhao Zong-Yuan has won the Thailand Open 2013 ahead of big name favorites. GM Zhao had a rating performance just under 2700 overall including a dramatic win over GM Nigel Short in the eighth round. He finished with 7.5 points from nine rounds.
Following Zhao Zong-Yuan were six players on seven points. On tiebreaks, IM Wan Yunguo took 2nd place and a GM norm. GM Jan Gustafsson, who admitted that “he’s just on holiday” when asked about the tournament, finishes in 3rd place.
The top seed GM Nigel Short, a familiar and welcome presence at the Thailand Open, played fighting chess throughout the tournament making a decisive result in all but one game. He struggled at times pushing too hard for wins. The world’s 3rd highest rated female player GM Humpy Koneru had a solid tournament, not losing any games.
Top prize for best Thai player went to FM Jirapak Pitirotjirathon, who performed well above his rating. He has long been dedicated to improving the quality of chess in Thailand and sets a fine example for Thai juniors aspiring to titles.
Congratulations also to IM Roy Saptarshi of India for achieving his second GM norm with a win over NIgel Short. Receiving IM norms were Ma Zhonghan of China, Hamed Nouri of Philippines and Sardana Rishi of India, currently rated only 2232.
Join us next year for the Thailand Open to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.
