ROME SHOT 916 – Wherein Fr. Z is thrilled.

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Photo from The World’s Best Sacristan™.

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Also, thanks to CB a “100!” and EA a “200!”.  It’s always a boost to see those.

I am thrilled at yesterday’s results.

The most unlikable characters at the Tata Steel chess tournament, Alireza “the Boy” Firouzja and Hans Niemann, both got their asses kicked by girls.

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As far as Firouzja is concerned, at the moment he is unlikable because of the spoiled-brat behavior he exhibited at the end of the year to “farm” rating points and take the Candidate slot away from Wesley So.  I may relent on that eventually.  Niemann… just unlikable.  Sorry.

Firouza (2759), who has been doing well, dropped to 4th after his drubbing by Women World Champion Ju Wenjun (2549).  She had fought Ian Nepomniachtchi to an 80 move draw.  Against the Boy she brought an end game that left the commentators flabbergasted at the calculation.  It’s worth watching.  People will talk about it for a long time and it’ll wind up in a book or two.  Here’s the link – about over 5.5 hours into the coverage – where the end game is really getting to be something.  Puer is toast at this point, but Ju has to play precisely.  HERE

That was in the Masters section.  In the Challengers section Eline Roebers (2391) beat Niemann (2692) – video of the end HERE.

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It usually happens that women and men play in different sections.  There are reasons for that, including women and girls space where they are less likely to be treated badly.  That is – or was – a serious issue according to Judith Polgar, whom I believe.  Also, the women’s section and the open section (in which, I suppose, women should be able to play) sometimes have different rules, which is … wrong.  There should be level playing fields.  However, yesterday’s victories by Roebers and Ju show that their presence among the men isn’t a sop or a stunt.  Even if it were, they have demonstrated that they belong there.

Yesterday’s results will increase my anxiety level the next time at our Club’s OTB a mom brings her 12 year old daughter to play.  That happened a while back and I didn’t assume anything except that she could be rated 2400 online.  It didn’t turn out that way, but you never know with these darn kids.   Some time ago I wrote about an 8 year old girl at the European Blitz Championship. Brrrr.  A fun video about her playing a 79-year old British champ in one of the most prestigious clubs in London. HERE

I feel like raising a slightly chilled glass of Norcia Beer in honor of Ju and Roebers. I’ll bet you do to! You can make that happen!

Ju plays Vidit today.  Nepo v. Prag. Ding v. Nodirbek.  Puer v. Wei Yi.  GO WEI!

Meanwhile, try this one!

White to move and mate in 2.

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.

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Interested in learning?  Try THIS.

Ceterum censeo Firouza esse delendum.  Heh heh.