From May 18 to 28, 2024, the 25th International Draughts Tournament Salou Open took place in Spain. The tournament, held in the picturesque town of Salou by the Mediterranean Sea, attracted a wide range of players from amateurs to world-class competitors.
Tournament Overview
The tournament was played in a Swiss system over nine rounds. The event began on May 19 with an opening ceremony, followed by the first round. Subsequent rounds took place daily at 3:30 PM, with a break day on May 24, during which a blitz tournament was held.
Results and Winners
This year’s champion was a player representing Israel, GMI Alexander Shvartsman, who scored 14 points. That was his third career win in Salou Open, after winning it in 2002 and in 2022. The runners-up were: Second place: GMI Yuriy Anikeev from Ukraine, the current world champion, with 13 points. Third place: MI Yuriy Lagoda, another Ukrainian player, also with 13 points.
Atmosphere and Location
The tournament was traditionally held at the four-star Cala Font Hotel, providing comfortable accommodation and excellent playing conditions. The location, close to the beach and beautiful Salou scenery, created a unique atmosphere conducive to both competition and relaxation.
The Salou Open 2024 concluded on May 27 with a closing ceremony where awards were presented to the top players. The organizers already invite participants to the next edition, emphasizing that Salou Open is not only a sporting competition but also an unforgettable experience and international friendships.
For more information about the tournament, including detailed results and game recordings, visit the official Salou Open website.
The Latest Video
Alexander Shvartsman secured his victory in the tournament by winning the final, ninth game against GMI Alexander Mogiliyansky. It is hard to count how many such crucial games Shvartsman has won over his career. An analysis of this particular match can be viewed in the latest video on the checkersTV channel.
