GM Alan Pichot emerged as the winner of the X Ibero-American Championship, an event held at the premises of Hotel RL Anibal in Linares, Spain. Joining Alan on the podium were IM Daniel Garcia Ramos from Spain who took silver and GM Santiago Avila Pavas of Columbia claiming bronze.  IM Sabrina Vega from Spain became the best female player, while IM Diego Flores Quillas of Peru was the best junior.

The Ibero-American Individual Absolute Championship, which celebrated its tenth edition, attracted with 114 participants from 22 countries-members of FIBDA (Federation Iberoamericana de Ajedrez).

The 9-round Swiss tournament, stretching from September 25 to October 1, featured 13 GM, out of a total of 79 titled players (70%). Female representation is also significant, with 21 players (18%).

The Linares City Council sponsored this competition, continuing its strong commitment to chess. FIDE, which has been collaborating with the Ibero-American Federation for several years, also provided support for the event.

Players with the Mayor of Linares, Auxi del Olmo, President of Iberoamerican Chess Federation, Javier Ochoa; President of the Andorra Federation, Francesc Rechi at the reception in Municipal Palace

The tournament was a very close competition that saw a fierce fight from start to finish. Going to the final ninth round, IM Daniel Garcia Ramos was on 7/8, a half-point ahead of the second seed Alan Pichot and full in front of a group of six players.

It all came down to the clash Pichot – Garcia Ramos in which Alan scored a crucial victory and clinched the title. GM Santiago Avila Pavas and Alexandr Fier of Brazil won their final round games and caught up with the former leader, all finishing on 7/9. Garcia Ramos (who completed a GM norm) and Avila Pavas took silver and bronze, respectively, based on the Buchholz tiebreaker.

Final standings:

Complete final standings

Photos: FEDA Facebook page

Official website: fibda.com/