Golden Island’s late summer has brought both literal and figurative heat to the 2024 World Senior Championship. After six rounds of intense chess battles in Porto Santo, Portugal, the competition has entered its second half.

In the 50+ age group, GMs Alexander Shabalov (USA) and Michal Krasenkow (Poland) share the lead with 5/6 points.

Both secured critical victories in Round 6, with Shabalov defeating Viktor Mikhalevsky (the overnight leader) and Krasenkow prevailing over Uffe Vinter-Schou. The leaders have each conceded two draws, including their Round 5 encounter. In that game, Shabalov, playing Black, came close to victory in a rook endgame, but Krasenkow escaped with a miraculous draw.

A large group of eight players, including top seed Kiril Georgiev (Bulgaria), trail the leaders but just a half-point.

In the 65+ age group, five grandmasters are tied for first place sitting on 5/6: Jaime Sunye Neto (Brazil), Rainer Knaak (Germany), Zurab Sturua (Georgia), Lubomir Ftacnik  (Slovakia) and Alonso Zapata (Colombia).

The women's tournament, merging the +50 and +65 age categories, is also very closely contested. WIM Sopio Tereladze (Georgia) and IM Masha Klimova (Israel) drew their Round 6 game, maintaining their co-lead with 4.5/6. Joining them at the top is IM Silvia Alexieva (France), who defeated Galina Strutinskaia (FIDE).

With five rounds remaining, all three tournaments are still wide open, promising a thrilling finish.

Saturday, November 23, is a well-deserved rest day, with many players taking the chance to explore the natural beauty of Porto Santo. For those eager to return to the chessboard, a blitz tournament is organized in Vila Baleira Hotel.

Additionally, a masterclass by GM Michael Gurevich was held on November 19, World Chess Day, providing valuable insights for the audience.

Pairings, results and standings

Written by Paulo Felizes, FPX Head Press Officer

Photos: FPX

Official website: worldsenior.fpx.pt/