Fang Xiaoyan, the extra Chinese player added to the tournament roster for pairing purposes, has been attracting interested attention from the other contestants. When she drew a bye in round 5, Ranka took the opportunity to interview her. Ranka: Hello, … Continue reading
As always, China’s Qiao Zhijian was in his seat ten minutes early. This time, he used those ten minutes to take a short post-prandial nap, while in the facing chair Korea’s Lee Hyunjoon carefully positioned his belongings and then passed … Continue reading
White: CHAN Chi Hin (Hong Kong) 7d Black: QUIAO Zhijan (China) 7d Commentary by So Yokoku 8p, transcribed by Chris Garlock (translation by Ting Ting Chen). This game gets really complicated very quickly, with multiple eyeless groups fighting each other … Continue reading
The weather had been gradually improving since the tournament began, and early risers on May 15 were treated to a sunrise. The bus brought the players to the Guangzhou Chess Institute by 8:30. The playing room was set up with boards … Continue reading
White: ZHOU Yuan (U.S.A.) 7d Black: NAKAZONO Seizo (Japan) 8d Commentary by So Yokoku 8p, transcribed by Chris Garlock (translation by Ting Ting Chen). The fourth-round contest between the US and Japan turned into a controversial and dramatic slugfest involving … Continue reading
With all players present except the still missing Moroccan, the afternoon round started a few minutes early. Two games were over quickly, Luis Cajiao of Costa Rica winning in fifteen minutes, by forfeit, against Morocco, and Martin Li of Sweden … Continue reading
Fifteen minutes before the start of round 3 on May 13, Qiao Zhijian, the main Chinese contestant, was already seated at his board. After defeating opponents from Italy and Singapore in the first two rounds, he would next face the … Continue reading
White: Pal BALOGH (Hungary) 6d Black: RI Kwang Hyok (DPR Korea) 6d Commentary by So Yokoku 8p, transcribed by Chris Garlock (translation by Ting Ting Chen). White gains an advantage in the beginning of this game but then allows Black … Continue reading
Ranka: How do you feel about your win over the Brazilian player in round 2? Leslie: Happy. It was a great achievement for me. I surprised myself. I hope my opponent doesn’t feel too disappointed. Ranka: How did you get … Continue reading
White: RI Kwang Hyok (DPR Korea) 6d Black: FANG Xiaoyan (China -2-) 3d Commentary by So Yokoku 8p, transcribed by Chris Garlock (translation by Ting Ting Chen). Black makes a fatal mistake early in this game, and then seals her … Continue reading