Nigel Short Simul Selection Tournament

The Belize Chess Federation hosted a Selection Tournament for Nigel Short Exhibition Simul on April 1st, 2023, at the George Price Center in Belmopan. The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of the George Price Center for allowing the Federation to use their venue.

Tiebreak match for first place between Luis Mendez and Wilberth Fuentes

Twenty players, including some of the best female players and youngest players in Belize, participated in the tournament. Special thanks to Wilberth Fuentez, Andre Fuentez, and Gabriela Fuentez, who traveled all the way from Mexico to join the competition. They were also kind enough to donate two of their chess sets to the BCF!!

BCF Vice President and President giving their opening remarks

The tournament used a G 15-time control and featured five rounds, with Alfred Awe serving as the Tournament Director. The competition was intense, with players vying for the opportunity to participate in the upcoming simul event against GM Nigel Short on April 12th, 2023.

Throughout the five rounds of the tournament, the players showed great skill and determination. Each round brought exciting and intense games with competitors battling it out for a chance to participate in the Nigel Short Exhibition Simul.

Wilberth Fuentes (1st) Luis Mendez Jr. (2nd) and Charlton Roaches (3rd)

After a challenging and exciting competition, the final standings were announced and can be viewed at the following link: https://tornelo.com/chess/orgs/belize-chess-federation/events/259f0704-eba7-45ac-9aee-7a47d64cd03b/standings/section/section-1

Wilbert Fuentez and Luis Mendez Jr were tied for first place after 5 rounds. They played a tie-break match, which Wilbert won to claim the top spot. Charlton Roaches and Steve Flowers were also tied for third place and played a tie-break match, which Charlton won.

The tournament also highlights the popularity of chess in Belize and the efforts of the Belize Chess Federation to promote the sport. The success of this tournament will hopefully encourage more chess enthusiasts to participate in future events.

Overall, the Selection Tournament for Nigel Short Exhibition Simul was a great success, and the Federation congratulated all the players for their hard work and dedication. The 20 selected players will now have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming simul event against GM Nigel Short, which promises to be an exciting and challenging experience for all involved.

We would like to thank all the participants and spectators. Special thanks to all the parents who were supportive of the event.