The fourth edition of the biennial tournament in memory of Gideon Japhet – a lawyer, Jerusalem man and an avid lover of chess and sports, was concluded last Friday Hebrew in Jerusalem. The event was organized by the capital’s chess club Jeruchess in collaboration with the Association of Chess Professionals (ACP) under the auspices and the sponsorship of the Japhet family.
The crown group, Gideon Japhet Cup with six world class players in a five-day double round rapid competition, was won by Russian Jan Nepomniachtchi – 6/10 ahead of Peter Svidler (Russia), Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukraine), Boris Gelfand (Israel) and Georg Meier (Germany)5 each and Anna Muzychuck (Ukraine) 4.
More than 200 players took part in four open rating categories. In the main section 68 players competed in a 7 rounder including 14 GMs. No.1 rated Arkadij Neiditsch defended his title from the third edition wit 6/7 ahead of the Israeli champion Tamir Nabaty, former world champion Maria Muzychuk (Ukraine), Evgeny Zanan, Tal Baron, Nitzan Steinberg (all Israel) 5.5 each; Former world champion Anna Ushenina and Israel’s No.1 IM Yuliya Shvaiger 5 each etc.
The Open B section (43 participants) was dominated by Igor Goldberg who led the field all the way through, scoring 6 points in 7 rounds undefeated ahead of 4 deputies: Alex Landa, Roy Wagman, Igor Barenboim and Natan Levin with 5.5 points each.etc.
The players of the crown group were treated to a walking tour in old Jerusalem and a hike in the Dead Sea.
GM Alex Khuzman played a simul against 16 players beating 15 and losing just to the tournament director Alon Cohen.
All the results and games are available on the Official website.
Photos: Ritvo photography
Press release by: Yochanan Afek
Videos made during the games and interviews can be found here.