When I signed up for the 7th Memorial Blitz Tournament: Moma Vučićević, little did I know that I was embarking on an unforgettable chess journey. Held at the heart of Belgrade, in the Hotel Metropol, this lightning-fast blitz tournament was a rollercoaster of excitement, adrenaline, and… well, a bit of chaos! 🙂
Lightning Strikes: The Tournament Lightning Rounds
We’re talking blink-and-you’ll-miss-it chess, with a time control of 3 minutes and 2 seconds increment. Blink too long, and poof, your time’s up!
Strong Start to the Finish Line
The tournament attracted a whopping 280 players from 9 different countries. Yeah, it was a big deal. The organizers deserve a standing ovation for this chess extravaganza, and the arbiters, too, for keeping it all in check. The 7th Moma Vučićević Memorial Tournament, organized in honor and memory of Moma Vučićević, a great chess lover, is a testament to the vibrant chess community that keeps our passion alive. But wait, there’s more!
From 20th to the Top (Almost)
Yours truly, International Master Balind Nadj Hedjesi, was just another name on the starting list, lurking from the 20th position. With no grand expectations in mind, I went in to enjoy the company of friends and the chessboard.
Eyes on the Prize
Guess what happened? I scored 9 victories, 3 draws, and just one “Oh well, that’s chess” loss, accumulating 10.5 points in total. I even had the best Buchholz, but here’s where it gets interesting – the first tiebreak was the mutual score. In the end, I shared the first place with two other chess wizards, but due to this quirk, I officially landed in the 3rd spot.
Dramatic Twist
I’d like to think my 20th-place starting position was an intentional plot twist, meant to keep things spicy. After all, the best stories always have a few unexpected turns.
Victory Dance
So, how did it feel to be up there on the podium? I was truly thrilled, filled with happiness and pride, sharing the stage with some of the great chess minds.
A Shout-out to My Cheer Squad
But it’s not just my victory; it’s a win for my friends and my students who were there, cheering me on. Their support added that extra sparkle to the already shining moment.
The Moral of the Story
For all the aspiring chess enthusiasts out there, remember this: sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you didn’t see coming. So keep pushing those pawns, taking those chances, and who knows, you might just find yourself in the midst of a tournament that’s one for the books!
