The #1 seed managed in the end to live up to the expecation and win the 2017 GAMMA Reykjavik Open outright. It wasn’t easy with two rounds to go when Anish was half a point behind the leaders and had two blacks coming up. He however showed his class beyond doubt and managed to take the lead with half a point before the last round with two consecutive wins. A win in the last round against his countryman Erwin l’Ami secured the win and the top spot.
Others winning in the last round included Kamsky, Movsesian, van Foreest and last years winner, Ahijeet Gupta.
Anish had a bit of a psychological battle in the last round as Erwin l’Ami has worked as one of his seconds in elite tournaments. Anish however quickly took the upper hand and didn’t let go, “sailing it home” and was the first one the top boards to finish. This left the others fighting for second place.
The prize giving ceremony is at 18:00 local time and a roundup of the tournament will follow shortly 🙂
