Two legends! GM Fridrik Olafsson congratulating Hjartarson on his 6th title of national champion in 2016
We are delighted to introduce the latest entry to the already impressive catalog of participants, playing in the 32nd edition of the Reykjavik Open.
The former World Championship candidate, six-time Icelandic Champion and two-time winner of the Reykjavik Open, the legendary GM Johann Hjartarson has joined the roster! This will be his first Reykjavik Open since 1996!
Twice he’s shared first place in the Reykjavik Open, in 1984 along with GM Helgi Ólafsson and GM Samuel Reshevsky and again in 1992 with the legendary GM Alexei Shirov, who also is playing this year!
During his peak, Hjartarson had a fantastic run in the World Championship Candidates matches when he beat the legend himself, Victor Korchnoi in St. John in 1988.
Hjartarson played in several elite tournaments during the 90s and was one of the top Nordic players during that time.
Around the millennium, Johann retired from chess to pursue a successful law career, but in the last few years he has played a bit more again, having successful tournaments for Iceland legends team in the 2015 European Championships and in 2016 he captured the Icelandic Chess Championship and added to that a few months ago, when he won the Icelandic Blitz championship.
Johann is a great addition to the tournament. Will we get a repeat of 1992?
