31 players and tournament staff took part in the football tournament, that has become such a central feature on the Reykjavík Open calendar. Four teams played a round robin tournament of 20 minute games. The winning team – with a perfect score – was led by GM Helgi Áss Grétarsson, a former national youth team goalkeeper, and supported by FM Halldór Grétar Einarsson and Kristján Eðvarðsson. The other team members were Bárður Örn Birkisson, Alexander Hart, Aron Mai, Magnús Hjaltason and Jón Gunnar Jónsson, who played in goal and made sure the goalpost was covered!.
The winning team
The team was well organized with GM Grétarsson and FM Einarsson playing as centre backs. (They were like a pair of bishops!) It was also balanced. Hart and Eðvarðsson added physicality in midfield and the younger players Birkisson, Mai and Hjaltason agility on the flanks and up front. Jónsson, the loudest player on the pitch, was disappointed in letting in three goals. GM Hjörvar Steinn Grétarsson, who is not playing in the tournament, took part as usual. Unfortunately no female players joined in, but it is the organizers´ hope that they will take part next year in this fun and friendly event. No need to bring cleats or shin guards – the participants are more aggressive on the chess board than on the football pitch!
The participants
