Mitropacup: Germany leads in both sections

Host nation Germany leads both sections of the Mitropacup in Apolda, Germany. In an ambitious line-up with five players from the top six, Germany is the clear favourite and is doing full justice to this. Coach Ian Gustafsson’s team is unbeaten in the open class and is after round 5 two points ahead of a strong Switzerland and three points ahead of the Czech Republic. All other nations have five team points or less.

The equally favoured German women are making things more exciting and are “only” ahead of France and Switzerland thanks to a better second score. The leading trio each have eight points. Slovenia (7) and Italy (6) follow close behind. Co-favourites Hungary have to make do with five points.

As part of the Mitropacup programme, the 1st Open Thuringian Senior Individual Championship with 58 participants takes place. The Austrian Frank Belke leads after four rounds with four points ahead of the German Joachim Brüggemann and the Pole Piotr Cap.

The champions of tomorrow will also get their chance. On 17 February, they were able to look over the shoulders of the greats and marvel at the moves up close, as well as taking part in the school chess tournament themselves.

Four rounds are still to be played in the Mitropacup until Friday. Each round starts at 3.00 pm, on Friday at 10.00 am. (wk, photo: tournament page)

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Photos provided from the German Chess federation (Frank Hoppe)