The English GM John Nunn stopped the German Matthias Kierzek who was on the run 4/4 and so now there are three players in the lead (4.5/5) and two of them, John Nunn and the Slovakian GM Lubomir Ftacnick, they will clash today: if there is a victory, whoever achieves it will have placed a nice brick for the title.

Among the 5 players of the group that chases with 4/5 the Italian Master Carlo Luciani, author of an excellent tournament so far.

Also among the Italians yesterday was an exciting performance by Master Marco Ubezio who stopped GM Nona Gaprindashvili on the draw.

The women have been included in the Open tournament and therefore the final result will depend on the matches which will certainly not all be between them.

At the moment, two players are in the lead with 3.5/5 Georgian GM Nona Gaprindashvili and German WGM Fischdick Gisela.

Georgian GM Zurab Sturua (2022 world senior champion) and our IM Fabrizio Bellia (2021 European senior champion) are alone in the lead with 4.5/5 and today, even in this tournament, the direct clash could already be decisive.

We report in the small group that chases the Italian IM Daniel Contin with 4/5.

These 4 will play with each other today and we'll see who really will apply for the final rush.

Here we have a 9-round Round Robin and for the moment Greek WGM Marina Makropoulou and French WIM Martine Dubois are in the lead with 3/5.

As everyone knows, it is very difficult to establish the motivation that drives players to participate in one tournament rather than another: some go to play for the location, some for the playing conditions, some for the titles up for grabs, some for prizes and, who because they know that the organization is of a good standard.

This tournament we believe has attracted such a large number of players for a mix of all the reasons mentioned.

We have already written extensively about Acqui Terme and the optimal conditions of the Play venue and the good organization; the titles up for grabs are those of European Champion for each category and this allows, among other things, to be hosted at the next World Championship; the most eagerly awaited prizes are naturally those in cash and 10.000 euros aren't bad.

A separate discussion must be made for the plaques and medals. Simple plates have been chosen for the three who will get on the podium (always for each category) so as not to create problems for those traveling by plane by giving away bulky cups. Also, for all players there will be a certificate of participation.

Finally, the organization has also included, as it did at the World Senior Championship in Assisi, special prizes for the first three classified over 75s.

These are prizes that want to attest to the special attention that Arcoworldchess places for those who, despite the aches and pains of age, love this game/sport and wants to be present at all costs!