10. Heusenstammer Sparkassen Open - GM Grigoryan wins ahead of GMs Peng & Sivuk

Tenth anniversary with 461 participants in three categories

The Heusenstammer Sparkassen-Open (near Frankfurt am Main in Germany) celebrated its tenth anniversary from November 21 to 24 with a total of 461 participants in three different categories. Thanks to a generous private donation, the prize fund for the podium was increased to a whopping €3000/1500/1000, which also attracted nine GMs, five IMs, 17 FMs and three CMs to the Martinsee culture and sports center.

Martinsee culture and sports center

In addition to a versatile, informative bilingual tournament website in English & German, the organizers are also going green: almost no paper is printed out, the pairing lists are instead always displayed on screens in the playing hall!

The spacious playing hall with its huge spectator stands offers the best playing conditions and is the perfect place to linger. The three double rounds are played from the morning until late in the evening, sometimes up to 10-12 hours a day.

Live broadcast of 16 boards

In addition, 16 boards were broadcasted live in the playing hall, which could be followed on site and on the tournament website and on Lichess.

Unstoppable GM Grigoryan & GM Sivuk

Before the final round, the two favorites, GM Karen H. Grigoryan from Armenia and GM Vitaly Sivuk from Ukraine, representing Sweden since 2022, took the lead with 5.5/6. After a quick draw, it was up to the pursuers to catch up with the leading duo. GM Peng and IM Noe followed suit with victories, although Noe, curiously enough, was given a forfeit victory against local hero GM Hagen Poetsch, to everyone's amazement.

Scorecards for all participants on the website

The organizers website also offers nice tiny features like scorecards, mostly with pictures of each participant. Your reporter has already participated several times in Heusenstamm - this year there were many strong, up-and-coming youngsters waiting, which meant that three draws were made in between and a top 10 placement was narrowly missed, coming in twelfth.

Open A (247 participants, final ranking after Round 7)

Friendly atmosphere at the prize-giving ceremony (from left): Dr. Rudolf Benninger (1st Chairman of SC Heusenstamm), winner GM Grigoryan, GM Sivuk (3rd), IM Noe (4th), GM Peng (2nd) and FM Glöckler (youth winner).

The 'makers' of the HSO Open: Dr. Rudolf Benninger & Hans D. Post

The two 'makers' of the HSO Open, without whom the tournament would not be possible: from left: Dr. Rudolf Benninger and Hans D. Post. They are supported by the referees IA Hans-Uwe Hinrichs, FA Peter Faiss, FA Dirk Windhaus, FA Ralf Becker, NA Manuel Gauer, RSR Simon Heinssen and numerous helpers. As in previous years, Christian Eichner from liveschach-schau.de ensured a smooth broadcast in the playing hall and for the spectators.

Open B (135 participants, final ranking after Round 7)

Upcoming stars of tomorrow

Youth open with 79 participants

Playing hall of the Youth open

The organizers offer food & beverage catering at the playing venue, next to the playing hall you can also find a local restaurant. Around Heusenstamm you will find various restaurants.

Eleventh edition planned in 2025

Fortunately, the organizers Benninger & Post announced at the prize-giving ceremony that a continuation is planned for November 2025 – my advice: just try out this strong and friendly Open for yourself!

Note that this article also will be published originally in German in the January 2025 issue of the German chess magazine Rochade Europa which will be available by End of December).