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Polish chess players demonstrated their prowess in the FIDE World Cup held in Baku, securing victories and advancing to the second round. Mateusz Bartel, Igor Janik, Karina Cyfka, and Michalina Rudzińska secured their spots in the next phase, while Szymon Gumularz and Kacper Piorun exited the competition.
The previous day saw Monika Soćko, Oliwia Kiołbasa, and Klaudia Kulon successfully progressing, leaving nine out of twelve Polish representatives in contention. Notably, reigning champion Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Radosław Wojtaszek will join the tournament in the second round.
Intriguing “Sibling Rivalry”
In an intense showdown within the Polish team, Igor Janik triumphed over Szymon Gumularz in rapid chess, showcasing the nation’s depth of talent. Karina Cyfka and debutante Michalina Rudzińska also claimed decisive victories in the women’s tournament.
Mateusz Bartel secured advancement through a tiebreaker with Abdelrahman Hesham from Egypt, while Kacper Piorun fought valiantly but ultimately bowed out to Pablo Ismael Acosta of Argentina.
High Stakes and Format
The tournament, using a knockout format, offers a substantial prize pool of $1.834 million for the open category and $676.25 thousand for women. The top three finishers in the open category earn spots in the Candidates Tournament, along with cash rewards. The event runs until August 23rd and comprises classical games, followed by rapid and blitz tiebreakers if needed.