In the rapid Round-Robin playoff to determine the four qualification spots for the 2013 World Cup, Eric won with black in a must-win situation in the final game to earn the fourth spot.
Congratulations to Eric for a clutch performance to finish a great tournament!
Canadian GM Mark Bluvshtein, now retired from chess, finished tied for first in the 2011 event in Toluca, Mexico.
Eric Hansen was the only Canadian in this year’s event. He is currently Canada’s second-highest FIDE-rated player, behind Kevin Spraggett.
Here’s the final round of the playoffs, where Eric (playing black in a must-win situation) saves his spot in the World Cup:
“Campeonato Continental Absoluto de América” April 19-24
Canadian GM Mark Bluvshtein is back from the American Continental Chess Championship in Toluca, Mexico: 26 km from Mexico City – and 2.7 km above sea level! Over 200 players, representing countries from Canada to Chile, competed in this six-day, nine-round event.
At the end of the tournament, Mark Bluvshtein tied for first (four-way) with 7.5/9 (+6-0=3), qualifying for the World Cup! On tie-break, Mark came second. Check his blog(now updated!) for photos, commentary, and analysis of his games.
In the final round, Mark played white and defeated the Colombian IM, Sergio E. Barrientos (2499) – watch LIVE.
In round eight, Mark played black and drew the Cuban GM, Frank De La Paz Perdomo (2473) – watch LIVE
In round seven, Mark played white and defeated the Cuban GM, Luis Manuel Perez Rodriguez (2483).
In round six, Mark played black and defeated the Mexican IM, Roberto Martin Del Campo C. (2415).
White: Martin Del Campo C., Roberto (2415) MEX
Black: Bluvshtein, Mark (2589) CAN
2011.04.22 Campeonato Continental Absoluto (6)
B09 Pirc: Austrian Attack
In round five, Mark played white and drew against the Cuban GM, Aryam Abreu Delgado (2485).
White: Bluvshtein, Mark (2589) CAN
Black: Abreu Delgado, Aryam (2485) CUB
2011.04.22 Campeonato Continental Absoluto (5)
D97 Gruenfeld: Alekhine
In round four, Mark played black and defeated the Colombian IM, Henry Panesso Rivera (2351).
In round three, Mark played white and drew against the Cuban FM, Jose Yasser Quesada Perez (2421).
In round two, Mark played black and defeated Jomo Pitterson (2263) of Jamaica.
Jono Pitterson-Mark Bluvshtein, round 2
In round one, Mark defeated Fernando Martínez Ocampo (2106) from the white side of a King’s Indian (king-side attack, ending with a rook sac on h7 leading to forced mate!):
Bluvshtein-Martinez Ocampo, round 1
White: Bluvshtein, Mark (2589) CAN
Black: Martínez Ocampo, Fernando (2106) MEX
