SM Blitz: LauttSSK youngsters make an impact

This was a tournament unlike many others for our club. Most of the legends like Seppo, Jyrki, Pekka, Kalle, Arto, Jarmo, and even Tero were missing this year. But despite that, the youngsters rose to the occasion and showed that the LauttSSK team will always be a force to reckon with. Hats off to Sameep, Oskari, and Pranav for a good showing!

Pranav, playing in his first ever blitz tournament, showed a mature level of skill, nerves, and time management on board 4. 

Oskari ensured that all the players were on time, clear on the rules, well hydrated, and in good spirits despite enduring some tough games on board 3.

Sameep was exceptional on board 2, beating many strong players, and quickly learning how to manage his time and his game under blitz pressure. 

On board 1 for the first time in this tournament, I knew I was going to face some stiff opposition. But I am pleased with how I handled the pressure, and satisfied to see my hard work in the 3+2 format pay off.

Day 1

Lots of ups and downs on Day 1. Eventually a fair outcome. Rank 8th in the group with qualification to Division 2.

Team results

1. RaahLi  74,5
2. MatSK 2   73
3. TuSKa    64
4. ESK    64
5. VammSK 2   62,5
6. Aatos 3   61,5
7. TuTs 4   54,5
8. LauttSSK 1  49,5
9. HSK 3   48 
10. I-HSK    48

Player results

1. Ashwin (12/21) – 8th best on board 1; a decent result, though I'm capable of better.
2. Sameep (12) – 12th best on board 2; a solid effort! The ranking is misleading. With just 2 more wins, he would have been 4th best.
3. Oskari (11,5) – 9th best on board 3; winning some crucial points in the post lunch segment.
4. Pranav (14) – 6th best on board 4; an excellent showing. He consistently won the games he ought to, and often secured many draws against 2000+ opponents. 

 Day 2

Division 2 brought more stability to the day. The swings of ups and downs were a bit less emphatic since the level was consistently in that 1800-2200 range. 

Team results

1. PSY 2 (61)

2. EtVas 2 (56,5) – the team of youngsters did really well!

3. KymS (54)

...

15. MatSK 3 (44,5) 

16. LauttSSK 1 (44)

17. TammerSh 4 (43)

Player results

1. Ashwin (15,5/23) performance: 2192
2. Sameep (13,5) performance: 2062
3. Oskari (5,5) performance: 1715
4. Pranav (9,5) performance: 1807

 Highlights

• Ashwin won against M Heinola Kari (2176), M Lehtosaari Mauri (2324), M Heino Hannu (2037), M Nieminen Kari (2043), M Saastamoinen Aarne (2070), FM Vinke Dietmar (2151), FM Salimäki Janne (1912), and a draw against FM Koskinen Henri (2203).
• Sameep won against M Lehtilä Taneli (2101), M Viljava Tapani (1959), Sjöman Tapani (2005), Ulvila Ismo (2013), and Salonen Mikko (2094).  
• Oskari had commendable draws against players like Nordlund Jukka (2110), Lehtonen Simo (2024), and Koskinen Matti (1945).
• Pranav won against Sinervuo Veli-Pekka (1956) and Lauhala Antti (1902), and noteworthy draws against Levomäki Rikumatti (2042) and Nurmi Timo (1942).

 Memorable Moments for Me

• Tampere good times with Kari, Pasi, Janne, Oskari at Napolitan Pizzeria
• Dinner with Sameep and Pranav at Sher e Punjab after the tournament
• Catching up with the chess fraternity at the Tampere messukeskus

Thank you all for reading. Until next time.