GM Oleksandr Bortnyk Wins 10th Bullet Brawl Title, Denies Ediz Gurel in Dramatic Finish

GM Oleksandr Bortnyk emerged victorious in the latest edition of the Bullet Brawl tournament, claiming his third title and the $400 first prize. The Ukrainian grandmaster showcased his skills in a dramatic final game against GM Christopher Yoo, where he managed to secure the win by flagging his opponent.

Despite facing tough competition, Bortnyk’s main adversary, Turkish prodigy GM Ediz Gurel, fell short in the final moments of the tournament. Indonesian IM Yoseph Taher and 13-year-old GM Yagiz Erdogmus also put up impressive performances, securing third and fourth place respectively.

Notably, WGM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya made history by finishing in 13th place, one of the highest rankings for a female player in the event’s history. The final edition of Bullet Brawl for 2024 is set to take place on December 29th.

With 143 titled players participating in the tournament, the competition was fierce, with several juniors making their mark in the top standings. Gurel’s impressive 17-game win streak was a highlight of the event, showcasing his calm and creative gameplay.

However, it was Bortnyk’s strategic brilliance and determination that ultimately secured his victory. In a must-win game against Yoo, Bortnyk displayed his tactical prowess, eventually outplaying his opponent in a king and pawn endgame.

As the dust settled, Bortnyk’s 4/6 score against Gurel proved to be a crucial factor in his comeback victory. The young talents from Turkey, including Gurel and Erdogmus, continue to pose a challenge to seasoned players like Bortnyk.

The Bullet Brawl tournament, known for its fast-paced and intense gameplay, attracts top bullet specialists from around the world. With a prize fund of $1,000, the weekly event is a must-watch for chess enthusiasts looking to witness high-level competition.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of chess and mark your calendars for the upcoming Bullet Brawl tournaments to witness thrilling battles between top grandmasters.