Exciting Highlights from the May 28th 3 0 Thursday Tournaments: Martinez, Duda, and Terry Shine

Title: Chess Titans Clash in Thrilling 3 0 Thursday Showdown

Date: May 29, 2026

In an electrifying display of strategy and skill, GM Jose Martinez and IM Renato Terry continued their fierce rivalry during the latest installment of the popular 3 0 Thursday tournament series, held on May 28. With Martinez securing his 14th victory and Terry claiming his 13th, the competition remains as intense as ever. Meanwhile, GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda celebrated his fifth tournament win, narrowly missing out on a second title earlier in the day.

First Tournament: Martinez Edges Duda and Bortnyk

The day kicked off with the first tournament, where Duda initially stumbled, drawing against FM Anastasia Avramidou in his opening match. However, he quickly rebounded, winning eight consecutive games to take the lead. A shocking loss to GM Sina Movahed in the tenth round allowed GM Oleksandr Bortnyk to catch up, both finishing with 8.5 points.

As the clock ticked down, Martinez seized the opportunity, defeating Movahed in a thrilling attack to finish strong. With superior tiebreaks, Martinez clinched first place, followed closely by Duda and Bortnyk. IM-elect Rose Atwell took home the women’s prize with an impressive seven points.

Second Tournament: Duda Takes Clear First

Determined to secure a win, Duda dominated the second tournament, achieving a remarkable score of 10/11. His path to victory included a crucial win against GM Matthias Bluebaum in the eighth round, showcasing his tactical prowess. Duda’s decisive victory over GM Mamikon Gharibyan in round nine further solidified his lead.

In the final round, Duda triumphed over GM Denis Lazavik, securing his spot at the top. Gharibyan and Bluebaum followed closely behind, finishing with nine and 8.5 points, respectively. WIM Margarita Potapova earned the top women’s prize with a commendable 7.5/11.

Third Tournament: Terry Wins, Bortnyk Just Short Again

The final tournament of the day saw Terry rise to the occasion, taking the lead late in the competition. A pivotal victory against Martinez in the seventh round set the stage for a dramatic showdown against Bortnyk. Entering the final round with a half-point lead, Terry needed only a draw to secure the win.

Bortnyk, employing Alekhine’s Defense, pressed for an advantage but ultimately fell short. In a nail-biting finish, both players ran low on time, leading to a draw that left Terry at the top with 9/11. Bortnyk finished with 8.5 points, while GM Christopher Yoo rounded out the top three with eight points. Atwell once again claimed the women’s prize, finishing with 5.5/11.

A Thrilling Series Continues

The 3 0 Thursday series, featuring three weekly Swiss tournaments for verified titled players, continues to captivate chess enthusiasts. With a combined prize fund of $3,000 each week, the competition promises to deliver more thrilling matches as players vie for supremacy in this fast-paced format.

As the rivalry between Martinez and Terry intensifies, chess fans eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping saga. Will Martinez extend his lead, or will Terry close the gap? Only time will tell in the world of competitive chess.