BlitzFuel Invitational Recap: Talented Players Earn Norms at NYC Chess Norms Event

The BlitzFuel Invitational, held from January 16 to 20, showcased the talents of up-and-coming chess players at the 20th NYC Chess Norms event. With a new sponsor, BlitzFuel, claiming to be the official energy drink of chess, the tournament saw several norms being earned by the participants.

In the GM-A section, IM Dimitar Mardov emerged victorious with a 6½/9 score, securing his second GM norm. The 17-year-old from Illinois remained undefeated throughout the tournament, with a crucial win over IM Nico Chasin in round five.

Meanwhile, in the GM-B section, GM Mark Paragua claimed the top spot with a 6½/9 score, followed by GM Dambasuren Batsuren and IM Samrug Narayanan. Despite his impressive performance, Narayanan fell short of earning a GM norm.

In the IM-C section, IM Josiah Stearman clinched the title with a remarkable 7½/9 score, but it was FM Ryan Sun who stole the spotlight by earning his first IM norm with a second-place finish and a score of 6½/9.

Additionally, Russia’s Iren Lyutsinger secured her second WIM norm in the IM-C section, while IMs Dagur Ragnarsson and Aleksandr Domalchuk-Jonasson dominated the IM-D section with a first and second-place finish.

The tournament also featured three additional sections, with IM Yury Lapshun, Logan Brain, and FM Josh Colas emerging as winners in their respective categories.

Sponsored by BlitzFuel, the tournament provided drinks and hoodies to the players, with IA Oscar Garcia and FA Miguel Garcia serving as arbiters. The Marshall Chess Club also played a crucial role in providing a venue for the event.

With the next NYC Chess Norms events scheduled for February, July, and August, the chess community eagerly awaits the next opportunity to witness the rising stars of the game in action.