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Many visitors of this site have undoubtedly heard of 21-year old FM Pontus Carlsson of Sweden. Last time we heard from the young blitz specialist was his TV match with GM Evgeny Agrest. Much has happened since that time… Carlsson has moved to Spain temporarily for language training. What better place to learn Spanish and to play competitive chess? He has recently played in two tournaments, barely missing IM norms both times.
The II OPEN INTERNACIONAL D'ESCACS DEL SOLSONES, Carlsson scored at solid 5½-3½ drawing GM Vasalios Kotronias (2608) and losing a tough battle to Cuban sensation GM Lazaro Bruzon (2628). Carlsson missed a norm after being told by the arbiter that he needed only a draw in the final round for an IM norm. The arbiter was wrong and Carlsson would be a ½-point short.
Entering the Parla Open in Madrid was Carlsson's next battleground. Critical of his play, Carlsson told The Chess Drum, "I played two very bad games against GM Vladimir Epishin and GM Oleg Korneev (two 2600 grandmasters), but the way I played, they only needed to use half their strength." Fortunes turned for the better as he won the rest of his games until the last round when he met GM Henrik Teske. Playing the black pieces and needing a win for an IM norm, Carlsson ended up with an extra piece, but lost when he tossed a rook in the ending.
Carlsson will play in the Mallorca Open following the Olympiad and hopes to make his presence felt during his time in Spain. Keep an eye out for this young man!
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