XV. World Cup (2006-2015)

Tuesday, March 3, 2015: is finished

After 9 years of play, the World Cup XV is finished! The World Cup was organized by the Correspondence Chess Association of the Slovak Republic. The winner is Mr. Sivic from Slovenia (congratulations!) Second and third places went to Mr. Magalhaes (Brasil) and Mr. Punzon Moraleda (Spain). The results may be viewed here.   It is very interesting that the winner had no international title and had the lowest rating before the start of the final stage. He won against 4 grandmasters, including Mr. Moll, who had won more cups.

Some interesting facts about the competition:

• Altogether, 640 players from 47 countries from 5 continents

• Countries with the highest number of participants:

1. Germany 85

2. Slovakia 75

3. Italy 75

4. Russia 49

5. Spain 32

6. Australia 22

7. Czech Republic 22

8. France 22

9. USA 19

10. Austria 17

• Continents:

1. Europe 554

2. America 54

3. Australia 23

4. Asia 8

5. Africa 1

• Player with the highest rating at the beginning of the tournament: Santana Penate 2600 (Cuba)

• Average rating of 10 best players: 2560

• Average rating of 20 best players: 2510

• Average rating of 100 best players: 2396

• Average rating of all players: 2070

I would like to thank to all arbiters for their wonderful job (Mr. Skerlik, Pheby, Glaser, Vesely, Kubasky, Kevicky).

Helbich Jan

Central Tournament Leader