Vadim Cernov triumphs at Prague International Chess Festival 2025 J Fischer Random Open
IM Vadim Cernov (ROU) scored an unbeaten 6/7 to win Prague International Chess Festival 2025 J Fischer Random Open. The top seed, Vadim, finished a half point ahead of the rest. 12-year-old Daniel Feigin (KOR) and 15-year-old FM Gustas Morkunas (LTU) scored 5.5/7 each. They secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. Vadim drew with both eventual runners-up, Daniel and Gustas in the last two rounds respectively. The top three prizes were CZK 1000, 7000 and 500 each. Check out interview with the champion and a few exciting games. Photos: Shahid Ahmed
Top seed finishes first
Fischer Random is quite possibly the most popular variant in chess. Thanks to World no.1, Magnus Carlsen's rebranding it as Freestyle Chess, this variant has become more talk of the town in recent times. When I went to the registration desk and saw 29 players are taking part, I decided to play in it. I generally like this variant as there is no opening preparation needed or available. From move no.1, you are playing your opponent, neither a computer preparation nor a Grandmaster recommendation. I scored only 50%, 3.5/7 which is my lowest performance in more than decade. Nevertheless, had fun taking part in the event, enjoyed a few games and defeated an IM too. Prague International Chess Festival has plenty of side events, something for everyone.
IA Rostislav Huna (CZE), Chief Arbiter, rolling a die to determine the piece placement
How the positions were randomly selected
Chief Arbiter of the tournament, IA Rostislav Huna (CZE) would roll the die before every round to determine the position of king, queen, bishops and knights. If you are wondering about the rooks, the last two empty places on both sides of the king were claimed by the rook. After setting it up on one board, he would announce the placement of the pieces so that everyone can set it on their board. Before starting the round, he would inspect every single board to ensure the same starting position is played on all boards in each round.
For more J Fischer Random and Prize distribution ceremony photos, please click at the respective links.
A total of 30 players including three IMs took part from 13 countries across the world. The one-day seven round J Fischer Random Open tournament was organized by Novy Bor Chess Club at Don Giovanni Hotel in Prague, Czechia on 4th March 2025. The time control of the event was 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment from move no.1.
Final standings
| Rk. | SNo | Name | FED | Rtg | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | K | rtg+/- | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | IM | Cernov, Vadim | ROU | 2335 | 6 | 25 | 28 | 22,50 | 10 | -1 | |
| 2 | 25 | Feigin, Daniel | KOR | 1702 | 5,5 | 27,5 | 30,5 | 22,75 | 40 | 183,6 | ||
| 3 | 2 | FM | Morkunas, Gustas | LTU | 2278 | 5,5 | 26,5 | 30 | 22,50 | 20 | -4 | |
| 4 | 3 | Narr, Kevin | GER | 2124 | 5 | 24 | 27 | 19,00 | 20 | -6,4 | ||
| 5 | 20 | Pejrimovska, Viola Ruby | CZE | 1801 | 5 | 23 | 26 | 17,00 | 0 | 0 |
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