This year's event was by far the most impressive, organized by FEXERJ (the Chess Federation of Rio de Janeiro), and taking place in the luxurious Rio Othon Palace in front of beautiful Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro with a prize fund of US $3,500. The players enjoyed the comforts of the Savoy Othon located right behind the playing hall, and were treated to touristic excursions to the city's sights as well as famous nightlife. When polled this year about the conditions, the only complaint was on the length of the event, as many wished it would go on longer.

The championship started on a hesitant note, since the world events of the moment caused many last-minute cancellations which seriously affected the overall turnout. Poland, as usual, came in strength hoping to take home a third straight overall title, and for their male team presented 17 year-old IM Kamil Mitoń, 2516 Elo, fresh from his second place at this year's World U20 Championship, and Rafał Tomczak, 2302. Second in the average rating, and considerably behind in theory, were Lithuania's team with Romanas Buršteinas, 2358, and Robertas Bastys at 2269. Other teams included Belgium, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The event proceeded uneventfully with Poland leading after 2 rounds, and Lithuania suffering due to Bastys' initial losses and Buršteinas doing his job. Robertas was then to change gears with some more dedicated pre-round preparation, and almost helped lead his team to victory as Poland slipped in the 3rd round, conceding a draw to Brazil "A". Their lead was then only a half a point ahead of Lithuania and the decisive match between the two took place in the 4th round. Mitoń showed his grit and ground down Buršteinas in a Rook endgame, whereas Bastys surprised Tomczak with a winning tactic and saved the match. No surprises took place in the 5th and last round and Poland deservedly took the trophy.

/ written by Albert Silver. Source: TWIC /