By José M.ª González, from Montilla

From 15 to 25 August last, the eighth edition of the International Tournament was held in the halls of the Hostal Don Gonzalo in Montilla. For eight years now, on these same dates, this Córdoba town has brought together the leading figures of world chess.

The participants included former world champion Boris Spassky, former Czechoslovak Candidate Vlastimil Hort, Anthony Miles, Svetozar Gligoric, the Romanian Ciocaltea, and the exceptional participation of the Canadian Luis Haritver, who replaced the indisposed North American Ljubo Kavalek at the last minute. The Spanish participation was limited to GM Juan Manuel Bellón, Fernando Visier, Javier Sanz and Rivas.

Once again, and with even greater emphasis on this occasion, one must point out the difficulties faced by the sensational team led by Rafael Molina in organizing this competition, now a classic in the national calendar. In addition to the usual problems, matters were made worse by the clash of dates with the Spanish Team Championship, held at the same time in Centelles, Barcelona, which prevented some leading players from attending.

It is hard to understand why the Spanish Federation did not calculate the dates of Centelles so as not to make them coincide with Montilla, whose important international tournament of worldwide prestige has been held for eight years on the same dates, namely in the second half of August.

I do not know whether FEDA is more or less interested in national or international events, but I believe things could be done better with a little interest, especially considering that it has advisers of the stature of Torán and Torquet in its ranks. Or are international tournaments of no interest?

With the disappearance of the tournaments of Palma de Mallorca, Olot, Orense, Lanzarote, and so on, one must add the difficulties faced by Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Costa del Sol, and others in continuing. Organizing is very demanding; but if, on top of that, our highest sporting authorities not only fail to support the organizers, but create difficulties for them — as in the case of Montilla — then it is easy for us soon to be left in Spain like a plucked rooster: without feathers... and still crowing.

From the purely sporting point of view, former world champion Boris Spassky won comfortably, despite his slip in the second round against Miles, whom we found somewhat apathetic in his play, though still of his usual class. In any case, it was a fine victory, and no less meritorious for being expected.

For me, the moral winner was our collaborator Juan Manuel Bellón, who only bowed his king before Spassky, and only after almost nine hours of play. The national champion played a very consistent tournament. We highlight his victory against Hort. I believe it has been his best performance in recent years, demonstrating that the grandmaster title he obtained last year at Costa del Sol was neither a matter of chance nor won in a lottery. He played very securely, with enormous morale and with a will to fight, as on few occasions. His second place — shared on Sonneborn-Berger with Miles — was a reward for his performance, in addition to drawing with the Englishman with Black. Very good, lad!

Miles, Hort and Gligoric, in that order, occupied places 3, 4 and 5, and the truth is that any one of them — Bellón included — could have won the tournament. Half a point separated first from fifth, which says more than I can add.

The Romanian Ciocaltea always hovered around the middle of the standings and was a tough nut for all the leaders. Seven draws, one win and one loss are not enough to triumph in a competition.

Sanz and Visier fulfilled expectations with their three and a half points, given the strength of the tournament. Perhaps something more was expected from them. Another matter is the Sevillian Rivas, whom I found weaker than on other occasions.

Haritver competed with dignity, and his nervousness prevented him from obtaining better results in several games. He deserves every excuse, since it is no small thing to replace the North American Kavalek one hour beforehand, without the slightest idea of doing so, and against opponents such as those mentioned. He undoubtedly won the prize for consistency.

O’Kelly, with his usual professionalism, ran the tournament impeccably. We noted the absence of Antonio Medina as deputy arbiter — ah, that Spanish Championship! — and we emphasize, as a whole, that marvellous Córdoba team capable of organizing whatever chess event is put before them.

Congratulations to all — and please, until next year.

/ José María Fernández, Revista JAQUE, No.81, Sep 1978 /