The Volcano Erupts
Naomi (14) plays 4 years up, in the 18-year-old girls category. She's thrown into the lion's den. There will be blood. Follow the results here: http://www.chess-results.com/tnr290236.aspx?lan=1&art=4&flag=30&wi=821
Here are the first day photos and videos: https://goo.gl/photos/VfXv6nKtKJaEjafH8
Here are the first day photos and videos: https://goo.gl/photos/VfXv6nKtKJaEjafH8
First day album, by Luda B.
Check out the fantastic opening ceremony dances: https://goo.gl/photos/qWGVrwd7VwLs5w2t7
Hot Costa Rican folk dance video
Luda and Naomi, by Sofia Petrov
July 1, evening Round 1: Naomi wins against Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Valeria Marin-Leon from Costa Rica, see the webcast video: https://goo.gl/photos/VoHZXh9GzKKDkYxb7
July 2, morning Round 2: Naomi wins against WCM Thais Castillo-Morales from Costa Rica:
Naomi and Thais
Naomi now moves to the first board:
First board! by Paul Truong
July 2, evening Round 3: Naomi loses to a fellow American Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Sanjana Vittal:
Sanjana and Naomi
July 3, morning Round 4: Naomi draws with a WFM Trilce Cosme-Contreras from Peru:
Trilce and Naomi
Playing with 18-year-olds is tough for a 14-year-old Naomi.
See the other photos from July 2 and 3: https://goo.gl/photos/a5ywdyPosbna1qHy7 July 3, evening Round 5 Naomi wins against WFM Priya Trakru from USA.
July 4 in the morning Naomi gives an hour-long interview to Emma Gross from Epic Magazine over Google Hangout on Air. After we return home, they will send a photographer to take Naomi's picture for a story. In the evening Round 6 Naomi loses to WCM Thalia Cervantes-Landeiro from USA.
July 5 morning Round 7 Naomi wins against CM Rachel Miller from Jamaica; evening Round 8 draws against our friend WFM Nastassja Matus from USA.
July 6 last Round 9 Naomi risks in a drawn position and loses to WFM Corals Patino from Venezuela. In the afternoon Girls Under 14 Blitz tournament Naomi shares 1 - 2 place, and gets a nice parrot-shaped trophy (and that's Susan Polgar in the background):
Costa Rica
After the tournament ends, we move to Hotel Balmoral in downtown San Jose, next to Avenida Central and Plaza de la Cultura. This is the centermost location to explore the capital and venture on a day trip.
Costa Rica is famously amazing. We discover yet another stunning Mesoamerican culture, bustling city life, friendly people, breathtaking nature, gorgeous plants, unknown animals. Better see these photo albums:
