Elephant Chess Cup 5-Everything [Finals 6Dec 2am UTC]

[PotatoFarmers]

Cutoff for Matchday 3!

People that are good at chess typically have other interest & jobs that are related. How about your players? Do they have any interesting jobs & hobbies that are special for chess players.

Legend
Teams in dark blue are guaranteed to qualify for the Round-of-12, 
but may still qualify for the Quarterfinals directly.
Teams in orange cannot clinch group and gain direct entry to the Quarterfinals.

Goldlocks
StrayaRoos 1–3 Graintfjall
The Cordian Isles 2–2 Cardenao
Poafmersia 2–2 Greater Rostoria

# Goldlocks                  Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 Graintfjall                  3   2  1  0  7.5 4.5    5
2 Poafmersia                   3   1  2  0  7.5 4.5    4
3 Cardenao                     3   1  1  1    6   6    3
4 Greater Rostoria             3   0  2  1  5.5 6.5    2
5 StrayaRoos                   3   1  0  2    5   7    2
6 The Cordian Isles            3   0  2  1  4.5 7.5    2

Michael
Arjunnagar 1½–2½ West Barack and East Obama
Wolfstruppen 2–2 New South Yukon
New Eestiball 2–2 Chartistan

# Michael                    Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 West Barack and East Obama   3   3  0  0  9.5 2.5    6
2 Wolfstruppen                 3   2  1  0  7.5 4.5    5
3 New South Yukon              3   1  1  1  4.5 7.5    3
4 Chartistan                   3   0  2  1  5.5 6.5    2
5 Arjunnagar                   3   0  1  2    5   7    1
6 New Eestiball                3   0  1  2    4   8    1
*West Barack and East Obama is guaranteed qualification 
because New South Yukon and Chartistan play each other on the final matchday.

Cape
TJUN-ia 3½–½ South Newlandia
Klakahollin 3½–½ Natanians and Nosts
United Starsian Republics 2–2 Canadian Dominion

# Cape                       Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                      3   3  0  0  9.5 2.5    6
2 Klakahollin                  3   2  1  0    8   4    5
3 South Newlandia              3   2  0  1  5.5 6.5    4
4 United Starsian Republics    3   0  2  1  5.5 6.5    2
5 Canadian Dominion            3   0  1  2  4.5 7.5    1
6 Natanians and Nosts          3   0  0  3    3   9    0

Kolamaki
Atheara 3½–½ Sannyamathland
TeaFarmers 2½–1½ Lionsroar
Waisnor 1½–2½ The Jovannic

# Kolamaki                   Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 Atheara                      3   3  0  0    9   3    6
2 TeaFarmers                   3   1  2  0  6.5 5.5    4
3 Waisnor                      3   1  1  1    7   5    3
4 The Jovannic                 3   1  1  1  5.5 6.5    3
5 Sannyamathland               3   1  0  2  3.5 8.5    2
6 Lionsroar                    3   0  0  3  4.5 7.5    0

[Sannyamathland]

Board 1:

Name: Grandmaster Talgat Smaiylov

Age: 21

Nationality: Soviet

official rating 2786

Favourite Piece: Bishop

Favourite Opening: Queen's Gambit(as white), Nimzo-Indian Defense(as black)

Career: Talgat Smaiylov was born into a well-off family in Kazakhstan SSR. His father is a high level government official, while his mother is a school teacher. Talgat was introduced to chess at the age of 3, and his interest only grew. He was recognised as a chess prodigy and rapidly improved, winning both local and national tournaments. Finally, at the tender age of 12, he became a Grandmaster, one of the youngest Grandmasters in Sannyamathland's history. The first major tournament that he won was the Moscow City Open, in the year 2018. Subsequently, he began participating and even winning several international tournaments. He won the TATA Steel Chess Tournament in 2020, and came third in the World Blitz in 2021. In the same year, he won the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz as a part of the Grand Chess Tour. His rating and ranking improved rapidly. It reached an all time high with him finally winning the Soviet Chess Championship in 2021, defeating the incumbent champion Alexander Zerev. He became the highest ranked player in Sannyamathland in 2022.

Board 2:

Name: Grandmaster Alexander Zerev

age:28

nationality: Soviet

official rating 2770

Favourite Piece: Queen

Favourite Opening: Ruy Lopez(as white), Petroff Defense(as black)

Career: Zerev learned to play chess at 4 years old. He rapidly developed to be a chess prodigy. He made national headlines after he
defeated Grandmaster Petrov who was then the fifth highest ranked chess player in Sannyamathland, at the age of 12 years. He was subsequently made a Soviet Grandmaster at the age of 13 years, the fourth youngest Soviet Grandmaster in history. His fine form continued until the annual Bomsuk Chess Festival 2016. He won all but 2 games and won the competition by the highest margins in 45 years. He subsequently represented the country in three Chess Olympiads and even came second in the World Blitz 2019. He won the Soviet Chess Championship in 2020, which is considered by many to be one of the toughest chess tournaments in the world. He also participated in Gravida Chess Championship in 2021, but was eliminated from group stage. He also came second in the Soviet Chess Championship in 2021, losing out to the current highest ranked Soviet player, Talgat Smaiylov. Zerev was also a part of the Candidates Tournament 2021 by the virtue of winning the World Grand Prix 2020, but was knocked out from group stage.

Board 3:

Name: Grandmaster Alexei Karjakin

age: 30

nationality: Soviet

official rating 2756

Favourite Piece: Queen

Favourite Opening: Ruy Lopez(as white), Morphy Defense(as black)

Career:Alexei Karjakin was born in Ukraine SSR to a middle-class family. He became seriously involved in chess from the age of 12, a comparatively late age for professional chess players. But his talent ensured his steady growth. Just three years later he had obtained his first GM norm, and became a Grandmaster by the age of 16. Subsequently, he began participating and winning a number of international and national chess tournaments. He won the Moscow Open 4 times in a row from 2010 to 2014, and also won the Soviet Chess Championship twice, once in 2014 and again in 2016. Karjakin participated and won the TATA Steel Chess Tournament in 2016, and also won the Gibratar Chess Tournament in 2018. In 2020, he reached the fourth round of the Fide Grand Pix, finally losing out to Daniel Cuomo of Magnecia. He came second in Soviet Chess Championship in 2020 and also participated in several World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship, although he was not able to break into the Top three anytime.

Board 4:

Name: Grandmaster Anna Gerashimova

age: 26

nationality: Soviet

official rating 2542

Favourite Piece: Knight

Favourite Opening: Sicilian Defense(as white), Morphy Defense(as black)

Career: Anna Gerashimova was born in Russia to a family of military officers. She was introduced to chess at the age of 6 by his father, who was a amateur chess player. Gerashimova was reportedly extremely passionate about chess and rapidly improved. She became a Grandmaster by the age of 18 and began winning several national and international tournaments. She won the Hastings Open in 2018 and also won the FIDE Women's Rapid in 2019. She participated and also won the TATA Steel's Women Open in 2021. The same year, she also participated in Women's Chess Championship and advanced onto the quarter finals before being knocked out. She won the Soviet Women's Chess Championship in 2022, and also won the same tournament in 2021 and 2020. She became the only female player to win Soviet Women's Chess Championship three years in a row. Anna Gerashimova is one of the strongest female Soviet Chess players of all time.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my lineup: Yes
Decide board results: Yes
Decide moves made: Yes
Godmod game events: No
Godmod other events: No

[Natanians and Nosts]

Magnus Carolus Mihailescu - 1st table
Openings:van't Kruijs,Giuoco Piano,Giuoco Molto Piano,Italian
Deffences:French,Englund gambit,Italian game:Two Knights Defence
Only Natanian and Nost to play chess at the Olympics.Started playing chess from childhood at the school,and tought to his siblings.His father,who played in his own infancy,realized that his kids had potential and talent,sought ways he could make his kids grow in chess.His older sister became good really fast and repeatedly defeated him,what incentivized him to become strongr,and he finally beat her when he turned 16.Of his parent's three kids,only his younger sister did not pursue chess profissionalizations,focusing on an academic career instead.He became Natanians and Nosts' Chess Champion,for the first time,at age 20.He also participated at the NationStates Chess Classic in 2015 and regularly plays football with his friends.

Mihai Ion Antonescu - 2nd table
Openings:Trompowski attack,Benko,Portuguese,King's gambit
Deffences:Modern defence,Englund gambit,Fried Fox
Born in N-City,he was taught chess by his grandfather and grew up playing with his siblings.He started playing in competitions for his school and was invited by the then-current champion to train under him on the club he played.He went to college to study biological sciences,and on the year he earned his Barchelor of Sciences degree,he also became Natanians and Nosts' Chess Champion.Tied with Jake Woods (Coldfield) as first-place on blitz at the Natanian Chess Tournament in 2017.

Ion Carolus Petrescu - 3rd table
Openings:Ruy López,King's Indian Attack,Russian game,Hammerschlag
Deffences:King's Indian Defence,Englund gambit,Scheveningens Sicilian
Born 27 years ago,Ion Carolus Petrescu played chess with his relatives whenever his parents took him and his siblings to their grandparent's home.Although chess was only a passion for a great part of his life,during middle and high school,he started to play competitively and fared quite well,right before he enrolled grad school for a M.Sc.,he was vice-champion domestically and was second on blitz at the Natanian Chess Championship,the following year,he managed to become Natanians and Nosts' Chess Champion the following year,during his first year of master's research.

Magnus Mihai Vnuk - 4th table
Openings:Amsterdam attack,van't Kruijs,Bird
Deffences:Sicilian Dragon,Dutch,Alekhine
Respected throughout the nation,he comes from a chess family,where the game is taught generation by generation,although he is only the third to pursue professionalization,and his only daughter is the fifth in the family.Undoubtedly the strongest player in Natanian and Nosts during the 2000's,several times champion;he decided to focus more on coaching and spreading chess through the nation,even though whenever he plays,he does it fiercely.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my lineup:
Decide board results: Yes
Decide moves made: Yes
Godmod game events: If you want anyone playin the bongcloud,or the double bong cloud as black,it's alright!Other things try to be realistic,or at least plausible but funny.
Godmod other events: Be somewhat realistic

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome to the 5th Elephant Chess Cup, coming to you live from Sarim Convention Centre in Sarim, Poafmersia. The first half of this day has certainly been interesting, with back-to-back 3-1 wins setting up the Jaguar Knights rather nicely for this title defence attempt by the Gang of 4. But everyone knew that the true strength of this team might only be determined by the contest at 3:30 pm. If there was any contest that would be considered a must-watch in this slate, then this one would be it - TJUN-ia vs South Newlandia, a repeat of last year's tightly-fought final.

Board 1: GIC Yevgeny Solovyanenko bt Cecilia Blossom
Board 1, Solovyanenko vs Blossom - the sly fox vs the chaotic former prospect. This battle was always going to be fun as all hell, and it proved to be as such. Of course, Blossom loved some early-game chaos and this would be no exception, but Yevgeny managed to manoeuvre his way through it all in the way we know he can. It certainly was a cracker but in the end, our Ukrainian got the job done.

Board 2: GIC Tshering Gyeltshen bt Lisa Morgen
Board 2, Gyeltshen vs Morgen - Chess Joe Katsi vs Chess Sonic the Hedgehog. Facing off against someone who loves to do things really fucking quickly was always going to be a challenge...not that Tshering minded that, all things considered. This game would just be a chaotic one to follow, as the two players who decided the title last year squared off once more, but our happy-go-lucky guy just about managed to get the job done...to the delight of his friends on the phone, too!

Board 3: GIC Anne Christian-Warren drew with Adam Esteban
Board 3, ACW vs Esteban - the Lesbian Pirate Queen vs the youngest Elephant of the 4. This one was always going to be interesting, considering the chaotic playstyle of ACW and the inexperience of the 19-year-old, but the game that would be played here was certainly fun for the neutrals. Both players had key plays, but couldn't find a decisive blow...so a draw seems fair enough.

Board 4: GIC Margarita Altamiranda bt Robert Kane
Board 4, Altamiranda vs Kane - the former Semi-Pro vs the most experienced of the Elephants. This game was just a contrast of styles, with Latin Flair vs English being the name of the game, but this contest would certainly show how far Margarita has come in her development as a Jaguar Knight. She managed expectations and pulled off the win...what more can you ask?

Winning the rematch 3.5-0.5 is certainly a performance you will take and at 3-0, things are certainly looking good for the Jaguar Knights in their quest to defend the crown. Of course, qualification to the knockouts hasn't been determined yet but a huge step towards that goal can be taken in the final game of the day, against 2-0-1 Klakahollin at 7 pm. GO JAG KNIGHTS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group Cape - Sarim Convention Centre (SCC), Sarim, Tikahs, Poafmersia
Day 1
M1: vs Canadian Dominion (9:30 am) W 3-1 (1st)
M2: vs Natanians and Nosts (1 pm) W 3-1 (1st)
M3: vs South Newlandia (3:30 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)
M4: vs Klakahollin (7 pm)

Day 2
M5: vs United Starsian Republics (9:30 am)

---

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
YS: 3-0
TG: 2-1
ACW: 1-1-1
MA: 3-0

[South Newlandia]

Ew, that one's yucky

[PotatoFarmers]

Cutoff!

MD4 Prompt: Arts, Music, and more Creative Aspects of life in your country. Whether it is Electronic Dance Music, Art Work, or Drama, what are some of the more creative aspects you would like to show the world?

Legend
Teams in cyan have qualified for the Quarterfinals.
Teams in violet have qualified for the Round-of-12.
Teams in dark blue are guaranteed to qualify for the Round-of-12, but may still qualify for the Quarterfinals directly.
Teams in orange cannot clinch group and gain direct entry to the Quarterfinals.
Teams in red are eliminated.

Goldlocks
Graintfjall 2½–1½ Greater Rostoria
Cardenao 1–3 Poafmersia
StrayaRoos 1½–2½ The Cordian Isles

# Goldlocks                  Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 Graintfjall                  4   3  1  0   10   6    7
2 Poafmersia                   4   2  2  0 10.5 5.5    6
3 The Cordian Isles            4   1  2  1    7   9    4
4 Cardenao                     4   1  1  2    7   9    3
5 StrayaRoos                   4   1  0  3  6.5 9.5    2
6 Greater Rostoria             4   0  2  2    7   9    2


Michael
West Barack and East Obama 2–2 Chartistan
New South Yukon 2–2 New Eestiball
Arjunnagar 2½–1½ Wolfstruppen

# Michael                    Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 West Barack and East Obama   4   3  1  0 11.5 4.5    7
2 Wolfstruppen                 4   2  1  1    9   7    5
3 New South Yukon              4   1  2  1  6.5 9.5    4
4 Arjunnagar                   4   1  1  2  7.5 8.5    3 (A)
5 Chartistan                   4   0  3  1  7.5 8.5    3 (A)
6 New Eestiball                4   0  2  2    6  10    2
(A) Tiebroken by Criteria 5, Sonneborn-burger score for Points:
Arjunngar 6.5 - Defeated Wolfstruppen (5), Drew Chartistan (3x0.5)
Chartistan 6 - Drew WBEO (7x0.5), Drew New Eestiball (2x0.5), Drew Arjunngar (3x0.5)

Note: One of Chartistan and New South Yukon will gain more than 4 points by playing each other, 
so New Eestiball cannot be 3rd or higher and is therefore eliminated.


Cape
South Newlandia 2½–1½ Canadian Dominion
Natanians and Nosts 2–2 United Starsian Republics
TJUN-ia 3½–½ Klakahollin

# Cape                       Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                      4   4  0  0   13   3    8
2 South Newlandia              4   3  0  1    8   8    6
3 Klakahollin                  4   2  1  1  8.5 7.5    5
4 United Starsian Republics    4   0  3  1  7.5 8.5    3
5 Canadian Dominion            4   0  1  3    6  10    1
6 Natanians and Nosts          4   0  1  3    5  11    1
Note: TJUN-ia clinched 1st because South Newlandia can only reach maximum of 12 matchpoints 
and cannot overtake TJUN-ia on matchpoints (Criteria 2)


Kolamaki
Sannyamathland 1½–2½ The Jovannic
Lionsroar 2–2 Waisnor
Atheara 3–1 TeaFarmers

# Kolamaki                   Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 Atheara                      4   4  0  0   12   4    8
2 The Jovannic                 4   2  1  1    8   8    5
3 Waisnor                      4   1  2  1    9   7    4
4 TeaFarmers                   4   1  2  1  7.5 8.5    4
5 Sannyamathland               4   1  0  3    5  11    2
6 Lionsroar                    4   0  1  3  6.5 9.5    1
Note: Sannyamathland is eliminated because even if they 4-0 TeaFarmers and Waisnor 0-4 Atheara on MD5, 
they would be level on matchpoints (Criteria 2), and Waisnor beats Sannyamathland on head-to-head. (Criteria 3)
If Waisnor scores any matchpoints, Sannyamathland cannot overtake them.

[Arjunnagar]

Board 1:Anonto Wanmayam

Board 2:Ridalin Rai

Board 3:Koklob Birdoloi

Board 4:Xoti Yonzon

Bios later

[New South Yukon]

New South Yukon ECC5 Roster

IM Totlia Riyalbadi
Riyalbadi has a heavily defensive strategy, and no opponent so far at ECC5 has won against them. However, their own stopping of opponent's attacks never allows them to take time for their own.
IM Hahafa Keryusog
Sharp play from Keryusog, and a heavy 1. c4 and 1.d4 player. Keryusog is the sword to Riyalbadi's shield.
IM Autovide Ascantyutel
Ascantyutel is always going to shock you with their opening, but once you get past it, he's pretty defensive. However, he will exploit any weaknesses he sees.
IM Gladys Isdonnaw
Isdonnaw is an Italian and Ruy Lopez player, and it is hard not to lose to her in those openings.

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome back to the 5th Elephant Chess Cup, coming to you live from Sarim Convention Centre in Sarim, Poafmersia. So far here on Day 1, the Jaguar Knights of TJUN-ia have shown themselves to be worthy defending Champs of the sport as the Gang of 4 has done nothing but go out and crush most foes in their way. That big win over South Newlandia emphasised that fact and while that was good and all, qualification to tomorrow wasn't secured just yet. The final game of the day might do that, as we took on a 1-loss side from Klakahollin.

Board 1: GIC Yevgeny Solovyanenko bt Ægir Rasmusarson
Our sly Ukrainian fox was taking on a fellow veteran in Ægir Rasmusarson, a player who is the emotional rock of this debuting team and certainly had an aggressive bite to his game. He certainly wanted to go all out, trying to take pieces as quickly as possible like a charging bull...but you know what they say about slow and steady. Our sly fox knows this game very well and when faced with a bull like Rasmusarson, he knew that being sneaky was the way to go...and the shock on his face when checkmate was applied was just priceless. Another win for this master, now up to 4-0.

Board 2: GIC Tshering Gyeltshen bt Þórbjörg Nilsdóttir
The happy-go-lucky Gyeltshen had to face Þórbjörg Nilsdóttir (pronounced Thorbjurg), a player who rarely speaks to anyone and just focuses on letting the pieces do the talking. Facing someone who was as silent as anything was a little unnerving for our Bhutanese young gun, but they didn't let it remove their smile or disrupted their game at all - especially as the dub was delivered.

Board 3: GIC Anne Christian-Warren bt Dúi Reysson
The Lesbian Pirate Queen took on Dúi Reysson, another young gun who seemed fearless despite his age. The young ones always seem to be the most feisty, especially in this sport, and the Queen of Chaos knew that she had to be very careful to make sure she didn't leave herself open. Luckily for her, the balls-to-the-wall strategy was just too much for young Reysson to handle and the dub was secured.

Board 4: GIC Margarita Altamiranda drew with Áróra Auðgeirsdóttir
The former Semi-Pro faced Áróra Auðgeirsdóttir, a former army vet with an impeccable tactical mind in that head of hers. This game was not about beating a fucking army vet, it was about trying to get a result...and in the end, Altamiranda used her Latin Flair to get a draw in the end. It may not have been the win, but sometimes a draw is all you need and it will certainly be taken all the same.

That 3.5-0.5 was enough to not only secure another win but secure a bye into the Quarterfinals tomorrow at that. That security is very important to have and while the Gang of 4 will go to sleep happy tonight, they still have one more group game left to play. So join us tomorrow for what should be a fun game against the United Starsian Republics at 9:30 am. GO JAG KNIGHTS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group Cape - Sarim Convention Centre (SCC), Sarim, Tikahs, Poafmersia
Day 1
M1: vs Canadian Dominion (9:30 am) W 3-1 (1st)
M2: vs Natanians and Nosts (1 pm) W 3-1 (1st)
M3: vs South Newlandia (3:30 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)
M4: vs Klakahollin (7 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)

Day 2
M5: vs United Starsian Republics (9:30 am)

---

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
YS: 4-0
TG: 3-1
ACW: 2-1-1
MA: 3-0-1

[The Jovannic]

Zachary Ho becomes the difference maker as The Jovannic defeat their second consecutive opponent 2.5-1.5 (Sannyamathland)

After a fairly rocky start to the Elephant Chess Cup where The Jovannic lost 3-1 to Atheara with Horace Barley being the sole victor over his opponent across the board (Sevinska Kharachelsky), the Jovannicans look to have gotten themselves used to the calibre of the competition, and a 2.5-1.5 win over Wasinor followed a 2-2 draw to Teafarmers.

The match against Sannyamathland was an important one for both sides. Losing would mean a near impossible climb to the qualification spots for both sides.

Board 1: Bremin Loh 1 - 0 Talgat Smaiylov

Smaiylov played his classic Queen's Gambit, with Loh deciding to play the accepted line. The game would play out to be unlike the Jovannican player's signature sharp attacking games as both players found themselves struggling to produce threats in a rather closed game, but Bremin Loh would pull off several advantageous exchanges to pull away with a wide enough lead and force the Sannyamathland grandmaster to resign with a losing endgame.

Board 2: Horace Barley 0 - 1 Alexander Zerev

Zerev played the Petroff Defence, which would transition to the Four Knights Game: Italian Variation. This would be another relatively structured and technical game, and it would go right down to the wire. Unfortunately for The Jovannic though, Alexander Zerev would get the better of the Jovannican and pull off a mating pattern.

Board 3: Amelia Broyleson 0.5 - 0.5 Alexei Karjakin


With Karjakin looking to play the Ruy Lopez, Broyleson, like the drawish player she is, played the closed defence. The game would turn out to be a sword versus shield game, with Karjakin trying to find openings in Black's structure and Broyleson trying to force Karjakin to overstretch his resources. In the end, neither would succeed and a forced stalemate would occur, making both sides share the points.


Board 4: Zachary Ho 1 - 0 Anna Gerashimova

Gerashimova responded to Zachary Ho's D4 with the Benoni defence, leading to the most chaotic match of the fixture, but it would be a decisive kingside attack from the Jovannican that would produce the final result of the match in The Jovannic's favour.

With this win, The Jovannic has now surged up to 2nd place, sitting at 5 points and three behind the already qualified Atheara. The Jovannic will face Lionroar in the final fixture of the group stage, with Wasinor and Teafarmers remaining contenders for the second and third group qualification spots. They will face Atheara and Sannyamathland respectively.

[PotatoFarmers]

Chasing the Unknown
Thread A Part 1: Joe Waddup - The God of Rapids

2113. 5th edition of the Elephant Chess Cup. First day of matches complete. Joe Waddup goes into the match against StrayaRoos very confident of the Poafmersian team's ability to clinch the group stage win and start from the Quarterfinals.

In the team's 4 matches, Joe has been essential in clinching crucial wins over the opponents. With the second, third and fourth boards producing 1½–1½ tie, Joe was under pressure from Graintfjall's Reynir Ýrarsson, both on position and on time. Nevertheless, Joe executed a really nice defense to defend the match and tie the game. Against Greater Rostoria, when the rest of the team didn't perform as well, it was Joe who took home the game and drew the match really well. Also, with Joe taking 3 wins and a draw, the country's god of rapids was on a roll with regards to all his performances in the tournament thus far.

Let us talk about Joe Waddaup's history. Poafmersia's favourite chess player, who showed determination at rapids and even blitz games in the country. After missing the previous edition of the Elephant Chess Cup due to personal scheduling reasons, he is determined to come to this edition of the competition to produce the performances that he believes should be better representative of the Poafmersian chess community. Having clinched the top rapids rating in Poafmersia for the past 3 years, it is especially important for him to be the team leader in the competition.

The player has came through lots of hard work in the early years. In a country where King's Games are more popular, such as Ruy Lopez, Sicilian, Vienna Opening, he was the first player to pioneer interesting openings. While these openings have more impact on the classical game, it was Joe Waddaup's experiment with various openings and lines that have made him a rather difficult opponent. Playing around with lots and lots of pre-determined lines in his head is one reason why he often catch opponents by surprise, especially under the time pressure of a rapids mode.

One of his more famous games was the game in the Holhot Chess Cup last year. It was a rapid game, where the opponent was Tean Massa. Tean is also a really strong player, is the blitz champion that tournament. Both players were rapidly trying to outwit each other, and Tean definitely has the time advantage on the game. While both players tried to outsmart each other, it was Joe who got a surprise move, with commentators unexpected by the move (the commentators were former classsical champions), and it definitely caught Tean by surprise. In the end, it was Joe who scored the surprise win, which was the last barrier enough to win the rapids in the Holhot Chess Cup.

[PotatoFarmers]

Late cutoff.

Speaking of late cutoff, this prompt seems to be closely related:

What are some of the more unexpected events which are considered unacceptable in your country? For instance, in some countries, train operators need to follow schedule by the book.

EDIT: Let me rephrase. People in different countries have different working styles & culture as a nation. What is a don't in your country that others might not be used to? An example could be this: "In Hallikshire, following the schedule to the dot is better than being early".

Legend
Teams in cyan have qualified for the Quarterfinals.
Teams in violet have qualified for the Round-of-12.

Goldlocks
The Cordian Isles 2–2 Graintfjall
Poafmersia 2½–1½ StrayaRoos
Greater Rostoria 1½–2½ Cardenao

# Goldlocks                  Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 Poafmersia                   5   3  2  0   13   7    8
2 Graintfjall                  5   3  2  0   12   8    8
3 Cardenao                     5   2  1  2  9.5 10.5    5
4 The Cordian Isles            5   1  3  1    9  11    5
5 StrayaRoos                   5   1  0  4    8  12    2
6 Greater Rostoria             5   0  2  3  8.5 11.5    2

Michael
Wolfstruppen 2–2 West Barack and East Obama
New Eestiball 1½–2½ Arjunnagar
Chartistan 2–2 New South Yukon

# Michael                    Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 West Barack and East Obama   5   3  2  0 13.5 6.5    8
2 Wolfstruppen                 5   2  2  1   11   9    6
3 Arjunnagar                   5   2  1  2   10  10    5
4 New South Yukon              5   1  3  1  8.5 11.5    5
5 Chartistan                   5   0  4  1  9.5 10.5    4
6 New Eestiball                5   0  2  3  7.5 12.5    2

Cape
Klakahollin ½–3½ South Newlandia
United Starsian Republics 1½–2½ TJUN-ia
Canadian Dominion 1½–2½ Natanians and Nosts

# Cape                       Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                      5   5  0  0 15.5 4.5   10
2 South Newlandia              5   4  0  1 11.5 8.5    8
3 Klakahollin                  5   2  1  2    9  11    5
4 United Starsian Republics    5   0  3  2    9  11    3
5 Natanians and Nosts          5   1  1  3  7.5 12.5    3
6 Canadian Dominion            5   0  1  4  7.5 12.5    1

Kolamaki
TeaFarmers 2–2 Sannyamathland
Waisnor 1–3 Atheara
The Jovannic 2½–1½ Lionsroar

# Kolamaki                   Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  Pts 
1 Atheara                      5   5  0  0   15   5   10
2 The Jovannic                 5   3  1  1 10.5 9.5    7
3 TeaFarmers                   5   1  3  1  9.5 10.5    5
4 Waisnor                      5   1  2  2   10  10    4
5 Sannyamathland               5   1  1  3    7  13    3
6 Lionsroar                    5   0  1  4    8  12    1

Which means:
Round of 12
Graintfjall vs Arjunnagar
South Newlandia vs TeaFarmers
The Jovannic vs Klakahollin
Wolfstruppen vs Cardenao

Quarterfinals
Atheara vs Graintfjall/Arjunnagar
West Barack and East Obama vs South Newlandia/TeaFarmers
Poafmersia vs The Jovannic/Klakahollin
TJUN-ia vs Wolfstruppen/Cardenao

Teams involving Poafmersia/TeaFarmers will be scorinated by third-party scorinators. Round of 12 will play on 28th Nov, Quarterfinals on 30th Nov. Teams who gained the bye can continue to RP for the bonus allocation for the Round of 12.

[TJUN-ia]

Thursday

LCC: Hey Tshering...can I ask you something?
BT: Of course, LamLam.
LCC: You're staying at the Jefferson Hotel right? Near the SCC?
BT: Yep!
LCC: Cool...uh.
BT: What?
LCC: I was thinking of...sending you a gift...through the mail.
BT: Aww...you don't have to.
LCC: No...I just wanted to give you something you could enjoy during your downtime between games, you know?
BT: Thanks, Lam...well if you want to get it to me, I'm staying at Room 446 so make sure you get that info across on the address ok?
LCC: Yep, got it! I hope you like it!

---

Saturday
11 am
Room 446

Tshering Gyeltshen had a good day...and while he didn't know it yet, it was about to get even better. So far, the return to Chess of Tshering Gyeltshen has certainly been interesting. Of course, he did deeply miss Lam Chow-Cheung but this situation was totally understandable to everyone involved - Tshering was a Jaguar Knight, first and foremost, and once the call came, there was no going back. Meeting up with the gang again - the experienced Yevgeny Solovyanenko, the newly-christened Lesbian Pirate Queen Anne Christian-Warren and the former Semi-Pro Margarita Altamiranda - was certainly fun and the games they've played have certainly added to the aura. They all knew that they were the ones with targets on their backs, and they certainly have delivered the goods so far with a perfect 5-0 record. They would get a bye into the Quarterfinals meaning from now until 7 pm, the players had nothing to do really. They said that they would start practising again at around 3 pm so...Tshering was just here, chilling.

Until a call came from reception. Someone had a parcel to deliver to Tshering. And because of security checks, the delivery person had to get Tshering's signature. To Tshering, that could only mean one thing and he called the delivery driver up to his room. Lam's gift was finally here...and that'll be interesting just to see what that cute unmasked enby got him! Sure, Lam may have been eliminated from the Chase last weekend but clearly, it didn't affect them that much in order to sort this out, right? He pondered what this gift could be since he hadn't really discussed what they would like at all. But soon they would find out. The knock on the door came...but it sounded familiar. Like...as in Booth #2 familiar. Coincidental, certainly...right? It was only when he opened that the familiarity made sense...in the most shocking way possible. The gift had indeed arrived...but so had Lam Chow-Cheung, holding a gift bag and a box of chocolates. The gifter was apparently part of the gift.

To say he was shocked would be an understatement. Of course, the gift was foretold by LCC...but having LCC here to deliver it in person wasn't in the books at all. Clearly, the shock was very evident as Lam would carefully place the gifts on the ground before giving the Chess player a big hug...which was replied with kisses, both on the cheek and lips. As it turned out, this week was an off week for the NSSCRA and when that information became clear to the enby, the act of surprise was certainly on. They flew into Poafmersia on Friday, in Room 567 no less, and watched Tshering's last group match online in their hotel room before this plan came into effect. Why? "Because I love you, that's why. And I knew I had to be here."

They spent the next few hours chatting, enjoying the chocolate and the gift - a bottle of green tea. Commiserations were obviously handed down but Lam didn't seem to be taking it badly, as they knew that they "had the time" to go deeper in the future. One of the topics would be what they would call each other in this new reality they now found themselves in. Lam had no problem with calling Tshering their boyfriend, but Tshering wasn't sure what to call Lam considering their non-binary affiliation. Lam didn't really mind what Tshering called them but in the end, a decision was taken - the name "enbyfriend" was chosen above all. It pained Tshering when the time came for LCC to leave, but they both knew that Tshering had a more important matter to deal with at the SCC. One last hug, one last kiss and one last reminder of Room 567 before they left to go and cheer from afar. Today was already perfect...and now, Thsering knew he had a special cheerleader in his corner. One he'd do anything for.

[TeaFarmers]

The Daily Tea - Teamers in Panjia case to be charged in court today
Fiskadaha - The two Teamers implicated in the Panjia-hunting case will be charged in the Poafmersian Supreme Court today, for illegal posession of firearms and killing of Panjias.

A court document that was released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poafmersia confirmed that the two of the three suspects involved in the Panjia-hunting case are Teamers. The third suspect, whose identity remains unknown, has been in critical condition in a local hospital with no updates on their condition. The officers were left struggling to figure out what is actual crime committed, but after investigation, they decided to charge them with killing of Panjias and illegal posession of firearms.

While the details remain unclear, police officers involved in the case told the Teafarmers ambassador that they have reasons to suspect firearms were used illegally, confirming that rounds and cartridges were found in the suspects' hotel room. They also mentioned that the suspects were unwilling to divuldge the location of the weapon, making things difficult for investigation. Under Poafmersian laws, possession of firearms is illegal and anyone convicted of the crime can be sentenced to up to 20 years in jail.

Hunting of animals, on the other hand, is not illegal by the law, and while animal conservation groups have broke out in outlash over the killing of animals such as the elephant and the tiger, based on the presence of what is suspected to be tiger meat and elephant meat, the police has not focused their efforts on tracking what animals were killed. Instead, the focus has been trying to prove that Panjias were killed, and 2 medical examiners have presented a report confirming that among the feast of meat on them, Panjia meat was present. Both suspects claimed that they "found" dead Panjias and decided to roast their meat, but the medical examiners' report seems to indicate otherwise. This would likely be a point of contention for the court case.

Religious tribal chiefs who view the Panjia as a "sacred" animal told the Daily reporters that they believe that eating Panjias would cause the person to be cursed by God. They believe that the suspect currently in critical condition "might have tasted Panjia meat", and this resulted in a curse causing him to suffer with unknown illnesses. While there is a serious lack of scientific research to this, it seemed that this might be the case as both Teamers told police investigators that they have not touched the Panjia meat before they were caught.

Teafarmers officials have stated that they wish for the Teamers involved to get a lighter sentence owing to their ignorance with regards to hunting animals. The officials have assured reporters that they will ensure the citizens' rights continue to be protected even while serving any possible sentence in Poafmersia, and that the family members of the two suspects will be well updated on any new developments in the case.

[PotatoFarmers]

Cutoff.

Prompt today is just 1 word: Luck.

Round of 12
Graintfjall 2–2 Arjunnagar
(Replay: Arjunnagar 1–3 Graintfjall)

South Newlandia 2½–1½ TeaFarmers (scorinated by Quebec)

The Jovannic 3–1 Klakahollin

Wolfstruppen 2½–1½ Cardenao

Matches for Quarterfinals
Atheara vs Graintfjall
West Barack and East Obama vs South Newlandia
Poafmersia vs The Jovannic
TJUN-ia vs Wolfstruppen

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome back to the 5th Elephant Chess Cup, coming to you live from Sarim Convention Centre in Sarim, Poafmersia. Day 1 was certainly a blast for the Jaguar Knights of TJUN-ia, who had already confirmed their place in the quarterfinals tonight, but one more Group Stage game remained for the Gang of 4 to negotiate against the United Starsian Republics before preparations for that can begin. So...how did everyone do?

Board 1: GIC Yevgeny Solovyanenko bt by USR #1
Our sly Ukrainian fox had been undefeated after the first day but today, his opponent would come into this contest with a plan of action that was executed to perfection and just like that, the undefeated record was gone. Still, if you're going to lose a game then having it now and not in the playoffs may be for the better.

Board 2: GIC Tshering Gyeltshen drew with USR #2
The happy-go-lucky Bhutanese actually played a bit of a tight one here in this game, ending up with a tie to end their group stage at 3-1-1. A draw may be the literal middle of the road in terms of what you can do in a game, but they didn't mind that at all. This tournament has been very good thus far and no matter what, he hoped to be ready for the challenges to come.

Board 3: GIC Anne Christian-Warren bt USR #3
The Lesbian Pirate Queen usually plays games which are part chaos and part drama but today, the drama wouldn't really come. Chaos? Of fucking course, it's a Chess match featuring Anne Christian-Warren, but this game seemed surprisingly easy to win despite how she likes to play the game. She will enter the quarters at 3-1-1 and will certainly be one to watch.

Board 4: GIC Margarita Altamiranda bt USR #4
The former semi-pro managed to deal with her opponent with relative ease, allowing for this whole contest to be carried by the two female players...which is always nice to see. She will actually enter the Quarters with the best record of the Gang of 4 at 4-0-1, which only goes to show how well she has improved since winning her crown.

2.5-1.5 is actually the closest match we've played thus far but exiting this group stage 5-0 is a good way to make a statement as the defending champions. We'll be back at 7 pm to take on Wolfstruppen, the 2nd placed team from Group Michael who beat Cardenao 2.5-1.5 in the Round of 12. We certainly have a target on our back and now, we have to prove we deserve that honour. GO JAG KNIGHTS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group Cape - Sarim Convention Centre (SCC), Sarim, Tikahs, Poafmersia
Day 1
M1: vs Canadian Dominion (9:30 am) W 3-1 (1st)
M2: vs Natanians and Nosts (1 pm) W 3-1 (1st)
M3: vs South Newlandia (3:30 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)
M4: vs Klakahollin (7 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)

Day 2
M5: vs United Starsian Republics (9:30 am) W 2.5-1.5 (1st/5-0/+11GD)
Ro12: BYE (2 pm)
QF: vs Wolfstruppen (Michael 2) (7 pm)

---

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
YS: 4-1
TG: 3-1-1
ACW: 3-1-1
MA: 4-0-1

[South Newlandia]

Big Bishops make the difference as Morgen takes down Chesterine in only decisive game, ensuring Elephants victory over TeaFarmers

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. d3 Bc5 6. 0-0 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 0-0 9. Re1 h6 10. Nbd2 Ne7 11. Nf1 Ng6 12. h3 Ba7 13. a4 c5 14. axb5 axb5 15. Bd2 Bb7 16. c4 b4 17. Ne3 Kh7 18. Qe2 Qc7 19. Ba4 Rfb8 20. Nf5 Bb6 21. g4 Ne7 22. N3h4 Nxf5 23. Nxf5 Rf8 24. Rf1 Bc8 25. Qf3 Qd8 (the critical mistake. Black must play Ng8!) 26. g5 hxg5 27. Bxg5 Bxf5 28. Qxf5+ Kg8 29. Bc6 Rxa1 30. Rxa1 Qe7 31. h4 Qe6 32. b3 Qxf5 33. exf5 Rc8 34. Bb7 Rb8 35. Bf3 Ne8 36. Kg2 f6 37. Be3 Kf7 38. Bd5+ (the nail in the coffin; black’s pieces are too uncoordinated, and the king is cut off from the defense) Ke7 39. Kf3! (this is critical; now, white is in time to re-take control of e4 if the Nc7 intending to trade) Rc8 40. Rg1 Kd8 41. Rg6 Rc7 42. h5 Kc8 43. Ke4 Ba7 44. h6 gxh6 45. Rxh6 Re7 46. Bc6 Ng7 47. Rxf6 Kc7 48. Bd5 Nh5 49. Rh6 Nf4 50. f6 Rd7 51. Rh8 Rd8 52.Rh7+ Rd7 53. f7 Ng6 54. Bg5 Nf8 55. Rh8 Ng6 56. Rg8 (promotion is only avoidable if black gives up the rook) Black resigns.

[PotatoFarmers]

cutoff

Prompt: Time to go into the depths of history and pick out some interesting events in your country. It can be about the formation of chess culture, or about some worldbuilding.

Quarterfinals
Atheara 2–2 Graintfjall
(Replay: Graintfjall 2–2 Atheara)
Blitz Replays: 
Match 1 -> Atheara 0–1 Graintfjall

West Barack and East Obama 2–2 South Newlandia
(Replay: South Newlandia 2½–1½ West Barack and East Obama)

Poafmersia 3½–½ The Jovannic (Scored by Quebec)

TJUN-ia 3–1 Wolfstruppen

Semifinals
Graintfjall vs South Newlandia

Poafmersia vs TJUN-ia

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome back to the 5th Elephant Chess Cup, coming to you live from Sarim Convention Centre in Sarim, Poafmersia. Last time out, the Jaguar Knights of TJUN-ia completed their group stage with a surprisingly-tight win over the United Starsian Republics. Still, 5-0 was still 5-0 and getting a bye straight into the Quarterfinals was certainly something to build on for the defending champs. The wait was certainly long but finally, at 7 pm, the Knights returned to the SCC to begin the climb back towards the crown - against Round of 12 survivors Wolfstruppen.

Board 1: GIC Yevgeny Solovyanenko bt Karkin Tain (C)
Our sly fox was taking on the head of the wolfpack, Captain Karkin Tain - Old and wise in how he plays. Two players of similar stature duking it out for ultimate domination...and it was fucking glorious. There were so many twists and turns in this game that no one really knew for sure who was going to claim this dub...and both of them could've got it. In the end, both ended up with 4 pieces left...but with Solovyanenko applying checkmate. Game of the tournament by far and both players shook hands with as much respect as possible.

Board 2: GIC Tshering Gyeltshen drew bt Murli Rai
The happy-go-lucky Bhutanese (now backed, apparently, by their "special someone" back at the hotel) would take on Murli Rai, someone who has studied many books on this game and follows the set plays to the letter. Following some of the most famous openings and moves this sport has to offer does have its advantages but in this contest, that rigidness ended up being his downfall. The lack of adaptability meant that, whenever our smiling dude pull off a move, a lot of thinking had to be done by the wolf...and that is not what you want at all. In the end, adaptability gave the win to Gyeltshen and for good reason.

Board 3: GIC Anne Christian-Warren bt Trayk Loper
Oh boy, here we go. Anne Christian-Warren, the Lesbian Pirate Queen, vs a Blitz Chess specialist in Trayk Loper - and that means all hell was about to break loose. This game was just...a clusterfuck, one where madness and speed reigned supreme and nobody seemed to read any rulebooks at all on how to manage the clock. In the end, the Chaos of the Lesbian Pirate Queen was just enough to get the win...but only just. They both gave it their all, that was for certain.

Board 4: GIC Margarita Altamiranda bt by Ren Kalk
Finally, the former Semi-Pro was taking on Ren Kalk - a player well known for doing whatever the fuck he wanted because that's how he rolls. Playing on-the-fly Chess does have some drawbacks but here, it worked to perfection as the Maverick confused Altamiranda to a point of no return and got the dub for his team. We may've won the contest, but this game belonged to this wolf.

That meant a 3-1 win for TJUN-ia, a smooth and crazy result that send us into the Final 4 for the 3rd ECC in a row. Tomorrow, at the slightly later morning session at 10 am, we shall face hosts Poafmersia for the right to face either Graintfjall or South Newlandia at 3 pm. No matter what, everyone is going to give it their all...but as the defending champions, we shall fight to keep that crown for as long as we can. Tomorrow, the fate of the crown is decided...and blood must be spilled. GO JAG KNIGHTS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group Cape - Sarim Convention Centre (SCC), Sarim, Tikahs, Poafmersia
Day 1
M1: vs Canadian Dominion (9:30 am) W 3-1 (1st)
M2: vs Natanians and Nosts (1 pm) W 3-1 (1st)
M3: vs South Newlandia (3:30 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)
M4: vs Klakahollin (7 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)

Day 2
M5: vs United Starsian Republics (9:30 am) W 2.5-1.5 (1st/5-0/+11GD)
Ro12: BYE (2 pm)
QF: vs Wolfstruppen (Michael 2) (7 pm) W 3-1

Day 3
SF: vs Poafmersia (Goldlocks 1) (10 am)
F/3PPO: vs Graintfjall (Goldlocks 2) OR South Newlandia (Cape 2) (3 pm)

---

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
YS: 5-1
TG: 4-1-1
ACW: 4-1-1
MA: 4-1-1

[PotatoFarmers]

Cutoff

Prompt: Every country, every group of people, have something that is unique about them. When you talk about these unique things, they would inexplicably think about your country and your people. For example, a mention of Panjias would let people think about the Poafmersian national team & Poafmersia. What about your country? Or your people?

Semifinals
Graintfjall 1½–2½ South Newlandia
TJUN-ia 2½–1½ Poafmersia (Scorinated by Zwangzug)

Fixtures for Final Day
Finals - South Newlandia vs TJUN-ia
Bronze Medal Match - Graintfjall vs Poafmersia

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome back to the 5th Elephant Chess Cup, coming to you live from Sarim Convention Centre in Sarim, Poafmersia. Welcome to Day 3...a day where, no matter what, someone will claim the Elephant Chess Cup. Four of the finest teams in this sport remained and all of them were certainly worthy of the crown...but someone has to win it all, right? Our Gang of 4 are to make their case about why it should be them who gets to defend their crown...but in order to do that, they must knock off the hosts. Poafmersia has been nothing but very diligent hosts since this ECC began but now, they want to try and win it all on home soil...and taking down the champs would be a good step towards that. At the slightly-earlier time of 10 pm, the action began at the SCC.

Board 1: GIC Yevgeny Solovyanenko bt by Joe Waddup
Board 1 would see our sly Ukrainian fox take on Joe Waddup, a master of rapids and a player of many playstyles. Of course, Solovyanenko knew that he had to be prepared for anything that this joker could pull out of his sleeve, but the rapid champion knew how to play this game...and here, he would take our fox to school. You don't usually see our specialist get roasted the way he did today, but he just faced a better player today and he wasn't afraid to admit that. Lessons to learn for 3 pm.

Board 2: GIC Tshering Gyeltshen bt Tean Massa
Our happy-go-lucky young gun took on Tean Massa, a player who is an expert in counterattacking chess. This was expected to be a game where Gyeltshen had to be quick on their toes in order to avoid falling into a trap Massa could exploit...and in the end, they did a pretty good job in that role. They were sneaky in how they played the game before trapping Massa with a play they didn't see coming - forcing checkmate. That felt pretty good...and they hoped they could do that one more time.

Board 3: GIC Anne Christian-Warren drew with Nancy Linarian
Our Lesbian Pirate Princess took on Nancy Linarian, someone who lived to attack and go batshit insane in the midgame. This was two types of chaos facing off for ultimate domination, so it was no surprise that this ended up in a draw. The chaos ended up in a situation where neither opponent could really win...and that's what many did expect. ACW didn't mind this draw, however, as 3 pm would be when she hoped to fully shine.

Board 4: GIC Margarita Altamiranda bt Rewan Handris
Our former semi-pro took on Rewan Handris, a player who's more known for conventional chess but has been improving in rapids. This game was expected to be one where two improving players get to show the world just how better they are getting - and they certainly showed off some stuff. Both players were just giving it their all tonight and while the action was certainly enjoyable as fuck, someone had to win...and by a whisker, that ended up being Altamiranda. Both players shook hands after that...and that was deservedly so.

We won, 2.5-1.5, and that meant that, for the 2nd year in a row, TJUN-ia would be competing for the Elephant Chess Cup title. You know who our opponents are, right? You know...right? We've faced them, like, 3 times already these past 2 years...ad now, there will be a Round 4. It's South Newlandia again. This final is a repeat of last year's. Many will hope that the result is the same...but who even knows at this point.
For the past 2 years, Chess has revolved around the battle between Jaguar Knights and Elephants.
At 3 pm, it shall once more...and this time, for all the marbles again.
No one knows what the fuck is going to happen.
But what we do know is that this rivalry has one more chapter in it.
GO JAG KNIGHTS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group Cape - Sarim Convention Centre (SCC), Sarim, Tikahs, Poafmersia
Day 1
M1: vs Canadian Dominion (9:30 am) W 3-1 (1st)
M2: vs Natanians and Nosts (1 pm) W 3-1 (1st)
M3: vs South Newlandia (3:30 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)
M4: vs Klakahollin (7 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)

Day 2
M5: vs United Starsian Republics (9:30 am) W 2.5-1.5 (1st/5-0/+11GD)
Ro12: BYE (2 pm)
QF: vs Wolfstruppen (Michael 2) (7 pm) W 3-1

Day 3
SF: vs Poafmersia (Goldlocks 1) (10 am) W 2.5-1.5
F: vs South Newlandia (Cape 2) (3 pm)

---

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
YS: 5-2
TG: 5-1-1
ACW: 4-1-2
MA: 5-1-1

[PotatoFarmers]

Finishing cutoff.

Græntfjall 2½–1½ Poafmersia (Scorinated by Quebec)

TJUN-ia 2–2 South Newlandia
Replay: South Newlandia 1–3 TJUN-ia

Congratulations to the winners and thanks for a nice competition!

Edit: Fixed a name mistake. The original scorination file had the different names but the same ranks as the two sides, so I just changed back the name.

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome back to the 5th Elephant Chess Cup, coming to you live from Sarim Convention Centre in Sarim, Poafmersia...where things were about to go down yet again. For the last few days, the best teams from all across the world of chess have been battling to determine who will make this final...and in the end, our finalists are the exact same as the ones from last year. TJUN-ia and South Newlandia, a rivalry that cannot be stopped right now...and so, here we go again. The Jaguar Knights and the Elephants are very familiar with one another, as you might expect. Last year, a 2-2 draw in the group gave way to a 3-1 win for the Gang of 4 in the final. This time, we won 3-1 in the group stage...but nobody was going to underestimate the other here. Everyone knew that no matter who ended up with the Elephant Chess Cup this time, us for the 2nd time or South Newlandia for the 1st, this final was going to be a banger...and my word, it was.

Board 1: GIC Yevgeny Solovyanenko drew with Cecilia Blossom
Board 2: GIC Tshering Gyeltshen drew with Lisa Morgen
Board 3: GIC Anne Christian-Warren drew with Adam Esteban
Board 4: GIC Margarita Altamiranda drew with Robert Kane
Everyone fucking drew. You don't usually see that every day, a contest in which all 4 matches ended in draws, but that's exactly what happened here...and for good reasons, too.
- Solovyanenko vs Blossom was just a fucking war, not going to lie. This sly fox and this South Newlandian talent were just exchanging blows all day and here, the chaos and the tactic mindgames all led to that match ending in a draw.
- Gyeltshen vs Morgen, the happiest boy vs the blitzing woman, was just a game in which neither side could really produce that big match-winning play. It happens sometimes, no big deal.
- ACW vs Esteban. the Lesbian Pirate Queen vs the attacking rookie, was just a game of chaos and whit...one in which, too much had happened for one side to claim victory over the other
- Altamiranda vs Kane, the former semi-pro vs the experienced professional, was just a game where both sides threw everything into it...but nothing could break the deadlock. Simple as that.

So what do we do now? In previous editions, your ranking in the Group would've been used as a tie breaker - but because we had a multiple group stage format, that was impossible. So, in order to decide our champion, there would have to be a replay. The boards were reset and after a 5 minute break, everyone kicked off for a 2nd time.

Board 1: GIC Yevgeny Solovyanenko drew with Cecilia Blossom
Board 3: GIC Anne Christian-Warren drew with Adam Esteban
One advantage in playing a replay is that you may already have an idea in what your opponent was going to do...but on the opposite side of the coin, the same applies the other way. Solovyanenko vs Blossom II was more reserved and tactical than the first meeting but considering everyone knew what everyone else was doing, a stalemate seemed obvious. ACW vs Esteban II showed how mush both players have improved their games since they first played at the ECC and despite the chaos and the good plays, no winner could be found.

Board 2: GIC Tshering Gyeltshen bt Lisa Morgen
Gyeltshen vs Morgen II was just a perfect example of what the occasion could do to a player. In Game 1, Morgen was more reserved in her fast playstyle, but this time she reverted more to her style...to a fatal effect. Her quick pace had been scouted by Gyeltshen and once she started pulling that out, Tshering countered and countered and countered...until checkmate was applied. Still with a smile, still with the skills of someone 10 years older...I hope that "special someone" is proud.

Board 4: GIC Margarita Altamiranda bt Robert Kane
That meant that Altamiranda vs Kane II would decide whether this contest ended or we would have to go to a blitz tiebreaker. You wouldn't think that these two would be the ones to decide this one but that's the beauty of this sport...sometimes, it's the ones you don't expect that take the headlines. This game was tight as nails, with both players certainly giving it their all for obvious reasons, but in the end...it was our former semi-pro who got the job done. This game was just pure drama. This contest was just pure drama. But after 8 games of chess and nearly half an hour, TJUN-ia prevailed 3-1 (or 5-3, if you prefer). The champions just went back to back in one of the contests of all time.

The celebrations would certainly be both respectable and fun, with the trophy presentation string more emotions. You could certainly see how much this game meant to these people and you could certainly say that Yevgeny Solovyanenko, Tshering Gyeltshen, Anne Christian-Warren and Margarita Altamiranda are TJUN-ian icons now...no doubt about that.

Before ECC3, the question surrounding this team was "Wait, you can play Chess internationally?"
After ECC3, it was "How can we build off that performance?"
After ECC4, it was "How will they feel defending their crown?"
Now, it's "Can anyone stop this Gang of 4?"

Rarely do we get champions. These guys just went back to back.
They will be back. They will continue to be back until this crown is removed from our dead body.
TJUN-ian Chess is alive and well. Take off our crown...if you dare.
GO JAG KNIGHTS!

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SCHEDULE (Group Cape - Sarim Convention Centre (SCC), Sarim, Tikahs, Poafmersia
Day 1
M1: vs Canadian Dominion (9:30 am) W 3-1 (1st)
M2: vs Natanians and Nosts (1 pm) W 3-1 (1st)
M3: vs South Newlandia (3:30 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)
M4: vs Klakahollin (7 pm) W 3.5-0.5 (1st)

Day 2
M5: vs United Starsian Republics (9:30 am) W 2.5-1.5 (1st/5-0/+11GD)
Ro12: BYE (2 pm)
QF: vs Wolfstruppen (Michael 2) (7 pm) W 3-1

Day 3
SF: vs Poafmersia (Goldlocks 1) (10 am) W 2.5-1.5
F: vs South Newlandia (Cape 2) (3 pm) W 3-1 (Replay)

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INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
YS: 5-2-3
TG: 6-1-2
ACW: 4-1-4
MA: 6-1-3