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The annual Dutch Championships took place from June 16-28 in the town of Hilversum, Holland, as a round robin with twelve players. The Women's championship started on June 18 and was held as a round robin with ten players. The main championship ended in a tie between defending champion Sergey Tiviakov and 20-year-old Daniel Stellwagen, both of whom scored an unbeaten 8/11. Third to fifth places were shared between Ivan Sokolov, Friso Nijboer and Erwin L'Ami, on 7/11.
Dutch champion 2007: Sergey Tiviakov
After a two-game rapid playoff, it was Tiviakov who emerged victorious 1.5-0.5, to become 2007 Dutch Champion. It was the ex-Russian GM's second successive victory in the event, but spare a thought for Stellwagen, who led for almost the whole tournament, and was a full point clear with four rounds to go. However, he could not match Tiviakov's 3.5/4 finish, and in the playoff, the older player's experience proved too much.
In the Ladies Championship it was again the defending champion who retained the title, but in this case, without any heroics or playoffs. For the ninth (!) year in succession, Peng Zhaoqin dominated the event, dropping just two draws on the way to an 8/9 score, a full two points clear of the field. Anyone care to bet against her making it ten in a row?
For the ninth time Dutch women's champion(she also won in 1997): Peng Zhaoqin
In addition to the main championships, the event also hosted a strong Open tournament. This proved a success for Humpy Koneru of Indian, whose 7.5/9 earned her outright first place, half a point ahead of Georgia's Mikheil Mchedlishvili, with Normunds Miezis in third place.
Report by Steve Giddins
The playing venue of the 2007 Dutch championships
The playoff for the Dutch Championship 2007
Sergey Tiviakov (right) winning the first playoff game against Daniel Stellwagen
The new (and old) Dutch Champion Sergey Tiviakov
So close, so very, very close: 20-year-old Daniel Stellwagen
So what is going on here? Daniel Stellwagen analysing with Ruud Janssen
Peng! Nine times Dutch women's champion
Usually late – Ivan Sokolov rushes to his board
GM Jan Smeets, 22, rated 2552 on the Elo scale
IM Wouter Spoelman, 17, rated 2428
Four ladies: Arlette van Weersel, Laura Bensdorp, Pauline van Nies,
Marlies Bensdorp, will represent Holland as a women's team
WIM Marlies Bensdorp, 22, currently rated 2227
Twin sister Laura Bensdorp, rated 2120
Young Dutch chess hopeful Erwin L'Ami
Donna Schut, 16, vs Laura Bensdorp in round seven – the game ended
0-1
Dutch hopeful Donna Schut
WGM Bianca Muhren, 20, rated 2311
Arlette van Weersel, 22, rated 2156
Koneru Humpy, India's top female player, won the Open tournament
Image from a side event: the rapidplay under 20 tournament
Andries de Koning, 92 years old, played in the 90+ tournament
Johan Verhulst, 96 years old and still competing in chess tournaments
