A strong result for Vahap Sanal in Reykjavik
The 2026 Reykjavik Open Chess Tournament, held in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik from March 25 to 31, concluded after a strong and crowded edition. Featuring 422 players from around the world and played over 9 rounds in the Swiss system, the event once again stood out as one of the notable open tournaments on the international chess calendar. Turkey was represented by GM Mustafa Yilmaz, GM Vahap Sanal, and GM Emre Can.
The most eye-catching result among the Turkish players came from GM Vahap Sanal. The experienced grandmaster produced a balanced and consistent performance against tough opposition, scoring 7 points and finishing the tournament in 5th place. Reaching the top places in an open tournament requires not only strong preparation, but also the ability to adapt quickly to changing opponents from round to round. Sanal’s top-five finish once again demonstrated both his fighting spirit and his consistency on the international stage.
Turkey’s other representatives also delivered meaningful results. GM Emre Can scored 6.5 points, while GM Mustafa Yilmaz finished with 6 points. In tournaments such as Reykjavik, where the average rating level is high and surprise results are always possible, such scores carry added value as indicators of form and competitive strength. In events featuring a large number of titled players, even half a point can have a direct impact on the final standings.
The Reykjavik Open stands out not only for its results, but also for its special place in chess culture. Iceland’s rich chess heritage gives the tournament an added sense of prestige, while also providing an important testing ground for players from different generations. The performance of the Turkish players in this event offers another example of the steady rise of Turkish chess, which has become increasingly visible in international tournaments in recent years. In particular, Vahap Sanal’s top-five finish stands out as an encouraging sign for even bigger results in the period ahead.