Holland’s highest rated player (and champion) is back for another visit in Wijk aan Zee, after a most respectable 6.5/13 finish last year. 2006 hasn’t slowed down the pleasant GM from Groningen, and he kept his world-travel-ways. With 47 ELO games, he is the most active player in Corus, as well as the entire top 100 players list.

I counted at least 5(!) European leagues where he took part: Dutch, German, French, British, and Russian team competitions – add that to numerous opens around the continent (and even one in Jordan!) - quite a prolific player! Tivi had mixed successes, but as an overall result his rating continued its climb back up towards the 2700 club. His best event was clearly the ever competitive and strong Dutch national championship, where he left his opposition in the dust with a field-burning 9/11 score – a full point and a half ahead of second place. Another notable finish was the former world championship candidate’s tie for first in the GM-infested Amsterdam Open (7/9 with Erenburg and Nijboer). Corus 07 opens a new chess year for Sergei, can he start it with a bang?