Friso is a Corus regular who had a year off, but now returns at a new amazingly high peak. After reaching a new low in mid-2005, the Amsterdamian Grandmaster never looked back, accumulating nearly 100 ELO points! Especially impressive were his summer activities that included a tie for third at the Dutch championships, a great sole first in the Dutch open, a tie for first in Amsterdam, and clear second at another strong open in Vlissingen. That streak was preceded by a cool win in Vandouvre, and in October, the storming Nijboer added another crown to his list by winning another strong open, this time in Calvia, Spain (7.5/9).

In between all these he also chalked up good results at the European Individual championships, the Olympiad, and above all in the Dutch league. Since his last visit to Wijk aan Zee, he co-authored two more volumes of his ‘Tactics in the chess openings” series, and wrote several opening articles to noted publications. The veteran Dutchman seems to have regained his chess hunger, which could well make him the spoiler in January 07.