Kolding, Denmark — Over the weekend of May 2 to May 4, chess enthusiasts turned their attention to the Danish town of Kolding, where the SonFlow Cup 2025 delivered high-quality classical chess across five intense rounds. With a time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game with a 30-second increment, the tournament embraced the richness of deep calculation and positional maneuvering — a refreshing showcase of pure chess in an era increasingly dominated by speed formats.
A Diverse Field with Grandmaster Firepower – SonFlow Cup
The tournament featured a fascinating blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans from across Europe. Representing Sweden, Lucas Sandberg (2175) made perhaps the boldest statement of the weekend, scoring 3.5 out of 4 and gaining an impressive +67 rating points, showing that classical time control still offers a true battleground for development and resilience.
Veteran Swedish Grandmaster Jonny Hector (2410) proved age is just a number by securing a perfect 3/3, gaining 14 rating points and reminding everyone why he’s long been a fan favorite for his aggressive and creative play.
On the local front, Danish GM Boris Chatalbashev (2502) maintained strong form with 3/4, showing consistency, while fellow Dane Daniel Tuk Hartso Jarlskov (2195) scored an impressive 3/4, gaining +21 points and solidifying his growing reputation.
Also worthy of note was Spain’s GM Oleg Korneev (2470), who finished with 2.5/4, and Bulgaria’s IM Nikola Kanov (2429), who managed 2.5/3, both navigating a highly competitive field with skill.
Drama in the Middle and Lower Boards
While the top boards delivered predictably strong performances, the middle and lower boards added drama, upsets, and heartbreak — the very elements that make open tournaments such a rich viewing experience.
Danish FM Jesper Mørch Lauridsen (2203) and German CM Robert Prieb (2185) each notched up 2.5 points, edging out higher-rated opponents and showing that Elo isn’t everything.
However, the tournament wasn’t kind to everyone. Notable underperformers included IM Filip Boe Olsen (2471), who scored only 0.5/3, and FM Jens Albert Ramsdal (2351), also ending with just 0.5/3. The unforgiving classical format continues to reward those who are mentally prepared for long battles — and punish those who aren’t in top form.
The Value of Classical Chess in a Fast-Paced World
In a chess world increasingly tilted toward blitz and bullet formats, events like the SonFlow Cup are crucial in keeping classical chess alive and relevant. With deep preparation, long games, and psychological battles playing out over hours rather than seconds, this tournament was a reminder of the beauty and depth of the traditional format.
While rapid and online chess may grab headlines, it’s tournaments like SonFlow Cup that shape real over-the-board growth, separate tactical improvisers from strategic giants, and continue to provide a fertile ground for title norms.
The SonFlow Cup 2025 was more than a tournament — it was a celebration of chess in its most serious and structured form. With upcoming talents making their mark and legends still carving out wins, the tournament has once again proven that classical chess isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving.
