Another player whose career will be marked by Figueira da Foz. Vijay Raghav won the international title of FIDE Master yesterday after reaching 2300 Elo points.

Yesterday's round was marked by the draw between the tournament's number 1, Karen Grigoryan, and her compatriot and also Grandmaster, Ellina Danielian. This result was not only an important step for her in winning the special women's prize, but also in the fight for the top places in the rankings, an objective for which she came especially determined, as she revealed at the beginning of the tournament.

Portuguese players, for now, have been participating discreetly. However, the highlight of yesterday's Portuguese participation goes to FIDE Master Bruno Martins, who achieved an important victory against the former champion of Spain, GM Gabriel Del Rio. GM Luís Galego quickly drew with Indian Akhilesh Nagare.

Expectations are now rising for the next match, which will bring together the top two in the tournament's initial rankings: Cuban Carlos Albornoz and Armenian Karen Grigoryan. This match could already define, in part, the final outcome of this highly anticipated and balanced XVIII Figueira da Foz – Sabir Ali International Tournament.