Interview with Ryan Amburgy, winner of the 30th Space Coast Open

Ryan Amburgy finished top of the table at the 30th Space Coast Open in Melbourne. “Had a great tournament in Melbourne, Florida this weekend! Have gained 63 FIDE rating points over my last two tournaments as I push toward 2400 and the IM title!” said Ryan Amburgy, celebrating his title on X.

Chessdom had the pleasure to interview Ryan Amburgy after his success at the 30th Space Coast Open.

The 30th Space Coast Open in Melbourne has just finished. Congratulations on your victory! How does it feel to win in a field containing 2600+ GM and multiple titled players?

It feels amazing. After playing very well in a norm tournament in Charlotte a few weeks ago (information / replay games), it was encouraging to have a good follow-up at this event. I haven’t won an open tournament out of state in over four years, so it’s a really nice feeling, especially being able to hold my highest rated draw ever against GM Zhou in the final round, knowing that a draw would possibly give me a chance to tie for 1st.

What was your best game of the tournament?

My best game of the tournament was my game against FM Rose Atwell, where I managed to win in a very complicated position out of the opening (replay the games here). Rose is a very talented player with a bright future. I was following the US Women’s Junior Championship in July of last year, where she finished a close second behind IM Alice Lee. I knew that she was a dangerous opponent that I couldn’t take lightly. I decided to play a surprise out of the opening and while it didn’t lead to an advantage at the board, I managed the complications a little better and her low time ended up being too much to overcome.

Throwback: Interview with Rose Atwell / 16 year old FM Rose Atwell takes Hikaru Nakamura’s scalp in Freestyle chess

You are close to reaching the 2400 mark. How far is the IM title?

I still need about 70 more FIDE points to get to 2400 FIDE, as well as needing one more norm which I hope to get at the Chicago Open in a few weeks. After that I’m hoping to play a GM Norm tournament in Austin, in mid-June.

Follow: Ryan Amburgy on X

Space Coast Open final standings