Overview

• Three Israeli players quit earlier in the week and four more withdrawals were announced on Friday just before the opening round.
• The organizing club had asked Israeli entrants to skip the tournament or play under the FIDE flag as a protest over the war in Gaza.
• FIDE cautioned that failure to follow its regulations could mean derecognition, no rating points for participants, and possible suspension.
• Organizers removed national flags from the venue and said regional flags and a Palestinian flag would be displayed as a solidarity gesture.
• A local demonstration is set for September 13, while the nine‑round open proceeds September 12–18 at the Frontón Municipal de Las Llanas with more than €20,000 in prizes and eight grandmasters entered.