Taking a break...

Unfortunately, because of my busy schedule / holiday vacation, I will not be able to contribute to this blog until approximately mid-January.  Thank you and see you then.

Magnus Carlsen wins the London Chess Classic!

Carlsen won the tournament with a +5 score and a 2994 Performance

Magnus Carlsen won the London Chess Classic with a 18 points from 8 rounds (6.5/8).  Carlsen is currently the highest rated player ever at 2861.4.  Vladimir Kramnik, who came in clear 2nd, became the World #2 in this tournament.

Round 8 Results:

Anand - Nakamura 1/2 (GOTD)

McShane - Polgar 0-1 (Polgar's first win of the LCC)

Aronian - Adams 1/2

Kramnik - Jones 1-0

Bye - Carlsen, analyzing with IM Lawrence Trent and GM Nigel Short

Round 9 Results:

Polgar - Aronian 1/2

Adams - Kramnik 1/2

Nakamura - McShane 1-0 (GOTD)

Carlsen - Anand 1/2

Final standings after 9 rounds (remember that each player played 8 games and had 1 bye):
3-1-0 Scoring:
1. Magnus Carlsen 18
2. Vladimir Kramnik 16
3-4. Mickey Adams, Hikaru Nakamura 13
5. Anand 9
6. Aronian 8
7. Judit Polgar 6
8. Luke McShane 5
9. Gawain Jones 3

Traditional Scoring:
1. Carlsen 6.5/8 (+5)
2. Kramnik 6.0 (+4)
3-4. Nakamura, Adams 5.0 (+2)
5. Anand 4.0 (=)
6. Aronian 3.5 (-1)
7. Polgar 2.5 (-3)
8. McShane 2.0 (-4)
9. Jones 1.5 (-5)

Final Performance Ratings:
1. Magnus Carlsen 2994
2. Vladimir Kramnik 2937
3. Mickey Adams 2845
4. Hikaru Nakamura 2839
5. Vishy Anand 2749
6. Levon Aronian 2701
7. Judit Polgar 2621
8. Luke McShane 2566
9. Gawain Jones 2511

Live FIDE Ratings:
World #1 Magnus Carlsen 2861.4
World #2 Vladimir Kramnik 2809.7
World #3 Levon Aronian 2802.2
World #7 Vishy Anand 2772.1
World #9 Hikaru Nakamura 2768.9
World #25 Mickey Adams 2722.7
Luke McShane ~2696.9
Judit Polgar ~2696
Gawain Jones ~2632

The London Chess Classic was a great tournament, and incredibly strong.  It is not often where you see the current World Champion at an even score and the (pre-tournament) World #2 at a minus score.  Congratulations to Magnus Carlsen, who won the event at an incredible +5, establishing him as the highest rated player in history, passing none other that Garry Kasparov.

This Week in Birthdays: Nakamura, Anand, Antonius

US #1 Hikaru Nakamura, currently playing the London Chess Classic, turns 25 today

This week in chess and poker birthdays.  Happy birthday to all!

December 9 - December 15

Sunday, December 9:

• Hikaru Nakamura (Age 25, US GM, Current US Chess Champion, 2760)
• Ernesto Inarkiev (Age 27, Russian GM, 2693)
• Neil Channing (Age 45, English Poker Pro, 2008 Irish Poker Open Champion, #6 on England All Time Money List)

Monday, December 10:

• none

Jones & Anand, who played each other last Tuesday, share their birthday this Tuesday

Tuesday, December 11:

• Viswanathan Anand (Age 43, Indian GM, Current World Chess Champion, 2775)
• Gawain Jones (Age 25, English GM, Current British Chess Champion, 2644)

Wednesday, December 12:

• Brandon Adams (Age 34, US Poker Pro, 24th on the Stud All Time Money List)

Peter Eastgate, '08 World Champion, turns 27 on Thursday

Thursday, December 13:

• Peter Eastgate (Age 27, Danish Poker Pro, 2008 WSOP Main Event Champion)
• Patrik Antonius (Age 31, Finnish Poker Pro, widely regarded as one of the best cash game poker players in the world)

Friday, December 14:

• Victor Bologan (Age 41, Moldovan GM, Chess Author and Chessbase DVD contributor, 2681)
• Jan Timman (Age 61, Dutch GM, 1993 World Championship Candidate, 2570)

4 Draws in London

4 draws at the London Chess Classic today in Round 7

In LCC Round 7, there were 4 draws, increasing the draw rate to 43% (12/28).  Mickey Adams held a distinct advantage against Luke McShane, but missed a win and McShane held the draw.

Round 7 Results:

Jones - Aronian 1/2

Adams - McShane 1/2

Polgar - Anand 1/2

Nakamura - Carlsen 1/2 (GOTD)

Standings after Round 7 of 9:
3-1-0 Scoring:
1. Magnus Carlsen 17.0/7
2. Vladimir Kramnik 12.0/6
3. Mickey Adams 11.0/6
4. Hikaru Nakamura 9.0/6
5. Vishy Anand 7.0/6
6. Levon Aronian 6.0/6
7. Luke McShane 5.0/6
8. Gawain Jones 3.0/7
9. Judit Polgar 2.0/6

Traditional Scoring:
1. Carlsen 6.0/7 (+5)
2. Kramnik 4.5/6 (+3)
3. Adams 4.0/6 (+2)
4. Nakamura 3.5/6 (+1)
5. Anand 3.0/6 (=)
6. Aronian 2.5/6 (-1)
7. McShane 2.0/6 (-2)
8. Jones 1.5/7 (-4)
9. Polgar 1.0/6 (-4)

Performance Ratings:
1. Carlsen 3045
2. Kramnik 2960
3. Adams 2861
4. Nakamura 2811
5. Anand 2731
6. Aronian 2698
7. McShane 2645
8. Jones 2536
9. Polgar 2476

Live FIDE Ratings:
World #1 Magnus Carlsen 2862.4
World #2 Vladimir Kramnik 2807.9
World #3 Levon Aronian 2805.1
World #7 Vishy Anand 2771.3
World #11 Hikaru Nakamura 2764.4
World #26 Mickey Adams 2720.1
World #39 Luke McShane 2706.3
Judit Polgar ~2689
Gawain Jones ~2635

Round 8 Pairings:
Anand - Nakamura
McShane - Polgar
Aronian - Adams
Kramnik - Jones
Bye - Carlsen

Final Round 9 Pairings:
Adams - Kramnik
Polgar - Aronian
Nakamura - McShane
Carlsen - Anand
Bye - Jones

Carlsen is the highest rated player ever

Carlsen, once Kasparov's student, passes him as the highest rated player of all time

In Round 6 of the London Chess Classic, there were 3 decisive results.  The current draw rate is only 33% (8/24). Magnus Carlsen, who defeated Judit Polgar in Round 6, has a current live rating of 2863.6.  With this Round 6 victory, he is guaranteed an official post-tournament rating over 2851, even if he loses Round 7 and 9 (Carlsen has a bye in Round 8).  This rating will eclipse Garry Kasparov's all-time rating record from July 1999-January 2000.  Carlsen becomes the highest rated player in history.  By drawing against Aronian, Kramnik passes Aronian on the live ratings to become World #2.

Vishy Anand lost to Michael Adams when he blundered horribly in a drawn position.  Luke McShane defeated Gawain Jones, and Aronian and Kramnik drew.  Hikaru Nakamura had a bye.

Round 6 Results:
Carlsen - Polgar 1-0
Anand - Adams 0-1 (GOTD)
McShane - Jones 1-0
Aronian - Kramnik 1/2
Bye - Nakamura

Standings after Round 6 of 9:
3-1-0 Scoring:
1. Carlsen 16.0/6
2. Kramnik 12.0/6
3. Adams 10.0/5
4. Nakamura 8.0/5
5. Anand 6.0/5
6. Aronian 5.0/5
7. McShane 4.0/5
8. Jones 2.0/6
9. Polgar 1.0/6

Traditional Scoring:
1. Carlsen 5.5/6 (+5)
2. Kramnik 4.5/6 (+3)
3. Adams 3.5/5 (+2)
4. Nakamura 3.0/5 (+1)
5. Anand 2.5/5 (=)
6. Aronian 2.0/5 (-1)
7. McShane 1.5/5 (-2)
8. Jones 1.0/6 (-4)
9. Polgar 0.5/5 (-4)

Performance Ratings:
1. Carlsen 3146
2. Kramnik 2960
3. Adams 2893
4. Nakamura 2804
5. Anand 2736
6. Aronian 2708
7. McShane 2629
8. Jones 2473
9. Polgar 2370

Live FIDE Ratings:
World #1 Magnus Carlsen 2863.6
World #2 Vladimir Kramnik 2807.9
World #3 Levon Aronian 2807.4
World #7 Vishy Anand 2772.3
World #12 Hikaru Nakamura 2763.2
World #27 Mickey Adams 2720.1
World #39 Luke McShane 2706.3
Judit Polgar ~ 2688
Gawain Jones ~2633

Round 7 Pairings:
Jones - Aronian
Adams - McShane
Polgar - Anand
Nakamura - Carlsen
Bye - Kramnik

4 decisive results in London Round 5

Among 4 decisive games in Round 5, Kramnik beat McShane nicely and approaches World #2

In Round 5 of the London Chess Classic, we had the second round where all four games were decisive (Round 1 had 4/4 as well).  The draw rate an amazingly only 35% (7/20). This shows the fighting spirit that the 3-1-0 scoring system produces.

Vishy Anand won his first classical game since Game 8 of the 2012 World Championship match against Gelfand in May over British Champion Gawain Jones.

Hikaru Nakamura, who recently regained his title of the #1 FIDE-rated US Player on the live ratings, since Gata Kamsky lost over 10 points in Tashkent, defeated the World's #1 Woman Judit Polgar, who is now below 2700, at only 1/2 point from 4 games.  Nakamura, currently World #12, will jump to #8 if he gains just 3.2 more rating points.

Magnus Carlsen continued his wonderful tournament by defeating Mickey Adams, who was doing well in the tournament until this point.

Vladimir Kramnik is also having a great tournament, defeating Luke McShane.  He is now only 0.1 live rating points behind World #2 Aronian, who had his bye today.

Amazingly, all 3 British players lost their games today (Jones, McShane, Adams).

Round 5 Results:
Jones - Anand 0-1
Polgar - Nakamura 0-1
Adams - Carlsen 0-1
Kramnik - McShane 1-0 (GOTD)
Bye - Aronian

Standings after Round 5 of 9:
3-1-0 Scoring:
1. Carlsen 13.0/5
2. Kramnik 11.0/5
3. Nakamura 8.0/5
4. Adams 7.0/4
5. Anand 6.0/4
6. Aronian 4.0/4
7. Jones 2.0/5
8-9. McShane, Polgar 1.0/4

Traditional Scoring:
1. Carlsen 4.5/5 (+4)
2. Kramnik 4.0/5 (+3)
3. Nakamura 3.0/5 (+2)
4-5. Anand, Adams 2.5/4 (+1)
6. Aronian 1.5/4 (-1)
7. Jones 1.0/5 (-2)
8-9. McShane, Polgar 0.5/4 (-3)

Performance Ratings:
1. Carlsen 3117
2. Kramnik 3001
3. Anand 2830
4. Adams 2827
5. Nakamura 2804
6. Aronian 2686
7. Jones 2519
8. McShane 2471
9. Polgar 2390


Live FIDE Ratings:
World #1 Carlsen 2860.5
World #2 Aronian 2807.7
World #3 Kramnik 2807.6
World #7 Anand 2778.2
World #12 Nakamura 2763.2
World #30 Adams 2714.2
World #45 McShane 2702.3
Judit Polgar ~2691
Gawain Jones ~2637

The Round 6 pairings are interesting, with tournament leader Magnus Carlsen playing against (tied) last place Judit Polgar with White.  World Champion Vishy Anand, who scored his first win in this event in Round 5, will face current England #1 Mickey Adams, who is coming off his first loss in the LCC.  The two young Brits Luke McShane and Gawain Jones, neither of which are having a good tournament will play each other.  Finally, World #2 Levon Aronian and World #3 Kramnik will face each other.  They are separated by just 0.1 Live Rating point, and the winner will be World #2, but still 50+ points behind World #1 Carlsen.  US #1 Hikaru Nakamura will have a bye.

Round 6 Pairings:
Carlsen - Polgar
Anand - Adams
McShane - Jones
Aronian - Kramnik
Bye - Nakamura

Expect many decisive results in Round 6.  Stay posted.

Carlsen leads London Chess Classic

Carlsen defeated 2012 British Champion Gawain Jones and is in clear first in the LCC

In Round 4 of the London Chess Classic, World #1 Carlsen and World #2 Aronian defeated their respective opponents, reigning British Champion Gawain Jones (2644) and English #1 Luke McShane (2713), the world's highest rated chess amateur (McShane is a financial trader).  Carlsen's current live rating of 2857.4 is the highest in chess history.  He is 50 points ahead of World #2 (Aronian) and 100 points ahead of World #13 (Morozevich). Today was a rest day, and Round 5 (of 9) will be tomorrow.  Here are the Round 4 results:

Nakamura - Adams 1/2
Carlsen - Jones 1-0
Anand - Kramnik 1/2
McShane - Aronian 0-1
Bye - Polgar

Standings after Round 4 (note that Adams, Anand, McShane and Polgar have already received their byes).
3-1-0 Scoring:
1. Carlsen 10.0/4
2. Kramnik 8.0/4
3. Adams 7.0/3
4. Nakamura 5.0/4
5. Aronian 4.0/4
6. Anand 3.0/3
7. Jones 2.0/4
8-9. McShane, Polgar 1.0/3

Traditional Scoring:
1. Carlsen 3.5/4
2. Kramnik 3.0/4
3. Adams 2.5/3
4. Nakamura 2.0/4
5. Anand 1.5/3
6. Aronian 1.5/4
7. Jones 1.0/4
8-9. McShane, Polgar 0.5/3

Performance Ratings:
1. Carlsen 3079
2. Adams 2982
3. Kramnik 2962
4. Anand 2775
5. Nakamura 2741
6. Aronian 2686
7. Jones 2565
8. McShane 2534
9. Polgar 2437

Live Ratings:
Carlsen 2857.4 (#1, broke Kasparov's World FIDE Rating Record after Round 2)
Aronian 2807.7 (#2)
Kramnik 2803.7 (#3)
Anand 2775 (#6)
Nakamura 2759 (#12)
Adams 2727.3 (#28)
McShane 2706.2 (#39)
Polgar 2695
Jones 2640

Tomorrow's Round 5 pairings:
Kramnik - McShane
Jones - Anand
Adams - Carlsen
Polgar - Nakamura
Bye - Aronian

Stay posted for future reports.

The Final Table of the DeepStacks Mohegan Sun National Championship has arrived

The $500,000 Guarantee 2012 $2500 DeepStacks Poker Tour Mohegan Sun National Championship (with re-entries) is currently in Day 3.  The DeepStacks Poker Tour is a poker tournament circuit that specializes in increasing player fields and prize pools though pro poker player participation and education.  DeepStacks has pro sponsors including Mike "The Mouth" Matusow, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi and Justin "Boosted J" Smith.

There was a total field of 242 players, with exactly 50% (121) making it through Day 1, where David Stefanski was the overwhelming chip leader (T348,100, 81.3% ahead of 2nd place).  Players started with 40,000 in chips.  Team DeepStacks Pros Mike Matusow, Chip Jett, Darrel Dier and Tristan Wade each survived the day, but Michael Mizrachi, after firing through 3 re-entries, did not survive.

Notable Day 1 Survivors:
Mike Matusow (T140,200)
Vanessa Selbst (T162,600, 7th in chips)
Chip Jett (T56,600)
Matt Glantz (T83,300, 1 re-entry)
Matt Affleck (T133,300)
Darrel Dier (T39,900)
Tristan Wade (T25,800)
Jared Jaffee (T157,000)
David Paredes (T133,700)
Aaron Massey (T100,300)
Allen Kessler (T38,200, 1 re-entry)

Notable Day 1 Bustouts:
Michael Mizrachi

On Day 2, Matt Kuba emerged the slight chip leader with T777,000.  36 players survived the day, with the "min-cash" being at #25 = $5,600.

Notable Day 2 Bustouts:
Mike Matusow
Vanessa Selbst
Allen Kessler
Kurt Jewell

After Day 3, the final 6-handed table was established.  First Place is $162,390.

1. David Stefanski (T3,715,000)
2. Artyem Perlov (T2,650,000)
3. Adam Bitker (T1,310,000)
4. Patrick Chan (T970,000)
5. Nicholas Palma (T945,000)
6. Andrew Sherman-Ash (T605,000)

Chess Update: London Classic, GP, WWCC

Anna Ushenina (R) won on tiebreaks in the Finals to become Women's World Champion

Ukrainian IM Anna Ushenina won the Women's World Chess Championship by defeating GM Antoaneta Stefanova, an ex-Women's World Champion (2004-6),  in the rapid chess tiebreaks of the final match.  With this title, Ushenina also receives the GM Title.  She is the 16th Women's World Champion.

GMs Mamedyarov and Dominguez, in =1st and Last Place, respectively

In the FIDE Grand Prix, Alexander Morozevich and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov lead with 6.0/10.

In Round 7, there were 2 decisive results:

Mamedyarov 2764 - Kamsky 2762 1/2

Ponomariov 2741 - Gelfand 2751 1/2

Dominguez 2726 - Caruana 2786 0-1

Karjakin 2775 - Morozevich 2748 1-0

Wang Hao 2737 - Svidler 2747 1/2

Kasimdzhanov 2696 - Leko 2732 1/2

In Round 8, there was 1 decisive result:

Kamsky - Leko 0-1

Svidler - Kasimdzhanov 1/2

Morozeivhc - Wang Hao 1/2

Caruana - Karjain 1/2

Gelfand - Dominguez 1/2

Mamedyarov - Ponomariov 1/2

In Round 9, there was 1 decisive result:

Ponomariov - Kamsky 1/2

Dominguez - Mamedyarov 1/2

Karjakin - Gelfand 1/2

Wang Hao - Caruana 1-0

Kasimdzhanov - Morozevich 1/2

Leko - Svidler 1/2

In Round 10 (today), there were 3 decisive results:

Kamsky - Svidler 1/2

Morozevich - Leko 1-0

Caruana - Kasimdzhanov 1/2

Gelfand - Wang Hao 1/2

Mamedyarov - Karjakin 1-0

Ponomariov - Dominguez 1-0

Standings after 10 rounds (out of 11):

1-2. Morozevich, Mamedyarov (6.0/10) (+2)

3-7. Caruana, Ponomariov, Karjakin, Wang Hao, Kasimdzhanov (5.5/10) (+1)

8-9. Svidler, Leko (5.0/10) (=)

10. Gelfand (4.0/10) (-2)

11. Kamsky (3.5/10) (-3)

12. Dominguez (3.0/10) (-4)

Tomorrow's Round 11 Pairings (Final):

Dominguez - Kamsky

Karjakin - Ponomariov

Wang Hao - Mamedyarov

Kasimdzhanov - Gelfand

Leko - Caruana

Svidler - Morozevich

Performance Ratings:

1. Morozevich 2817

2. Mamedyarov 2816

3. Kasimzhanov 2786
4-5. Ponomariov, Karjakin 2779
6. Wang Hao 2781
7. Caruana 2780
8. Svidler 2747
9. Leko 2744
10. Gelfand 2682
11. Kamsky 2641
12. Dominguez 2601

FIDE Live Ratings after Round 10:

Caruana: 2781.4 (#5)

Karjakin: 2775.8 (#6)

Mamedyarov: 2771.8 (#8)

Morozevich: 2757.8 (#13)

Svidler: 2747 (#14)

Kamsky: 2745 (#15)

Wang Hao: 2743.2 (#16)

Gelfand: 2741.2 (#17)

Ponomariov: 2737.5 (#20)

Leko: 2733.7 (#22)

Dominguez: 2717 (#27)

Kasimdzhanov: 2697.5 (#49)

Kramnik and Carlsen, after winning rounds 1 & 2, drew their Round 3 encounter

The 4th London Chess Classic is taking place at the Olympia Conference Center in London.  There are 9 elite players, constituting a 2752 average rating.

The 9 players:

World #1 Magnus Carlsen (2848)

World #2 Levon Aronian (2815)

World #3 and ex-World Champion Vladimir Kramnik (2795)

World #6 and current World Champion Viswanathan Anand (2775)

World #13 and US #1 Hikaru Nakamura (2760)

World #29 and England #1 Luke McShane (2713)

World #33 and England #2 Michael Adams (2710)

World #41 and #1 Female ever Judit Polgar (2705)

World #112 and England #4 Gawain Jones (2644)

The London Chess Classic uses the 3-1-0 scoring system (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 for a loss), which will promote less draws in this elite event, as evident by the results of Round 1.  Since there is an odd number of players, only 8 will play each day, with the ninth receiving a bye providing live commentary during the round. This unique system will also keep the results less predictable until the very end of the tournament.

Round 1 Results (4 decisive results!):

McShane - Carlsen 0-1

Aronian - Nakamura 0-1 GOTD

Kramnik - Polgar 1-0

Jones - Adams 0-1

Bye - Anand

Round 2 Results:

Polgar - Jones 1/2 GOTD

Nakamura - Kramnik 0-1

Carlsen - Aronian 1-0

Anand - McShane 1/2

Bye - Adams

Round 3 (today) Results:

Aronian - Anand 1/2

Kramnik - Carlsen 1/2

Jones - Nakamura 1/2

Adams - Polgar 1-0 GOTD

Bye - McShane

3-1-0 Results after Round 3 (remember that Adams, Anand, McShane have only played 2 rounds):

1-2. Kramnik, Carlsen 7.0/3

3. Adams 6.0/2

4. Nakamura 4.0/3

5. Anand 2.0/2

6. Jones 2.0/3

7. McShane 1.0/2

8-9. Aronian, Polgar 1.0/3

Traditional Results after Round 3:

1-2. Kramnik, Carlsen 2.5/3

3. Adams 2.0/2

4. Nakamura 1.5/3

5. Anand 1.0/2

6. Jones 1.0/3

7. McShane 0.5/2

8-9. Aronian, Polgar 0.5/3

Tomorrow's Round 4 Pairings:

Nakamura - Adams

Carlsen - Jones

Anand - Kramnik

McShane - Aronian

Bye - Polgar

Performance Ratings after Round 3:

1. Adams 3474

2. Carlsen 3053

3. Kramnik 3050

4. Anand 2764

5. Nakamura 2752

6. McShane 2621

7. Jones 2605

8. Aronian 2515

9. Polgar 2437

Live Ratings after Round 3:

Carlsen 2855 (#1)

Aronian 2804.1 (#2)

Kramnik 2804 (#3)

Anand 2774.7 (#7)

Nakamura 2759.7 (#12)

Adams 2716.6 (#28)

McShane 2709.8 (#36)

Polgar 2695 (#52)

Jones 2642 (#114)

This Week in Birthdays: Harrington, Merson, Esfandiari

Reigning WSOP Main Event Champion Greg Merson turns 25 on Saturday

The week in chess and poker birthdays.  Happy birthday to all!

December 2 - December 8

Sunday, December 2:

• none

Monday, December 3:

• Miguel Illescas (Age 47, Spanish GM, 8-time Spanish National Champion, 2620)

Tuesday, December 4:

• William Lombardy (Age 75, American GM, 2435)

Wednesday, December 5:

• Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Age 33, Uzbekistani GM, 2004-5 FIDE World Champion, Currently playing in FIDE Grand Prix in Tashkent (where he was born), 2696)
• Ron Henley (Age 56, American GM, Chess Author, 2415)

Thursday, December 6:

• Anton Filippov (Age 26, Uzbekistani GM, 2652)
• Dan Harrington (Age 67, 2 WSOP Bracelets, 1995 WSOP Main Event Champion, 2010 Poker Hall of Fame Inductee, USCF National Master (2355))

Friday, December 7:

• Vladimir Akopian (Age 41, Armenian GM, 1991 World Junior Champion, 2704)

Saturday, December 8:

• Antonio Esfandiari (Age 34, 3 WSOP Bracelets, #1 on Several All-Time Money Lists)
• Greg Merson (Age 25, 2 WSOP Bracelets, 2012 WSOP Main Event Champion)

WPT Mazagan Report

Giacomo Fundaro, 2012 WPT Mazagan Main Event Champion

Giacomo Fundaro (Italy) won the $3500 2012 WPT Mazagan Main Event for 1,443,000 Moroccan Dirham ($168,207 USD).  He defeated Frederic Brunet ($99,082) heads-up when his A3o held up against Q9s all-in pre-flop on a board of A5477.  Here is the final table payout:

1. Giacomo Fundaro ($168,207)

2. Frederic Brunet ($99,082)

3. Jeremy Nock ($64,048)

4. Davidi Kitai ($47,279)

5. Clement Beauvois ($35,518)

6. Bruno Fitoussi ($28,531)

Prior to this tournament victory, Fundaro had $185,372 in live tournament earnings.

Notable Players in the field included: Guillaume Darcourt, Steve O'Dwyer, Daniel Cates, David Benyamine, Gaelle Baumann (10th in 2012 WSOP Main Event), Kara Scott.  The total prizepool was $577,387 from 146 entries.

December 2012 FIDE Rating List

Italian-American Fabiano Caruana is World #5 and top Junior on the 12/12 Rating List

Today, FIDE released the December 2012 FIDE Rating List.  All players listed are GMs unless otherwise stated.  Players in Bold are American.  Players in Italics are mentioned in another list.

Here are the top 50 players overall and their changes in position from the November 2012 Rating List:


1. Magnus Carlsen 2848 (=)
2. Levon Aronian 2815 (=)
3. Vladimir Kramnik 2795 (=)
4. Teimour Radjabov 2793 (=)
5. Fabiano Caruana 2782 (=)
6-7. Viswanathan Anand, Sergey Karjakin 2775 (=, =)
8. Veselin Topalov 2771 (=)
9. Vassily Ivanchuk 2766 (+2)
10-11. Alexander Grischuk, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov 2764 (-1, =)
12. Gata Kamsky 2762 (=)
13. Hikaru Nakamura 2760 (=)
14. Boris Gelfand 2751 (=)
15. Alexander Morozevich 2748 (=)
16. Peter Svidler 2747 (=)
17. Dmitry Jakovenko 2741 (=)
18-19. Vugar Gashimov, Wang Hao 2737 (+2, =)
20-21. Leinier Dominguez Perez, Radoslaw Wojtaszek 2734 (+3, =)
22-23. Ruslan Ponomariov, Peter Leko 2732 (-4, =)
24. Evgeny Tomashevsky 2725 (=)
25. Dmitry Andreiken 2723 (=)
26. Andrei Volokitin 2722 (=)
27-28. Anish Giri, Alexander Areshchenko 2720 (=, +4)
29. Luke McShane 2713 (=)
30-31. Baadur Jobava, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 2711 (+5, =)
32-34. Alexander Moiseenko, Michael Adams, David Navara 2710 (+16, =, =)

35-36. Ivan Cheparinov, Vladimir Malakhov 2709 (=, =)

37-38. Arkadij Naiditsch, Alexei Shirov 2708 (=, +20)

39. Ian Nepomniachtchi 2707 (-1)

40-42. Le Quang Liem, Judit Polgar, Alexander Riazantsev 2705 (=, =, =)

43. Vladimir Akopian 2704 (+2)

44. Etienne Bacrot 2703 (+5)

45-46. Ding Liren, Anton Korobov 2702 (+2, =)

47. Laurent Fressinet 2700 (-3)

48. Pentala Harikrishna 2698 (+11)

49-51. Zahar Efimenko, Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Wang Yue (2696) (+3, =, +4)

Top 20 Women:

1. Judit Polgar 2705 (=)

2. Humpy Koneru 2610 (=)

3. Hou Yifan 2606 (=)

4. Anna Muzychuk 2586 (=)

5. Zhao Xue 2565 (=)

6. Nana Dzagnidze 2555 (=)

7. Kateryna Lahno 2553 (=)

8. Nadezhda Kosintseva 2539 (=)

9. Viktorija Cmilyte 2524 (=)

10. Marie Sebag 2521 (=)

11. IM Valentina Gunina 2517 (=)

12. Pia Cramling 2516 (=)

13. Tatiana Kosintseva 2515 (=)

14. Harika Dronavalli 2512 (=)

15. IM Bela Khotenashvili 2504 (=)

16-18. WGM Wenjun Ju, Alexandra Kosteniuk, WGM Ruan Lufei 2501 (=, = ,=)

19-20. Antoaneta Stefanova, Zhu Chen 2491 (=, =)

Top 20 Juniors (under 21):

1. Fabiano Caruana 2782  (=)

2. Anish Giri 2720 (=)

3. Ding Liren 2702 (=)

4. Wesley So 2682 (+1)

5. Yu Yangyi 2681 (-1)

6. Sanan Sjugirov 2643 (+4)

7. Parimarjan Negi 2641 (-1)

8. Illya Nyzhnyk 2637 (+1)

9. Aleksandr Shimanov 2630 (+7)

10. Dariucz Swiercz 2627 (+3)

11. Eltaj Safarli 2626 (-3)

12. Yaroslav Zherebukh 2623 (-5)

13. Richard Rapport 2621 (-2)

14. Ray Robson 2615 (-2)

15-16. Anton Kovalyov, Hou Yifan 2606 (+2, -1)

17. Daniil Dubov 2600 (-2)

18-19. Alexander Ipatov, Vasif Durarbayli 2587 (=, =)

20. Nils Grandelius (=)

WPT Montreal Report

WPT Montreal Champion Jonathan Roy with his $755,601 Canadian Dollars

Jonathan Roy of Quebec, Canada won the $3k WPT Montreal (November 23-27), winning $755,601 CAD, a seat into the 2013 $25k WPT World Championship (Bellagio, May 2013), and a WPT Championship Belt.  Roy entered the final table 3rd in chips with 62.3 BBs. He defeated Pascal Lefrancois, a fellow Quebec native heads-up for the title.  On the last hand, Lefrancois was all-in pre-flop for his BB with 83o and was eliminated by Roy's KJo on a KJ4Q9 board.

Prior to this win, Roy only had $142,461 in career Live Tournament Earnings.  On the other hand, Lefrancois had $1,351,772 in Live Tournament Earnings prior to this second place finish.

The 6-handed final table included Poker Pro Gavin Smith, who finished in 4th place.  Here is the complete final table standings:

1. Jonathan Roy ($755,601 + $25k entry)
2. Pascal Lefrancois ($473,572)
3. Jeff Gross ($319,238)
4. Gavin Smith ($212,937)
5. Sylvain Siebert ($147,184)
6. Peter Kaemmerlen ($113,792)

117 out of a total field of 1,173 players cashed for a minimum cash of $5,451 CAD for 100-117th.  There was a total prizepool of $3,387,930 for this $3k CAD event.

The next WPT Event has already begun in Mazagan, Morocco (€3500 buy-in with re-entries) November 27 - December 1), with notable names such as Guillaume Darcourt (Day 1A Chip Leader), Steve O'Dwyer, Daniel Cates, David Benyamine (eliminated Day 1A), Gaelle Baumann (10th in 2012 WSOP Main Event) and Kara Scott (eliminated Day 1B).  There is a total prizepool of $577,387 from 146 entries.

2 More Rounds in the Books in GP, WWCC

In Round 6, Morozevich defeated Dominguez to grab the lead once again in Tashkent

Round 6 of the FIDE Grand Prix in Tashkent, UZB and Round 2 of the Final Match of the Women's World Chess Championship in Khanty-Mansiysk, RUS.  See previous reports on each of these tournaments on this blog.  Watch live games from either tournament (Tashkent Grand Prix 2012, top entry and World Women Chess Championships 2012, 7th entry from the top) online here.

In Round 5 in Tashkent, there were 3 decisive results out of 6:
Gelfand (2751) - Kamsky (2762) 0-1
Mamedyarov (2764) - Caruana (2786) 1/2
Ponomariov (2741) - Morozevich (2748) 1-0
Dominguez (2726) - Svidler (2747) 1/2
Karjakin (2775) - Leko (2732) 1/2
Wang Hao (2737) - Kasimdzhanov (2696) 0-1

In Round 6, Morozevich won the only decisive game of the round and is again in clear first place
Kamsky - Kasimdzhanov 1/2
Leko - Wang Hao 1/2
Svidler - Karjakin 1/2
Morozevich - Dominguez 1-0
Caruana - Ponomariov 1/2
Gelfand - Mamedyarov 1/2

Standings after Round 6 of 11:
1. Morozevich 4.0/6 (+2)
2-5. Mamedyarov, Kasimdzhanov, Karjakin, Caruana 3.5/6 (+1)
6-9. Ponomariov, Svidler, Leko, Wang Hao 3.0/6 (=)
10-12. Gelfand, Dominguez, Kamsky 2.0/6 (-2)

Performance Ratings:
1. Morozevich 2875
2. Caruana 2810
3. Kasimdzhanov 2809
4. Mamedyarov 2801
5. Karjakin 2791
6. Svidler 2757
7. Leko 2749
8. Ponomariov 2741
9. Wang Hao 2738
10. Gelfand 2637
11. Dominguez 2619
12. Kamsky 2629

FIDE Live Ratings of these 12 players after 6 rounds in Tashkent:
Caruana: 2784.1 (#5)
Karjakin: 2776.5 (#6)
Mamedyarov: 2767.4 (#9)
Morozevich: 2758.5 (#13)
Kamsky: 2750.9 (#14)
Svidler: 2747.8 (#15)
Gelfand: 2741.5 (#16)
Wang Hao: 2737 (#18)
Leko: 2733.4 (#21)
Ponomariov: 2732 (#22)
Dominguez: 2724.7 (#25)
Kasimdzhanov: 2706 (#39)

Round 7 Pairings:
Mamedyarov - Kamsky
Ponomariov - Gelfand
Dominguez - Caruana
Karjakin - Morozevich
Wang Hao - Svidler
Kasimdzhanov - Leko

In the Women's World Championship, the final match is between Bulgarian GM Antoaneta Stefanova (2491) and Ukrainian IM Anna Ushenina (2452).  This match will be a four-game final which will decide a new Women's World Champion.  This champion will retain the title until former champion GM Hou Yifan challenges either Stefanova or Ushenina in a 10-game match in late 2013, where the winner of that match will become the 2013-4 Women's World Champion.

In the first game, Ushenina had white and drew in a 36-move Bogo-Indian.

In the second game, Stefanova had white and the game was drawn in a 17-move Semi-slav 4...Bb4.

WPT Montreal Day 3 Results

Pascal Lefrancois enters the final table 4th in chips and is guaranteed  $113,155

The 2012 $3,300 WPT Montreal Main Event had 1,173 entries, which is a record for a Canadian poker tournament with a buy-in of $1k or more.  This resulted in a prize pool of $3,387,930 (12.5% rake).  117 places are paid (10%), with $779,710 (23%) going to 1st place.

After Day 1a, 141 of 478 players advanced, with Patrick Lelievre leading with T326,100 chips.  Other notable stacks were Marc-Andre Ladouceur (2012 WSOP Main Event 13th place ($465,159) 4th in chips and Antonio Esfandiari in 10th.  Notable bustouts included Jonathan Duhamel, Tom Marchese, Phil Laak and Daniel Negreanu.

After Day 1b, 221 of 695 players advanced, with Kalpesh Raichura leading with T314,200 chips.  Other notable stacks were Amanda Musumeci 10th in chips and Andy Frankenberger in 12th.  Notable bustouts included Brian Rast, Daniel Negreanu (re-entry), Faraz Jaka and Jonathan Duhamel (re-entry).

After Day 2, only 45 of 362 players advanced, and the bubble burst, with Jeff Gross leading with T2,422,000 chips.  Other notable stacks were Mike McDonald in 2nd and Gavin Smith in 9th.  Notable bustouts included Marc-Andre Ladouceur ($10,840), Tom Marchese, David Williams, Tony Dunst, Andy Frankenberger, Antonio Esfandiari, John Racener, Isabelle Mercier, Joseph Cheong and Peter Jetten.

After Day 3, only 6 of 45 players advanced, including Day 3 Chip Leader Jeff Gross, second in chips.  The chip average is slightly above 5.8 million (~49 BBs).  Notable bustouts included Dan Smith, Mike McDonald and Jason Koon.  Chip Leader is Sylvain Siebert.  The most notable names are Pascal Lefrancois, 4th in chips with roughly 50 BBs and Gavin Smith, the short stack with roughly 13 BBs.

6 players enter the final table tomorrow at at 4:00pm EST, with the following payouts:
1st = $779,710
2nd = $470,920
3rd = $317,450
4th = $211,745
5th = $146,360
6th = $113,155

FIDE GP Tashkent Round 4 Report

Morozevich drew Round 4, but leads Tashkent 2012 with a 2959 performance

After 4 rounds of the FIDE Grand Prix in Tashkent, Alexander Morozevich (2748) leads with 3.0/4 and a 2959 performance rating.

Round 2 Results:
Kamsky - Karjakin 1/2
Wang Hao - Dominguez 1/2
Kasimdzhanov - Ponomariov 1/2
Leko - Mamedyarov 1/2
Svidler - Gelfand 1/2
Morozevich - Caruana 1-0

Round 3 Results:
Caruana - Kamsky 1-0
Gelfand - Morozevich 1/2
Mamedyarov - Svidler 1-0
Ponomariov - Leko 1/2
Dominguez - Kasimdzhanov 1/2
Karjakin - Wang Hao 1/2

Round 4 Results:
Kamsky - Wang Hao 0-1
Kasimdzhanov - Karjakin 1/2
Leko - Dominguez 1/2
Svidler - Ponomariov 1-0
Morozevich - Mamedyarov 1/2
Caruana - Gelfand 1-0

Standings after Round 4:
1. Morozevich: 3.0/4
2-5. Mamedyarov, Karjakin, Wang Hao, Caruana: 2.5/4
6-8. Kasimdzhanov, Svidler, Leko: 2.0/4
9-11. Gelfand, Ponomariov, Dominguez: 1.5/4
12. Kamsky: 0.5/4

Performance Ratings:
1. Morozevich: 2959
2. Caruana: 2847
3. Wang Hao: 2846
4. Mamedyarov: 2826
5. Karjakin: 2825
6. Svidler: 2761
7. Kasimdzhanov: 2752
8. Leko: 2746
9. Gelfand: 2666
10. Dominguez: 2648
11. Ponomariov: 2641
12. Kamsky: 2440

Live FIDE Ratings / Changes from Tashkent 2012 Tournament only:
Caruana: +3.2 to 2785 to World #5 (=)
Karjakin: +2.5 to 2777.5 to World #6 (+1)
Mamedyarov: +3.3 to 2767.3 to World #9 (+1)
Morozevich: +10.9 to 2758.9 to World #13 (+2)
Svidler: +0.7 to 2747.7 to World #14 (+2)
Kamsky: -15.0 to 2747 to World #15 (-3)
Gelfand: -4.9 to 2746.1 to World #16 (-2)
Wang Hao: +5.7 to 2742.7 to World #17 (+2)
Leko: +0.7 to 2732.7 to World #21 (+1)
Dominguez: -4.4 to 2729.1 to World #22 (+1)
Ponomariov: -5.7 to 2726.3 to World #24 (-6)
Kasimdzhanov: +3.0 to 2699 to World #51 (=)

Today, Monday, is a Rest Day.  Tomorrow is Round 5.

Tomorrow's Round 5 Pairings:
Gelfand - Kamsky
Mamedyarov - Caruana
Ponomariov - Morozevich
Dominguez - Svidler
Karjakin - Leko
Wang Hao - Kasimdzhanov

A reminder that these players are playing for about $220,000 US in prize money and for Grand Prix Points for the Grand Prix cycle, a major part of the 2014 World Championship Cycle.

This Week in Birthdays: Carlsen, Reshevsky, Harman

Samuel Reshevsky, here giving a Simul at age 8, would have turned 101 tomorrow

This week's chess and poker birthdays.  Happy Birthday to all!

November 25 - December 1

Sunday, November 25:

• none

Monday, November 26:

• Baadur Jobava (Age 29, Georgian GM, 2710)
• Ivan Cheparinov (Age 26, Bulgarian GM, 2710)
• Samuel Reshevsky (Deceased, US GM, 8-time US Champion)

Tuesday, November 27:

• Vladimir Malakhov (Age 32, Russian GM, 2709)
• Freddy "Fast Freddy" Deeb (Age 57, Lebanese-American Poker Pro, 2 WSOP Bracelets)

Wednesday, November 28:

• Evgeny Alekseev (Age 27, Russian GM, 2691)
• Kiril Georgiev (Age 47, Bulgarian GM, 2660)

Thursday, November 29:

• Lev Psakhis (Age 54, Israeli GM, 2524)
• Don Cheadle (Age 48, Amateur Poker Player, Defeated Phil Ivey, David Pham and J.P Kelly in NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship)
• Jennifer Harman (Age 48, US Poker Pro, 2 WSOP Bracelets, Recognized as one of the best female poker players in the world)

Friday, November 30:

• Magnus Carlsen (Age 22, Norweigian GM, World #1, 2848)

Saturday, December 1:

• Fred "Sarge" Ferris (Deceased, US Poker Pro, 1 WSOP Bracelet, 1989 Poker Hall of Fame Inductee) 

5 Most Successful WSOP Circuit Players

Here are some stats I compiled on the top 5 on the All-Time Money List for the WSOP Circuit.

Peter Feldman, #1 on the WSOPC All-Time Money List

1. Peter "Nordberg" Feldman

• $830,027 in WSOPC Earnings
• 2006 $10k WSOPC New Orleans Champion ($532,950) (def. Gavin Smith)
• 2 WSOPC Titles

2. Nghi "Henry" Van Tran

• $780,615 in WSOPC Earnings
• 2005 $9500 WSOPC Atlantic City Champion ($780,615) (def. Erick Lindgren)
• 1 WSOPC Title

3. Daniel "Kid Poker" Negreanu

• $755,525 in WSOPC Earnings
• 2006 $10k WSOPC Robinsville Champion ($755,525) (def. Bryant King)
• 1 WSOPC Title

4. John Spadavecchia

• $713,505 in WSOPC Earnings
• 2006 $10k Caesers Las Vegas Champion ($648,320) (def. Sean McCabe)
• 1 WSOPC Title

5. Chris "Jesus" Ferguson

• $703,923 in WSOPC Earnings
• 2005 $10k Harrah's Las Vegas Champion ($362,088) (def. Chad Layne)
• 2 WSOPC Titles

FIDE Grand Prix 2: Tashkent, UZB: Intro & Round 1 Report

The 12 Participants of Tashkent 2012, the second leg of the current FIDE Grand Prix cycle

The second leg of the 2012-3 FIDE Grand Prix (GP) is taking place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.  In total, there are 6 stages in the Grand Prix.  At the end, in addition to prizes for each tournament, the players who have accumulated the most overall Grand Prix Points will win part of a €420,000 (~$540,000 USD) prize fund, including €100,000 euros (~$130,000 USD) for 1st place in addition to the top two qualifying for the 2014 World Championship cycle.

The first leg, held in London from September 20 - October 3 ended in a 3-way tie for first between GMs Topalov, Gelfand and Mamedyarov, each with performance ratings over 2830.  The FIDE Grand Prix Series is extremely strong, with an overall average rating of 2746 (the lowest rated player is GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov (2696) is coincidentally the only player below 2700 and the 2004-5 FIDE World Champion.  The average rating in London was over 2734 (category XX), and the average rating in Tashkent is over 2743 (category XX).

Tashkent 2012 is being organized by FIDE, Agon, Uzbekistan Chess Federation and the Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Foundation.  Each of the 12 players are guaranteed €7,000 (~$9,000 USD) and 10 GP Points, with 1st Place winning €25,000 (~$32,000 USD) and 170 GP Points.  The total prize fund for the Tashkent leg is €170,000 (~$220,000 USD). Tiebreaks will only be used for trophies (all prize money and GP Points are shared equally between tied players).

The other four legs are: Lisbon (April 17 - May 1, 2013), Madrid (May 22 - June 4, 2013), Berlin (July 3 - 17, 2013) and Paris (September 18 - October 2, 2013).  Lisbon, Madrid and Paris are each category XXI tournaments (a tournament with an average FIDE rating over 2750).

Each of the 18 players who are participating will play exactly 4 of the 6 tournaments, each of which is a 12-player, 11 round, single round-robin tournament.  The overall winner and runner-up of the GP qualify for the 2014 Candidates Tournament, which is a major part of the 2014 World Championship cycle.  The winner is determined by each players' top 3 results (out of 4) according to GP Points.

Here is a list of the 18 players who are playing in the 2012-3 FIDE Grand Prix cycle:

NAME	FED	Q	8/12	London	Tashkent	Lisbon	Madrid	Berlin	Paris	GPP
Radjabov	AZE	R	2788			YES	YES	YES	YES	0
Karjakin	RUS	R	2785		YES	YES		YES	YES	0
Nakamura	USA	R	2778	YES		YES	YES		YES	15
Caruana	ITA	PN	2773		YES	YES	YES		YES	0
Morozevich	RUS	AN	2770		YES	YES	YES	YES		0
Ivanchuk	UKR	WC	2769	YES			YES	YES	YES	55
Grischuk	RUS	WC	2763	YES			YES	YES	YES	90
Topalov	BUL	R	2752	YES		YES	YES	YES		140
Svidler	RUS	WC	2749	YES*	YES		YES		YES	0*
Wang Hao	CHN	AN	2726	YES	YES	YES			YES	70
Gelfand	ISR	M	2738	YES	YES			YES	YES	140
Gashimov	AZE	R	2737		YES	YES	YES	YES		0
Leko	HUN	AN	2737	YES	YES	YES		YES		80
Ponomariov	UKR	WC	2734		YES	YES	YES		YES	0
Mamedyarov	RUS	R	2729	YES	YES	YES		YES		140
Dominguez	CUB	AN	2725	YES	YES		YES		YES	35
Giri	NED	AN	2711	YES		YES		YES	YES	15
Kasimdzhanov	UZB	AN	2684	YES	YES		YES	YES		35

*Svidler had to drop out of the London tournament for familyreasons.  He was replaced by Michael Adams (2710), who is not part of the GP series.

Q = Qualification Method: R = Rating List (7/11-1/12 Average) (excluding World #1 Magnus Carlsen (2848), #2and defending 2008-10 FIDE Grand Prix Champion Levon Aronian (2815) and #3 and ex-World Champion Vladimir Kramnik (2795), all of whom declined to playin the GP); PN = FIDEPresident’s Nominee; AN = AGON’s Nominee; WC = Qualified from 2011 WorldCup; M = 2012 World Championship Match(excluding World Champion Viswanathan Anand (2775), who declinedto play).

8/12 = August 2012 FIDE Rating, which is used as theofficial rating for all 2012-3 GP Purposes.

GPP = Current GP Points (after only 1 event,London).  Players with 0 points did notparticipate in London (each player only plays in 4 events).

Tashkent Participants (November 21 - December 5, 2012): Caruana, Karjakin, Mamedyarov, Kamsky, Gelfand, Morozevich, Svidler, Ponomariov, Wang Hao, Leko, Dominguez, Kasimdzhanov

World #15 Morozevich defeated World #12 Kamsky in 36 moves in an English (A34)

Round 1 Results (11/22, 14:00 Local Time):

Morozevich - Kamsky 1-0

Caruana - Svidler 1/2

Gelfand - Leko 1/2

Mamedyarov - Kasimdzhanov 1/2

Ponomariov - Wang Hao 1/2

Dominguez - Karjakin 0-1

World #7 Karjakin defeated World #23 Dominguez with Black in 40 moves in a C95 Ruy Lopez Breyer 

Standings after Round 1 of 11:

1-2: Morozevich, Karjakin - 1.0/1

3-10: Caruana, Svidler, Gelfand, Leko, Mamedyarov, Kasimdzhanov, Ponomariov, Wang Hao - 0.5/1

11-12: Kamsky, Dominguez - 0.0/1

Live Rating Changes after Round 1 (November 2012 FIDE Ratings):

Morozevich (2748): +5.2 to 2753.2, passes Gelfand on the live ratings) (+1, #14 on the Live Ratings)

Karjakin (2775): +4.3 to 2779.3, passes Anand) (+1, #6)

Caruana (2781.8): -0.5 to 2781.3 (=, #5)

Svidler (2747): +0.5 to 2747.5 (=, #16)

Gelfand (2751): -0.3 to 2750.7, passed by Gelfand) (-1, #15)

Leko (2732): +0.3 to 2732.3, passes Ponomariov (+1, #21)

Mamedyarov (2764): -0.9 to 2763.1, passed by Ivanchuk (-1, #11)

Kasimdzhanov (2696): +0.9 to 2696.9 (=, #51)

Ponomariov (2732): -0.1 to 2731.9 (=, #22)

Wang Hao (2737): +0.1 to 2737.1, (=, #18)

Kamsky (2762): -5.2 to 2756.8, passed by Nakamura (-1, #13)

Dominguez (2733.5): -4.3 to 2729.2 (=, #23)

Round 2 Pairings (11/23, 14:00 Local Time):

Kamsky - Karjakin

Wang Hao - Dominguez

Kasimdzhanov - Ponomariov

Leko - Mamedyarov

Svidler - Gelfand

Morozevich - Caruana