GM Ulvi Bajarani is Azerbaijan Chess Champion 2014
Hello chess blog friends, some chess news via FIDE - GM Ulvi Bajarani has become the new chess champion of Azerbaijan. The 2014 Chess Championship of Azerbaijan was held from 31st May to 6th June in Baku. Eight players competed in the round robin event. GM Ulvi Bajarani emerged the new national chess champion after concluding the tournament with 5/7 points, leaving the second-placed GM Nijat Abasov half a point behind.
Final standings:1 GM Bajarani Ulvi 2471 AZE 5
2 GM Abasov Nijat 2516 AZE 4.5
3 GM Mirzoev Azer 2553 AZE 4
4 GM Rasulov Vugar 2512 AZE 4
5 IM Iskandarov Misratdin 2403 AZE 3
6 GM Guliev Sarhan 2415 AZE 3
7 IM Mammadov Zaur 2453 AZE 3
8 IM Rzayev Bahruz 2432 AZE 1.5
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: azerbaijan chess, ulvi bajarani
Chris Reddy – Official Chess Olympiad 2014 Artist at work Video!
Hello chess blog friends, this is a lovely chess video featuring official artist of the Tromso Chess Olympiad 2014 - Chris Reddy. The 2014 Chess Olympiad art cooperation has received 250,000 NOK (30,000 EUR) from one of the main partners, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge.
Chris Reddy during the making of the artwork “Chess World”
Chess and art in playful fusionProducer Kjersti Vikør commented:
We are extremely proud to have Chris Reddy on board as the official artist of the Chess Olympiad! He is an exciting artist who will have an influence on the Chess Olympiad and the city – before, during and after the 2014 Chess Olympiad. This will strengthen the Olympiad’s identity and reputation, and turn the players’ and visitors’ stay in Tromsø into a special experience.
The cooperation is between the 2014 Chess Olympiad, Reddy and KIIL Arts Facilitator, his management. KIIL Arts Facilitator recently received the 250,000 NOK from SpareBank 1 Nord-Norges’ cultural business foundation – to highlight the Chess Olympiad through Reddy’s art.
The artist is from Tromsø and is now based in Norway’s capital Oslo. He draws on various surfaces and composes music, all called ‘Reddymades’. Reddy has an impulsive approach and a lively expression – which corresponds extremely well with the Olympiad’s values: smart, playful and warm.
Reddy himself says:
I want to bomb Tromsø with a visual expression, which those who are there during the Chess Olympiad can either love or hate. Chess is art and art is chess. Art and chess have a closer connection than chess and sport. You need input of all types in order to achieve a good output.
Watch Reddy in action in the Olympiad Arena:
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: chris reddy, sparebank1 nord-norge, tromso chess olympiad 2014
Kayden Troff is U.S. Junior Chess Champion 2014
Hello chess blog friends, Kayden Troff is the US Junior CHess Champion 2014! Brian Jerauld has a nice final report at the official website.
Kayden Troff defeated Matt Larson in the final round to win the 2014 U.S. Junior Closed Championship in Saint Louis. The 16-year-old talent obtained a clear first with an impressive 7/9 score, grabbing the national championship for players under 21 by finishing 1.5 points ahead of the field. For his efforts, Troff has won the top prize of $3,000, as well as an invitation to the 2015 U.S. Championship.
US Junior Chess Champion Kayden Troff (left) on his way to beating Matt Larson in the last round to win the title. Photo: Official website
“I’m really excited,” Troff said. “This moment has come and gone a few times, where I’ve been excited before and missed. I have just always seemed to struggle in this tournament specifically -- for it to be official and done, it’s a pretty good feeling.”
In his fourth appearance in the Junior Closed, Troff entered as the tournament’s top seed and only grandmaster, ultimately tallying six wins across the 10-player, round-robin event. That is twice the amount of victories Troff has recorded in preceding Junior Championships, his previous-best score coming last year at 4.5/9.
And despite the strong finish, Troff’s new title was anything but certain until the end -- especially after his fifth-round loss to FM Michael Bodek knocked him down into a tie for third place entering the rest day.
“My loss to Michael was a tough moment to get through; it just changed everything,” Troff said. “Everything was going quite well for me before that, and it was just this sudden shift of momentum. Trying to come back from that was probably my hardest moment.”
Troff apparently found zen on the rest day, however, returning to win out the rest of the tournament in convincing fashion. To get back to the top, Troff was forced to go right through it: Both his sixth- and seventh-round opponents, IMs Luke Harmon-Vellotti and Jeffrey Xiong, were tournament leaders at the time. And though a late surge by Bodek brought him within a half-point, Troff handled his own fate just fine by taking down FM Josh Colas and then the feisty NM Matt Larson in the final two rounds. Troff’s impressive score comes out of an extremely hard-fought Junior Closed Championship that featured 33 decisions across 45 games -- and most of the draws were bitter fights to the end.
“I think this tournament makes a good statement on where the U.S. is headed in chess,” Troff said. “All these good players who all play so well, I have so much respect for them. Even Matt Larson, even though he was the lowest-rated by quite a bit, showed his guns and brought it to this tournament.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: kayden troff, us junior closed chess championship 2014
World Chess Champion WSJ Interview Video: I do best when not thinking about Result!
Hello dear chess blog friends, here's a cool chess video - interview with all-format World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen given to Wall Street Journal. The World Champion talks about his results and what he feels about the game. The video includes a fun clip from the Chennai World Chess Championship 2013... and, we bet you remember it!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: Chess video, Magnus Carlsen, wall street journal, world chess champion
US Chess Scoop Video - Tour Millionaire Chess with GM Maurice Ashley
Hello chess blog friends, more chess news from the U.S. -- Between festivities at the National Chess Open, GM Maurice Ashley gave the US Chess Scoop a tour of the Millionaire Chess Open. The ground-breaking event is set for Planet Hollywood, Vegas from October 9-13. He also talks about cross-promotion between the USCF and Millionaire Chess.
Labels: Chess video, maurice ashley, millionaire chess, us chess scoop
US Girls Junior Chess Championship 2014 in Manchester, NH July 17-21
Hello chess blog friends, mark your calendars for 17‐21 July 2014, University Center, University of New Hampshire Manchester! The University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Relyea Chess will host the first ever United States Girls Junior Closed Championship, July 17 through July 21. The US Girls Junior Closed Championship is a prestigious, nine‐round tournament that will have ten of the top‐rated girls (under age 20) in the United States. The winner will be recognized internationally as the US Girls Closed Champion by the United States Chess Federation, will receive a $2,000 cash prize and will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the University of New Hampshire.
In 1966, the United States Chess Federation started the Boys Closed Championship, which provides the winner a seat into the US Championship. This year, F. Alex Relyea, FIDE arbiter and Associate National Tournament Director based in Bedford, NH, decided that an equally prestigious event for girls should exist.
“There are some amazing young girls playing. We need to have the same prestigious titles for them that we have for boys.” He worked with the United States Federation to create and host the inaugural event in New Hampshire.
“The university is pleased to sponsor the first Closed Championship in the United States,” said Michael
America's Youngest Chess Master at 9, Carissa Yip. Photo: AP
Hickey, Interim Dean of UNH Manchester. “The game of chess is known to help develop problem‐solving skills, which is an important skill to learn, particularly for those interested in pursuing careers in STEM related disciplines. The university is committed to providing opportunities that encourage young women to develop their skills and interests in STEM areas.”
Chess is increasingly valued for its incredible educational impact. Globally, chess is recognized for improving problem‐solving skills, teaching self‐discipline, cultivating visualization skills, rewarding determination and perseverance and increasing interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines.
The first girls vying for the US Girls Closed Champion title exemplify this analytical, quiet determine.
Players include Maggie Feng, Apurva Virkud, Jennifer Yu, Akshita Gorti (ranked third highest girl under 12 worldwide), Becca Lampman, Claudia Munoz, Rochelle Ballatyne (appeared in 2012 documentary, Brooklyn Castle – highest ranked African American woman in the US), Carissa Yip (special wild‐card invitation as highest ranked girl in New England), Alice Dong, and Kimberly Ding.
NAME AGE TITLE RESIDENCE USCF Rating
- Maggie Feng 14 Woman Candidate Master Ohio 2173
- Apurva Virkud 16 Woman Candidate Master Virginia 2104
- Jennifer Yu 12 Woman FIDE Master Virginia 2172
- Akshita Gorti 12 Woman FIDE Master Virginia 2132
- Becca Lampman 17 Expert Washington 2091
- Claudia Munoz 17 Woman Candidate Master Texas 2060
- Rochelle Ballantyne 19 Expert New York 2077
- Alice Dong 16 Expert New Jersey 2046
- Kimberly Ding 15 Woman FIDE Master New Jersey 2091
- Carissa Yip 10 Expert Massachusetts 2157
The opening ceremony will be at 8:00am on Thursday, July 17 in room 323 at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester campus, 400 Commercial Street, Manchester, NH. All games are free and open for public viewing. Spectators are invited to attend. Details can be found at www.relyeachess.com.
Relyea Chess is dedicated to bringing high quality, specialty chess tournaments to New England. For example, Relyea Chess hosted a first‐ever 26‐person round robin blitz tournament, directed the prestigious New England Open multiple times and organized a unique FIDE, invitational, round robin. Relyea Chess is a private organization affiliated with the United States Chess Federation.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: relyea chess, us chess girls championship 2014
Awesome Chess Art Trivia: Name the Artist
Hello chess friends, how well do you know your chess history and chess art? This lovely piece of work is by a talented artist of the Gilded Age. Of course, it is titled 'The Chess Players'. Can you name the artist? Click on photo to find the answer.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: chess art, chess photo trivia
America's Most-Famous Open Chess Event World Open runs June 30-July 6
Hello chess blog friends, it's time for the ever popular World Chess Open. Here are all the details via the official website for one of America's most-famous open chess tournaments.
42nd Annual World Open
June 30-July 6, 2014
The 42nd Annual World Open will be held from June June 30-July 6, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia.
The event has a $250,000 prize fund, based on 1180 paid entries, with $200,000 minimum guaranteed!
The event has 10 sections: Open, Under 2400/Unrated, Under 2200, Under 2000, Under 1800, Under 1600, Under 1400, Under 1200, Under 900/Unrated and Unrated/Provisional.
The Open Section will be a 9-round event held over 5-days (July 2-6). GM and IM norms possible!
The Under 2400/Unrated to Under 1600 sections are 9-round events with 7-day (June 30-July 6), 5-day (July 2-6), 4-day (July 3-6) or 3-day (July 4-6) schedules to play in.
The Under 1400 to Unrated/Provisional sections are 9-round events with 5-day (July 2-6), 4-day (July 3-6) or 3-day (July 4-6) schedules to play in.
Please use the following links to view more information from the World Open 2014:
Tournament Information: Sections, schedules, entry fees, prize funds, hotel info, etc.
Other World Open Events
Please use the following links to view more information on other events taking place at the World Open site in Arlington, Virginia:
DC International (June 26-30, 2014)
World Open Senior Amateur (June 27-29 or June 28-29, 2014)
World Open Women’s Championship (June 27-29 or June 28-29, 2014)
World Open Under 13 Championship (June 28-29, 2014)
World Open Side Events (June 26-July 6, 2014)
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: world chess open 2014
Jeffrey Xiong Leads U.S. Junior Chess Closed Championship after four Rounds
Hello chess blog friends, some update from the U.S. Junior Chess Championship 2014 now. Four rounds have been played at this premier event and we have a confident 13-year-old IM Jeffrey Xiong in the lead in Saint Louis. Brian Jerauld, reporting for the official website, writes Experience is starting to pay dividends -- on the board and in the standings. Thirteen-year-old IM Jeffrey Xiong, in his third Junior Closed Championship appearance, played with relaxed confidence on Monday despite leading a heavy mating assault through unclear waters. Xiong as white set the theme early with a 14. Nxe6 sacrifice, immediately exposing and launching siege on FM Arthur Shen’s uncastled king -- initiating a tension-filled game that demanded some act-like-you’ve-been-there posturing.
“Experience has been big,” Xiong said. “The first few times I played (in the Junior Closed), I haven’t been as comfortable and as confident as I feel now. Probably one or two years ago, I wouldn’t have been as confident in sacrificing a piece like I did in today’s game.”
The win sets Xiong (3.5/4) as the tournament’s first clear leader, with the Dallas star remaining undefeated and plus-3 after four rounds. Also winning on Monday was IM Luke Harmon-Vellotti (3/4), last year’s Junior Closed runner-up, who has now put together three consecutive victories -- the latest after cracking open a slight rook-and-pawn endgame advantage over IM Sam Sevian. Harmon-Vellotti’s win moves him into a second-place tie with GM Kayden Troff (3/4), who lost his share of the lead after Monday’s draw with IM Aleksandr Ostrovskiy.
Xiong’s accelerated pace also breaks the three frontrunners away from rest of the pack, as a four-way tie for fourth sits a full point behind (2/4) the leader group.
It is no longer a secret that Sevian (1/4) is having a rough tournament, now minus-three across four rounds after seeing breakdowns in all phases of his game -- this latest to Harmon-Vellotti in the form of an endgame collapse.
FMs Michael Bodek and Justus Williams played each other to a wonderful fighting draw, with both sides playing for wins -- and both players coming up just short of tempo to finish their attacks.
Each round of the 2014 U.S. Junior Closed will see its first move daily at 1:00 p.m. CT through June 29, with a rest day on Wednesday. The tournament will be streamed live on www.uschesschamps.com, with commentary, analysis and player interviews by GM Ben Finegold and FM Aviv Friedman.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: jeffrey xiong, saint louis chess, us junior chess
Just-for-Laughs Chess Prank YouTube Video!
Hello chess friends, you've just got to watch this chess prank YouTube video. It's one of those Gags ideas where 'innocent' passers-by fall to a trick! This is about a chess ghost! Would you fall for just a prank?
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: chess prank, chess Youtube video
GM Vasily Yemelin wins 5th ShakkiNet Chess in Helsinki
Hello chess blog friends, news of which chess tournament are you following? Here is a quick FIDE update from a chess event held in Helsinki. The 5th ShakkiNet Chess Tournament took place from 9th to 17th June, 2014 in the capital and largest city in Finland.
GM Vasily Yemelin (Russia) won a clear first with 7,5/9 point, half a point ahead of the runner-up Ebeling. Local FM Daniel Ebeling collected 7/9 points and fulfilled not only an IM norm, but also a GM norm. This is Ebeling’s last IM norm, thus the Finnish is expecting a title confirmation soon. IM Mikael Agopov remained third with 6/9 points. You can find more details on the official website.
You don't hear of too many chess open tournaments in Helsinki, but ShakkiNet Chess Tournament has increasingly gained popularity with more players evincing interest as the organisers hold it successfully for the fifth year.
Do you know the following interesting facts about Helsinki's contribution to chess?
The 10th Chess Olympiad, organized by the FIDE and comprising an open team tournament, as well as several other events designed from August 9 to August 31, 1952, in Helsinki, Finland. The Olympiad was especially notable for the debut of the Soviet team, who instantly won their first gold medals and went on to completely dominate the Olympiads for the next four decades.
After the tournament, it was generally agreed that the small preliminary and final groups of only 8-9 teams left too much open to chance, since a single blunder would have too big an impact on the final standings. Consequently FIDE decided that in the future, no final should have less than 12 participants.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: helsinki chess, shakkinet chess, vasily yemein
Armenian President meets World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, World No. 2 Levon Aronian
Hello chess blog friends, here's some update about World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen's most recent trip. The Public Radio of Armenia has reported that the President of the Republic of Armenia, President of Chess Federation of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received today World Chess Champion, Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, who has arrived in Armenia at the invitation of the “Armenian Development Initiative” Fund and the “Acronis” Company. World Cup holder, three-time winner of the World Chess Olympics, Champion of the World Team Championship, GM Levon Aronian was also present at the meeting.
Attending the meeting were leaders of a number of world-known IT companies, including Parallels and Acronis and the Skolkovo Foundation. The latter has united chess and information technologies in one program, taking into consideration that Armenia, which has already achieved considerable success, attaches importance to the two spheres.
The Executive Director of the Foundation noted that the program aims to present Armenia to the world with all its achievements and peculiarities and create new opportunities for these and other promising spheres.
President Sargsyan greeted the guests, underlining that it’s a great honor for Armenia to host the strongest chess player of the world in our country. “I’m glad that Levon Aronian is also here. He’s the pride of our people, and perhaps Carlsen’s strongest competitor in the world. We definitely connect great hopes with Levon, and it’s first of all thanks to him that the team of our tiny country has become the winner of the World Chess Olympiad three times. I’m very grateful to him,” he said.
Magnus Carlsesen said, in turn, it’s a great honor for him to be in Armenia –a chess superpower. “During the days of my stay here I have seen the inspiration and the love of the Armenian people for chess. I think this approach, and the program of inclusion of chess as a compulsory discipline in schools serves a wonderful example to the world. It’s a very big step,” Carlsen said.
During the meeting reference was made to Armenia’s scientific and educational potential, the work done in our country towards the development of the IT sphere and the promising programs of development. (Via Public Radio of Armenia)
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: levon aronian, Magnus Carlsen, serzh sargsyan, world chess champion
Fun-T-Shirt Chess Girl Photo by Alina l'Ami: Name this Killer GM
Hello chess blog friends, we found this fun photo by Alina L'Ami for our chess trivia question today. Can you name this killer Grandmaster?
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: photo chess trivia
From the Archives YouTube Chess Video: Tarrito Rojo Chess Talent
Armenia GM Hrant Melkumyan wins Teplice Chess Open 2014
Hello chess blog friends, some more chess tournament news via FIDE: The spa town of Teplice, in the Czech Republic, hosted the IX Annual International Chess Tournament Open Teplice 2014. The winner was GM Hrant Melkumyan from Armenia with 8/9 points. Second place went to GM Daniel Naroditsky from USA. In third place was Eduard Andreev from Ukraine. The tournament had participants from 23 countries and included 15 Grandmasters and 16 International Masters. You can find more information on the official website: www.openteplice.cz.
Open Teplice - 1. GM Hrant Melkumyan, 2. Daniel Naroditsky, 3. GM Eduard Andreev.
Teplice (Teplice-Šanov until 1948) is a nice chess city and located in northwestern Bohemia near the border with the German state of Saxony. Maybe you should consider playing your next chess event in the Czech Republic.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: armenia chess, hrant melkumyan, teplice open chess
All American Chess Stars: Name Them!
Gata Kamsky wins Las Vegas International Chess Festival 2014
Hello chess blog friends, here is some tournament chess news update via FIDE - US Chess Champion Gata Kamsky has won the Las Vegas Chess Festival 2014. The Las Vegas International Chess Festival – National Open Championship – was held 12-15th June at the Riviera Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas, USA.
The Festival had eight sections: Championship, Under 2200, Under 2000, Under 1800, Under 1600, Under 1400, Under 1200 and Unrated. The playing format was 6-rounds Swiss and the total prize fund was 80,000 USD.
Gata Kamsky took a clear first place with 5,0/6 points to claim the top prize of 6500 USD. A group of 13 players remained half a point behind the winner.
Final standings:
1. GM Kamsky Gata NY 2791 – 5,0
2-14. GM Bruzon Batista Lazaro CUB 2744, GM Gareev Timur CA 2732, GM Quesada Perez Yuniesky CUB 2727, GM Lenderman Aleksandr NY 2717, GM Kacheishvili Giorgi GEO 2667, GM Khachiyan Melikset CA 2642, GM Margvelashvili Giorgi GEO 2624, GM Finegold Benjamin P MO 2601, GM Matamoros Carlos ECU 2571, GM Gurevich Dmitry IL 2545, GM Sevillano Enrico CA 2533, FM Banawa Joel AZ 2438 and FM Landaw Julian W CA 2412 – 4.5
15-21. GM Ramirez Alejandro TX 2668, GM Chirila Ioan Cristian ROU 2631, IM Yankovsky Roman CA 2531, IM Vigorito David MA 2508, IM Bryant John Daniel CA 2489, IM Bradford Joseph TX 2451 and FM Raptis Nick-RE OR 2411 – 4,0 etc
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: gata kamsky, las vegas chess international 2014
Entries Open for Commonwealth Chess Championship 2014 in Glasgow
Hello chess friends, place this year in Commonwealth Chess Championship 2014 will take place this year in Glasgow and defending champion Abhijeet Gupta of India will play to defend his title.
The Commonwealth Chess Championships will be held from 30 June to 8 July 2014. The venue is Glasgow City College, 320 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 2TG. The main event is the Championship which incorporates a number of other events including the Commonwealth Women’s Championship, the Scottish Championship and Senior Championships. Junior titles within this event are the Commonwealth Under 20 and Under 18 events for both male and female players.
There are separate junior events at U16 (born 1998 or later), U14 (b 2000 or later), U12 (b 2002 or later) and U10 (b 2004 or later) levels.
Labels: commonwealth chess championshp 2014, glasgow chess
Not Chess Trivia: Name the Russian GM, Identify Symbol on T-Shirt!
Hello chess friends, this is a special chess trivia photo. Do you know what this very strong GM does in his spare time? It's represented by his t-shirt! So, name the Russian GM and name his 'secret' hobby.
Photo: Anastasiya Karlovich via official website World Rapid Chess Championship 2014 in Dubai.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: russian chess grandmaster, world rapid chess championship 2014
U.S. Junior Chess Championship Begins: Colas, Williams score Big Upsets
Hello chess friends, a premium chess event has begun in the US - It's the US Junior Chess Championship 2014. The event is being held in Saint Louis. Already on the first day, where all games were decided, two huge upsets took place.
Joshua Colas and Justus Williams each scored huge upset victories in round 1 of the 2014 U.S. Junior Closed Championship.
Second seed IM Sam Sevian lost to FM Justus Williams rated 150+ points below him. Also winning the first round was FM Josh Colas, who notched a 150+ point upset over IM Luke Harmon-Vellotti. In another upset, FM Michael Bodek beat NM Matthew Larson. GM Kayden Troff and IM Jeffrey Xiong won their games.
Each round of the 2014 U.S. Junior Closed will see its first move daily at 1:00 p.m. local, beginning Friday through June 29, with a rest day on Wednesday. The tournament will be streamed live on www.uschesschamps.com, with commentary, analysis and player interviews by GM Ben Finegold and FM Aviv Friedman.
Read a detailed report by Brian Jerauld at the official website.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: joshua colas, justus williams, U.S. Junior Chess
Anand to Indian Media: This time World Chess Championship Match vs Carlsen will be Different
 Dear chess friends, former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand beat Magnus Carlsen in their clash at the World Rapid Chess Championship 2014 in Dubai and also drew their game in the World Blitz Chess Championship 2014 which concluded recently.
It was a treat for chess fans to actually have both the players paired twice against each other - once in both the events. That was quite against the odds. Anand's win in the Rapid game set twitter on fire. Already everyone was talking about the Anand - Carlsen World Chess Championship clash later this year.
Here are some quotes from an interesting interview Anand gave to Indian newspaper Times of India after the Rapid and Blitz World Chess Championships.
Even though you had to settle for the bronze, what was the feeling like after beating Carlsen. How would you evaluate both your own and his performance?
It was an important win and the game was complicated. I had to play a lot of waiting moves and execute it perfectly. I was keen to play in Dubai mainly because it had been long since I had played rapid and blitz. I would say I started a bit slowly but I was happy with my play.
If the Candidates win was like oxygen, how important was this win over Carlsen ahead of a World Championship rematch?
I would say I was happy that I took the chance and was able to execute the win. I went without a loss in such a strong field.
Have you mentally immersed yourself in preparation for the November duel and what do you think you need to do differently this time?
Well it's inevitable, of course I am already thinking about the match. It will be different that's all I can say.
Your thoughts on the reduced budget for the rematch...
We still do not have the full details so I wouldn't want to start speculating.
Are you expecting help from unexpected quarters, much like your match against Topalov (Both Kasparov and Kramnik came to the Indian's aid) in 2010?
They know where to reach me (smiles). But I don't think it's ethical to talk about it.
After playing for so many years and being at the top, what keeps you going?
I don't look back or look forward. I just look at the game to play. When someone says you are a legend, I don't realise they are talking about me. When you start thinking about yourself as a great you stop growing as a player. I play because I want to win and I train because even after so many years I still feel there is still so much chess to play and discover.
What are the best and worst part about preparing for a World Championship match?
It's hard work, mentally, physically emotionally. And it's not just you but your team and family as well who also live the same intensity. It's tough being away from my son Akhil and wife Aruna. Thanks to technology though it's feasible to catch up with them.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, world chess championship 2014
Unstoppable Magnus Wins World Blitz Title, Makes a Triple! Nepomniachtchi, Nakamura Joint Second
Hello chess friends, one of the coolest chess events has concluded in the deserts of Dubai. Right now what's hot? Not the temperature, but chess and, in particular, a Norwegian youngster called Magnus Carlsen!
Reigning World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has won the World Blitz Chess Tournament 2014 to complete his portfolio of a triple - the World Rapid Chess Champion title that he won two days back in Dubai and the World Classical Chess Champion title he won last year in Chennai.
Magnus Carlsen concluded Day 1 of the World Blitz Chess Championship with 9/11 just half point ahead of Nakamura and Meier.
Photo and text as tweeted by World Classical, Rapid and Blitz Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen -- @magnuscarlsen Thanks for all the support! So honoured to hold the classic, rapid and blitz World Champion titles. #chess #WRB2014
Carlsen started Day 2 well enough with a win over Georg Meier and draw with Viswanathan Anand in rounds 12 and 13. He topped it with an easy win over Judit Polgar in round 14. However, by now, Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi was getting close enough. Round 15 saw Carlsen draw with Alexander Grischuk and Nepomniachtchi beat Viswanathan Anand to take a lead!
Nepo held on to his 0.5 point lead right up to round 18. However, in the 19th round, Magnus beat Mamedov and Nepo could only draw with Korobov. Carlsen had now drawn level with his friend, the Russian GM!
The penultimate round - 20th - turned fortunes in the World Chess Champion's favour. Carlsen beat Sergei Yudin, but Nepo lost to Levon Aronian. Carlsen went into the last round with 16 points as compared to Nepomniachtchi and Nakamura's 15. Could there be a tiebreak? Could statistics jumble up everything?
Magnus Carlsen decided to leave nothing to chance and beat Anton Korobov to amass 17 points and win the title, completing a hat-trick of World Chess Championships this chess year.
Nepomniachtchi and Nakamura also won their games to take the silver and bronze.
You can find lots of videos and photographs on the official website of the tournament including the winner's press conference recordings.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: Magnus Carlsen, world blitz chess championships 2014
Photo Chess Trivia: Who is Vishy Anand Chatting with?
Dubai World Blitz Chess 2014 Day 1: Carlsen Leads, but Who is Lu Shanglei
Hello chess friends, even while World Classical and Rapid Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen was busy in his demolition run to the top of the standings, one Chinese youngster stole the Norwegian's thunder... for a while at least.
Dateline Dubai. Event - World Blitz Chess Championship 2014... and, we're talking about Round 8. Lu Shanglei, a relatively unknown Chinese GM, beat Magnus Carlsen to take lead. The Chinese GM, with six points, was paired to play Carlsen. Carlsen was leading with 6.5 points.
Carlsen had reached Round 8 after beating Vladimir Fedoseev, Gadir Guseinov, Laurent Fressinet, Eduardo Bonelli Iturrizaga, P Harikrishna and defending champion Le Quang Liem. Carlsen only had one draw - in Round 5 - against Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Shanglei had amassed six points after beating Shyam Sunder, Jasem Alhuwar, Evgeny Tomashevsky, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Alekseey Dreev and Peter Svidler! He had only one loss to Hikaru Nakamura in Round 5.
Yes, that youngster on the right! - Magnus Carlsen vs Lu Shanglei in Round 8 at World Blitz Chess Championship 2014. Screenshot via official website.
Then, the Chinese chess player ran into Carlsen and beat him in Round. Carlsen was quoted by the media as saying that he was irritated by the loss.
But, it didn't take long for Carlsen to bounce back. He completed Day after 11 round on top of the standings as the sole leader. Carlsen beat Markus Ragger, drew with Hikaru Nakamura and beat Shakhriyar Mamedyarov to lead with 9/11 points.
Here are the top board pairings for Round 12 beginning Day 2 on Friday at the World Blitz Chess Championships in Dubai.
Round 12 on 2014/06/20 at 15:00
1. GM Meier Georg 2663 8½ - 9 GM Carlsen Magnus 2837
2. GM Nakamura Hikaru 2879 8½ - 8 GM Sargissian Gabriel 2689
3. GM Lu Shanglei 2668 8 - 8 GM Nepomniachtchi Ian 2816
4. GM Fressinet Laurent 2705 7½ - 8 GM Le Quang Liem 2817
5. GM Anand Viswanathan 2827 7½ 7½ GM Harikrishna P. 2669
You can watch all the games live with a video feed and commentary at the official website. You can find lots of videos and a great photo gallery at the website as well.
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships take place in Dubai, from June 15th (opening ceremony) to June 21st, 2014. The Rapid event was played from June 16th-18th over 15 rounds, at a time control of 15m+10s. World Champion Magnus Carlsen won that event. The Blitz runs from June 19th-20th and lasts 21 rounds at 3m+2s. The total prize fund for the tournament is US$400 thousand with $40 thousand for the winner of each championship. The world's best chess players are there in Dubai now.
Speaking about Shanglei, his Wikipedia entry states he is born July 10, 1995 and was, in 2011, the highest-rated under-16 chess player in Asia and the fifth highest-rated chess player in that age group in the world.
The chess world is sure going to keep tabs on this Chinese youngster from now on!
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: lu shanglei, Magnus Carlsen, world blitz chess championship 2014
World Rapid Chess Championship 2014: Spills, Chills, Thrills... and Carlsen Wins.
Hello chess friends, three days of exciting rapid chess have concluded in Dubai with World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen becoming the new World Rapid Chess Champion 2014. That is a double along with is World Classical Chess Champion title! The World Blitz Chess Championship begins tomorrow in Dubai and everyone's asking the same question: Can Magnus pick up a third world title?
Meanwhile, looking at the rapid event, let's just say it was spills, chills and thrills all the way. Magnus Carlsen concluded the first day of play just 0.5 points behind leaders Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, Sergey Karjakin who had 4.5 points. Carlsen, along with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Laurent Fressinet, Le Quang Liem and Sergei Movsesian had 4.0 points.
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen makes a double by winning the World Rapid Chess Championship 2014 in Dubai. Photo: Screenshot
However, the World Chess Champion concluded the second day of play with a clear lead after 10 rounds with 8 points. Levon Aronian was right behind at 7.5. There was quite a group at 7.0 points including Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, Evgeny Tomashevsky, Alexander Grischuk, Yu Yangyi, Viswanathan Anand and Peter Svidler.
The third day of play was not easy at all today. Magnus stayed in a 0.5 lead after drawing with Levon Aronian in the 11th round (the first on the third day of play today), but suddenly lost the 12th round - the BIG ONE - to Viswanathan Anand. Most fans on twitter took it as a psychological win for the Indian and started calculating who was going to win the title by the time the 15 rounds ended.
The loss meant Caruana and Anand were suddenly in joint lead with 9.0 points. Carlsen was down to third at 8.5 points along with Yu Yangyi, Levon Aronian and Teimour Radjabov.
So, was it going to be Anand picking up the Rapid World title, or perhaps Caruana? Then came the 13th round. Could Carlsen pick himself, dust off the loss and go forward?
Magnus stood firm and beat Yu Yangyi, while Anand could only draw Carlsen and Levon Aronian could only draw Radjabov. This meant we again had three joint leaders after 13 rounds (two to go) -- Caruana, Carlsen and Anand at 9.5 each. The rest of the pack just 0.5 points away.
Round 14 was actually mad! Totally! Carlsen beat Grischuk in a game that was so obviously lost... that it must have been a heartbreak for the Russian Grandmaster to not win it. Carlsen won. Caruana also floundered and lost to Aronian. Radjabov held Anand to a draw.
The 15th round began with Carlsen needing just a draw with Radjabov to win the title. None of the other managed to catch him and he got a clear first. Karjakin could have won and drawn level to force a tiebreak score evaluation, but he lost to Morozevich. Anand and Aronian drew. Caruana beat Le Quang Liem to win the silver, while Anand got the bronze on better tiebreak score over Aronian.
Stay tuned at the official website for the Blitz World Chess Championship 2014 beginning tomorrow.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
Labels: Fabiano Caruana, Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, world rapid chess championship 2014
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