Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Grand Prix - Round 11

A series of draws clinched first place for Caruana, Nakamura, and Jakovenko. In the overall standings, Caruana and Nakamura qualified for the Candidates Tournament.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Grand Prix - Round 10

Dominguez fell from 1st place after losing to Jobava. Meanwhile, Jakovenko defeated Karjakin, joining Nakamura and Caruana at the top. Jakovenko has been one of my favorite players for several years, starting when I noticed that he won several instructive games in the 6.Be2 Najdorf. The Russian GM has received little attention, perhaps since there are so many other top Russian GMs to keep track of. Grischuk, Kramnik, Karjakin, Svidler, Tomashevsky, Nepomniachtchi, and don't forget Andreikin (World Cup finalist, former participant in the Candidates Tournament) and Lysyj (the surprise Russian Champion).


















Standings: Caruana, Nakamura, and Jakovenko - 6/10
                Dominguez, Gelfand - 5.5/10

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Friday, May 22, 2015

Grand Prix - Round 8

Caruana's chances tumbled after he lost to Jakovenko. Nakamura and Dominguez were able to join him in first place.




















Thursday, May 21, 2015

Grand Prix - Round 7

Caruana's chances inched upwards as he maintained his lead. Dominguez won his game and now trails by half a point.




















Saturday, May 16, 2015

Grand Prix - Round 3

Caruana's chances soared after he toppled Tomashevsky. Meanwhile, Jakovenko stumbled against Svidler.


















Methodology

Friday, May 15, 2015

Grand Prix - Round 2

Dominguez joined Tomashevsky at 1.5/2 by beating Jakovenko. The rest of the games were drawn.




Monday, May 11, 2015

FIDE Grand Prix in Khanty-Mansiysk

The last stage of the Grand Prix starts in a few days. As before, the format is a 12-player round robin. The favorites are Caruana and Nakamura, but in such a strong field, it is certainly not guaranteed that either one will win.