2012 U.S. Championships News
As the Winter Chess Classic 2023 entered its third day, the atmosphere inside the Sinquefield Commons at Saint Louis University was charged with anticipation. The chilly weather outside belied the intensity of the battles that unfolded over the chessboards. The day featured two rounds of classical chess, bringing us closer to the fast-paced action in rapid and blitz.
Team Dynamics
In a dramatic turn of events, the B Team seized the lead from Team A in the final round of classical chess. The competition has reached a pivotal moment, with the B Team now leading with a score of 55.5 to Team A's 52.5. The competitors displayed true fighting spirit, taking both rounds down to the wire.
Individual Highlights
Round 5
- Oparin, Grigory (A) vs. Dambasuren, Batsuren (B): Draw
- Gledura, Benjamin (A) vs. Akobian, Var (B): Draw
- Antipov, Mikhail (A) vs. Chandra, Akshat (B): Draw
- Bok, Benjamin (A) vs. Bruzon, Lazaro (B): Draw
- Theodorou, Nikolas (B) vs. Raja, Harshit (A): Theodorou wins
- Swiercz, Dariusz (B) vs. Stearman, Josiah (A): Draw
Round 6
- Chandra, Akshat (B) vs. Oparin, Grigory (A): Draw
- Gledura, Benjamin (A) vs. Theodorou, Nikolas (B): Draw
- Akobian, Var (B) vs. Antipov, Mikhail (A): Draw
- Dambasuren, Batsuren (B) vs. Bruzon, Lazaro (A): Draw
- Raja, Harshit (A) vs. Swiercz, Dariusz (B): Swiercz wins
- Stearman, Josiah (A) vs. Bok, Benjamin (B): Bok wins
Team Standings
- Team A Score: 52.5
- Team B Score: 55.5
With the B Team now in the lead, the Winter Chess Classic promises even more thrilling encounters in the upcoming rapid and blitz rounds. The players continue to showcase their talent and determination as they vie for victory and $30,000 in prizes. Stay tuned for more updates as the Winter Chess Classic unfolds its final chapters at Saint Louis University.
The Winter Chess Classic 2023 continued its thrilling journey into day two. The atmosphere was cool and overcast, providing the perfect backdrop for intense chess battles among some of the finest minds in the game. A total of 12 exceptionally skilled players, including 11 Grandmasters and 1 International Master, are squaring off through Wednesday in the Sinquefield Commons at Saint Louis University.
Players will face each other in 6 classical games (worth 3 points each), 6 rapid games (2 points each) and 12 blitz games (1 point each). Notably for this event, all participants either currently attend or have graduated from a Missouri university. Each of these 12 chess prodigies calls Saint Louis or Columbia, Missouri, their home.
Team Standings
| Team Place | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team A | 39 |
| 2 | Team B | 33 |
After Day 2, Team A maintains its lead with a score of 39, while Team B is close behind with 33 points. Unfortunately for the Billikens, it seems the home court advantage hasn’t held up. The B Team all call SLU home.
“It was a tough start.” said Var Akobian, board four and team captain. “But as I reminded my players, we’re still in this, and we have rapid and blitz coming up.”
| Board | White | Result | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 3 | |||
| 1 | Oparin, Grigory | ½-½ | Bok, Benjamin |
| 2 | Dambasuren, Batsuren | ½-½ | Gledura, Benjamin |
| 3 | Theodorou, Nikolas | ½-½ | Antipov, Mikhail |
| 4 | Bruzon, Lazaro | ½-½ | Swiercz, Dariusz |
| 5 | Raja, Harshit | 1-0 | Chandra, Akshat |
| 6 | Akobian, Var | ½-½ | Stearman, Josiah |
| Board | White | Result | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 4 | |||
| 1 | Akobian, Var | ½-½ | Oparin, Grigory |
| 2 | Chandra, Akshat | ½-½ | Gledura, Benjamin |
| 3 | Antipov, Mikhail | ½-½ | Swiercz, Dariusz |
| 4 | Bruzon, Lazaro | ½-½ | Theodorou, Nikolas |
| 5 | Bok, Benjamin | ½-½ | Raja, Harshit |
| 6 | Stearman, Josiah | 0-1 | Dambasuren, Batsuren |
With 30 points on the line over the next three days, players are certain to redouble their efforts over the board. The Winter Chess Classic promises to deliver more exciting moves and intense showdowns as the players continue their pursuit of victory. Stay tuned for further updates on this captivating chess spectacle at Saint Louis University!
After a riveting start with two rounds of classical chess, the Winter Chess Classic 2023 has witnessed extraordinary performances from both Team A and Team B. The clash of grandmasters has not only showcased strategic intricacies but has also set the stage for an intense battle to claim the Winter Chess Classic title. Team A took an early lead, but with 4 days of action left, everything is still up for grabs. Let's delve into the results of the initial clashes.
Team Standings
| Team Place | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team A | 21 |
| 2 | Team B | 15 |
Team A Roster
| Board | Player | Rating | Current Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oparin, Grigory | 2667 | 4.5 |
| 2 | Gledura, Benjamin | 2633 | 4.5 |
| 3 | Antipov, Mikhail | 2607 | 3 |
| 4 | Bruzon, Lazaro | 2594 | 4.5 |
| 5 | Raja, Harshit | 2509 | 3 |
| 6 | Stearman, Josiah | 2479 | 1.5 |
Team B Roster
| Board | Player | Rating | Current Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Theodorou, Nikolas | 2626 | 3 |
| 2 | Swiercz, Dariusz | 2615 | 1.5 |
| 3 | Bok, Benjamin | 2614 | 4.5 |
| 4 | Akobian, Var | 2576 | 1.5 |
| 5 | Dambasuren, Batsuren | 2523 | 1.5 |
| 6 | Chandra, Akshat | 2486 | 3 |
Team A, captained by Mizzou Head Coach GM Cristian Chirila and led by GM Grigory Oparin on board 1, has taken an early lead with a solid performance across the boards. Grigory Oparin, Benjamin Gledura, and Lazaro Bruzon, along with Mikhail Antipov, scored crucial wins and contributed to the team's overall success. However, Team B, led by SLU Head Coach GM Varuzhan Akobian, is not far behind. With several rounds remaining, the competition is far from decided.
Varuzhan Akobian vs Lazaro BruzonClassical Round 1
| Board | White | Result | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oparin, Grigory (A) | 1-0 | Theodorou, Nikolas (B) |
| 2 | Swiercz, Dariusz (B) | 0-1 | Gledura, Benjamin (A) |
| 3 | Bok, Benjamin (B) | 1-0 | Antipov, Mikhail (A) |
| 4 | Bruzon, Lazaro (A) | 1-0 | Akobian, Var (B) |
| 5 | Dambasuren, Batsuren (B) | ½-½ | Raja, Harshit (A) |
| 6 | Stearman, Josiah (A) | ½-½ | Chandra, Akshat (B) |
Classical Round 2
| Board | White | Result | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swiercz, Dariusz (B) | ½-½ | Oparin, Grigory (A) |
| 2 | Gledura, Benjamin (A) | ½-½ | Bok, Benjamin (B) |
| 3 | Antipov, Mikhail (A) | 1-0 | Dambasuren, Batsuren (B) |
| 4 | Chandra, Akshat (B) | ½-½ | Bruzon, Lazaro (A) |
| 5 | Raja, Harshit (A) | ½-½ | Akobian, Var (B) |
| 6 | Theodorou, Nikolas (B) | 1-0 | Stearman, Josiah (A) |
The Winter Chess Classic is played across three time controls: classical, rapid, and blitz, with classical games worth three points, rapid games worth two, and blitz one. The grandmasters continue to unfold the chessboard with each move bringing them closer to victory. As the players gear up for the rapid and blitz rounds, the intensity is sure to reach new heights. Stay tuned for more updates from this chess spectacle at Saint Louis University!
On a rainy December morning, the chess community is buzzing with excitement as the Winter Chess Classic 2023 is about to kick off. With grandmasters from around the globe descending upon our city, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of strategic brilliance and tactical mastery.
The tournament, hosted in the heart of the city at the prestigious Saint Louis University starting today, will witness 12 internationally-ranked players battling it out for the coveted Winter Chess Classic title. The participants include reigning champions, rising stars, and seasoned veterans, each ready to put their skills to the test in the unforgiving arena of the 64 squares.
“While this is the first Classic we’ve hosted at SLU, it won’t be our last”, said Varuzhan Akobian, Head Coach of the Saint Louis University Chess Team and participant in the 2023 Winter Chess Classic. “We’re happy to play host for such an exciting event.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Winter Chess Classic is the format. It is a team tournament featuring 6 players on each team, competing for more than $30,000 in prizes. This tournament promises a riveting chess marathon. From the classical rounds Saturday through Monday to the rapid and blitz rounds that follow, each game is a crucial step towards claiming victory. The tournament culminates in a day full of blitz and, should they be needed, playoffs and a farewell to the players. From the classical rounds that demand patience and deep calculation to the rapid and blitz rounds that test quick thinking and adaptability, the players will face a diverse set of challenges.
The 2023 Winter Chess Classic is not just a tournament; it's a celebration of intellect, strategy, and the global chess community. Tune in daily to uschesschamps.com to follow all the action. May the best mind prevail!