2012 U.S. Championships News
By Grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez
Achieving the grandmaster title is a huge feat. The hours spent every day studying, the days spent in airplanes, buses and airports just to travel to tournaments, the weeks spent at tournament halls, the months trying to perfect every strategy, truly are countless. There is a reason many people dedicate their entire lifetime to this sport without ever being able to reach the coveted title. Out of the millions of chess players worldwide, there are less than 1,500 grandmasters, and in America there are less than one hundred. The requirement list to achieve this title is strict: a rating of at least 2500 and earning three grandmaster norms, which means an amazingly high 2600 performance in at least three international tournaments sanctioned so by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Becoming an Eagle Scout is another incredible achievement. It is calculated that only four percent of Boy Scouts are ever granted their maximum rank, and the requirements necessary for this take many years to fulfill. One of the main founders of the Chess Merit Badge, Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield, explained “To make Eagle, you need 21 merit badges of which ten can be a variety of areas. Making chess a merit badge means that is one of the merit badges you can earn on the road to Eagle Scout. “
To be both is truly one of a kind. Yesterday, one of the participants of the 2016 U.S. Junior Closed Championship, an incredibly strong tournament itself with the top ten under 20 players in the entire country, became the first chess grandmaster to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Kayden Troff, from Utah, was honored with a small, intimate ceremony at the Chess Plaza at Forest Park. Troff said during the ceremony “I started chess and scouts both at a very young age so I can definitely say both have meant a lot in my life.”
The correlation between Scout service and chess is an easy one to make. Through the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, spearheaded by Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, chess has already helped thousands of kids in the Saint Louis metroplex improve their skills in pattern recognition, memorization, calculation, planning, strategy and many others. Numerous studies have proven that chess is a great tool for education.
Kayden's Eagle Scout Service Project was running a chess camp for children with disabilities in Utah. Participants ranged from kindergarten to high school with a majority being in elementary school. When asked to talk yesterday in Forest Park, it was clear that Kayden is a humble and smart young man—qualities that are exemplary for both a chess player and an Eagle Scout.
The Chess Merit Badge has quickly become one of the most popular badges in the Boy Scouts of America merit badge catalogue. “Since the Boy Scouts of America started the Chess Merit Badge,” Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield stated, “we have had over 100,000 boy scouts in America earn their Chess Merit Badge.” Out of the 130+ badges available, the Chess Merit Badge is undoubtedly one of fastest-growing badges available. It, of course, was not missing from Kayden's sash.
Kayden is one of the two grandmasters at the U.S. Junior Closed Championship, and despite a rocky start, he is still in a fighting position in the tournament. The tournament is currently being led by Jeffery Xiong from Texas and Awonder Liang from Wisconsin. Make sure to follow the action live online at uschesschamps.com.
by GM Robin van Kampen
The fifth day at the U.S. Junior championship was nothing like the peaceful fourth round. With all five games delivering decisive results, It was a great game to play with the White pieces as the White players accounted for a sweet 4 out of 5 wins! The two grandmasters in the field faced off, and what the analysts expected to be a long tense battle turned, out to be the first game to finish. Jeffery Xiong described his play in the 4th round as “That of 2000 player facing his first GM” but the fifth round was a smooth comeback for the Texas Grandmaster.
Xiong vs. Troff: 1-0
Xiong battled Troff’s trademark Grunfeld by going for an Anti-Grunfeld variation. After a complicated theoretical discussion in which Kayden sacrificed a pawn, Jeffery got a slight advantage. As the queens came off Kayden seemed to be on his way to equalize. However, when the 2014 champion exposed his King, White’s rooks found their way into Black’s position creating a mate net. A more detailed take on the game here:
Bodek vs. Chandra: 0-1
Akshat Chandra was looking to score his first win after 4 disappointing draws. Michael Bodek opted for the Hungarian variation in the Sicilian, and soon the players found themselves playing a position that strongly resembled a Najdorf Sicilian. The defending champion played compromising chess, sacrificing a pawn on move 11 and a second pawn on move 13. What he did not know at the time the game was played, was that all of these moves had already been tested by nobody other than Garry Kasparov! After obtaining a large advantage, the GM-elect based out of Iselin, NJ, played a couple of inaccurate moves which allowed Bodek to set up a tough defense. After shuffling around the Queen, Chandra tried to sacrifice a pawn in order to break through. Bodek couldn’t find the right defense and his rooks ended up being dominated by the Chandra’s Queen. A well-deserved win for the 2015 Junior Champion was the result.
Liang vs. Checa: 1-0
Nicolas Checa opted for a classic Karlsblad structure against Awonder Liang. Awonder showed that he’s studied the classics and successfully launched a queenside minority attack. Nonetheless, Checa played solidly and should have defended a slightly worse ending. After missing a tactic, the Fide Master dropped a pawn which Awonder Liang convincingly converted to a win. Another nice win by youngest participant of the tournament, who once again showed to have Grandmaster level technique.
Harmon-Vellotti vs. Ostrovskiy: 1-0)
Tournament leader Alexandr Ostrovskiy surprised his opponent with the sharp French Maccutcheon variation. The middle game position promised excitement as both Kings were deprived from castling. When the queens were exchanged Ostrovskiy saw a chance to open up the position, which temporarily cost the New York-based International Master a pawn. When the wunderkind from Idaho found a way to hold on the sacrificed pawn, things started looking grim for Black. A highly complicated endgame ensued, in which the objective evaluation switched drastically move by move. When Harmon-Vellotti found a way to draw by sacrificing his rook in order to advance his passed pawns, the draw seemed inevitable. Ostrovskiy went for an all-in winning attempt, but placed his King on the wrong square which cost him the game. With a bit of luck Harmon-Vellotti managed to win his first game, where Ostrovskiy will have to come back strong after the rest day in order to get his leading position back.
Li vs. Brown: 1-0
Ruifeing Li got a slight advantage out of a trendy Ruy Lopez variation. The International Master who is part of Kasparov’s Young-stars program, bravely sacrificed an exchange in return for two connected passed pawns. Brown tried to hold on by sacrificing an exchange back, but Li played the resulting endgame to perfection, granting him his first win in the tournament.
by GM Robin van Kampen
The fourth day at the U.S. Junior Chess Championship signified a peaceful day of chess. With four draws and only one win, fairly little change took place in the overall standings. The key clash of the day was bound to be Alexandr Ostrovskiy against tournament leader Jeffery Xiong, who found himself on the wrong side of the only deceive result of the day.
Ostrovskiy vs. Xiong: 1-0
Alexandr Ostrovskiy opted for the same Sicilian sideline that he had previously used to get an opening advantage against Michael Bodek. The New York-based International master who was born in Moscow, displayed deep knowledge of the variation at hand and soon got a slight advantage. Xiong never really got into the game as Ostrovskiy brilliantly limited the top junior’s counter play and gradually increased the White advantage. The Texas grandmaster tried to confused his opponent by sacrificing a knight in the time trouble phase, but once the smoke cleared Black’s compensation was nowhere to be found. A more detailed take on the game here:
Troff vs. Bodek: 1/2-1/2
Michael Bodek challenged Kayden Troff’s 1.d4 by playing the ultra-solid Vienna variation. On move twelve the-18-year- old International master from New Rochelle, NY, introduced a novel way of dealing with a well-known pawn sacrifice. Although the arising position was bearable according to the computer engines, the commentators disapproved of Bodek’s preparation due to a lack of piece development. Not much later Kayden launched an attack and it seemed that the Utah-based Grandmaster was on his way to win his first game. Once the Grandmaster got low on time, several inaccuracies diminished White’s initiative and the game was drawn by a move repetition right before the time control.
Chandra vs. Liang: 1/2-1/2
Akshat Chandra was hoping to clinch his first victory after having played three consecutive draws. In a solid Grunfeld Indian the defending champion got a slight advantage, but it never proved to be enough for a tangible advantage. After a series of exchanges Awonder Liang got the desired draw, keeping the International Master from Madison, Wisconsin in striking distance from the tournament leader.
Checa vs. Li: 1/2-1/2
If there was one game that was pinpointed to end in a White win, it was the game between Nicolas Checa and Ruifeng Li. After the Texan opted for a questionable opening, he lost a pawn by missing an important intermezzo, leaving him with a scattered position. Nicolas Checa seemed to be on his way to converting the extra pawn once an ending was reached, but due to a series of clumsy moves Li had a chance to create a passed pawn. Once given the chance, Li played tenaciously in order to secure the draw.
Brown vs. Harmon-Vellotti: 1/2-1/2
The Nimzo-Indian opening between Michael Brown and Luke Harmon-Vellotti lead to complicated middle game position which was popularized by World Champion Boris Spassky in the 70’s. After a tactical sequence that lead to the exchange of several minor pieces, the material was still balanced, but Brown had a clear advantage due to his advanced d-pawn. When both players got low on time, inaccuracies were made on both sides which ultimately lead to a serious chance for Harmon-Vellotti to obtain a large advantage by winning a pawn right before reaching the time control. When Luke did not capitalize on this opportunity the position was roughly equal and a draw was agreed shortly after move 40.
The third day at the U.S. Junior was a day of revenge! Whilst top-seed Jeffery Xiong managed to take the sole lead after outplaying Michael Bodek, both Awonder Liang and Nicolas Checa recovered from their second round losses.
Harmon-Vellotti vs. Checa: 0-1
The players entered a sideline of the French defence that is relatively unexplored and soon found themselves both in unfamiliar territory. It was clear that it was going to be a decisive game when the players castled on opposite sides and it was actually Harmon-Vellotti who had the first chance to attack but missed it. Checa seized the opportunity to counter and never really relinquished it which allowed him his first win of the event. An exciting battle where Harmon-Vellotti must be kicking himself as he missed a big chance with the 13...Bf6
Brown vs. Ostrovskiy: 1/2-1/2
The two co-leaders had a good quality game where neither side allowed much space. It started out as a sideline of the Slav defense but it seemed both players were adequately prepared and decided to enter a balanced endgame where only a blunder could turn the tables. The game finished peacefully on move 40 where the position was completely balanced keeping both of these players in contention.
Li vs. Chandra: 1/2-1/2
The two highest rated IM's in the field clashed this round and it was very entertaining. Chandra showed very good preparation and equalized comfortably in a French Tarrasch. Struggling to find a way to make progress with the white pieces Li made a couple suspicious moves that soon left him down a pawn without full compensation and on the edge of defeat. Chandra took a second,riskier pawn that opened the game up entirely as Ruifeng used the opportunity to attack and make the position totally unclear. If time trouble wasn't a factor then Chandra may have emerged victorious but instead this see-saw game ended up in a three-fold repetition.
Bodek vs. Xiong: 0-1
Bodek chose a quiet sideline against the sicilian that was employed by Xiong. Things were balanced until Xiong decided to give up a pawn for two bishops and attacking chances. Bodek failed to trade off pieces or close off the position which allowed the bishops to slowly take over and creative serious attacking chances. Xiong handily outplayed Bodek in the complications and soon found himself up an exchange. Resignation from Bodek soon followed when it became clear that Xiong was capable of converting in the endgame. A strong performance by Xiong that puts him in clear first with 2.5/3.
Liang vs. Troff: 1-0
Liang played 1.e4 and Troff replied with his standard najdorf defense. However, he opted for a much more passive setup than usual and Awonder soon boasted a large space advantage. Troff sensed the danger and correctly fought back for some space where he balanced the game only to spoil it at the very end with a game-ending blunder in time trouble. Liang took and dealt the game-ending combination to move to 2/3. A more detailed analysis here:
By: GM Robin Van Kampen
After an eventful first round in which the players were praised for their fighting spirit by commentators. FM Aviv Friedman and GM Ben Finegold, expectations were high for the second round. Youngest participant Awonder Liang who showed great skill winning when converting a better ending against Michael Bodek on day 1, faced the difficult challenge of holding his own against top seed Jeffery Xiong.
Xiong vs. Liang: 1-0
Jeffery showed no interest in a theoretical battle as he opted for the London System, reminiscent of GM Gata Kamsky’s style. The game developed quietly and once both players developed their pieces, it was Awonder to err first. Rushing to activate his pieces, the thirteen year old wisconsinite opted for a central breakthrough which cost him dearly as Jeffery picked up a pawn. The Texas-based Grandmaster’s technique did not leave any space for Awonder to get back into the game and not long after the time control, the top US Junior’s first win was set in stone.
Checa vs. Brown: 0-1
Michael Brown could not believe his eyes when he found himself playing the exact same opening as in his first game against Chandra, but this time on the Black side! Nonetheless Nicolas Checa got the advantage but misplayed the position when he closed the center prematurely. Brown showed no hesitation and seized the moment to regroup his Knights and open up the way to White’s King. Nicolas tried to defend but could not find a way to regroup his Queen and deflect the incoming attack. When the Black Queen found her way into the White position, there was nothing in Brown’s way to seal the first victory of the day. A great start to the tournament for the newcomer, whereas the 14 year old IM-elect from Dobbs Ferry, NY, is still trying to find his form.
Ostrovskiy vs. Bodek: 1/2-1/2
Aleksandr Ostrovskiy was looking to get ahead of the field after a strong performance against Nicolas Checa in the first round. The opening turned into a spectacular Sicilian sideline, which was seen in several games of World Champion Magnus Carlsen recently. Bodek continued in sharp style after being surprised a couple moves into the highly complicated line, and bravely sacrificed his Knight in order to compromise the White King’s position. The 18 year old International Master from Brooklyn was able to defend his King, but did not find a way out of the perpetual check. A more detailed take on the game here:
Chandra vs. Harmon-Vellotti: 1/2-1/2
The longest game of the day was played by 16 year old International Master and reigning US Junior champion Akshat Chandra, against Idaho native Luke Harmond-Vellotti. Luke may have hoped to recover from a volatile game in the first round against GM Kayden Troff, but today’s game proved to be no less exciting. Akshat nurtured a slight advantage from the opening, but Luke equalized when he was able rid himself off his isolated pawn. When the players got low on time, the game seemed to be heading for a draw, until Chandra decided to sacrifice an exchange in hopes of launching a dangerous attack supported by his Bishop pair. Initially Luke seemed to control the position but after several inaccuracies Akshat obtained the compensation he was looking for. After the time control Luke found several precise moves to keep his position together, resulting in a drawn ending.
Troff vs. Li: 1/2-1/2
Li opened up with a Slav defense, but found himself in a difficult position by move 15 when Troff wasted no time to occupy the center and obtain the Bishop pair. From there on, the 2014 US Junior Champion played too cautiously, allowing Li to counterattack and launch a dangerous Queenside offensive. After a tenacious defense by White, the 14 year old IM missed his chance in the late middle game and the pressure was relieved after a large series of exchanges. On move 40 the players agreed that the ensuing rook endgame did not offer more than a draw.
By GM Robin van Kampen
Ruifeng Li faced off top seed Jeffery Xiong in a closed Sicilian. Black was quickly faced with a pawn storm heading straight for his King, and tried to counter attack in the centre. When the 15 year old grandmaster missed an opportunity to scatter Ruifeng's centre, he found himself forced to sacrifice a pawn in order to complicate matters. In time trouble, Jeffery's tactics stunned Ruifeng, but just when it looked like the top rated junior had it all under control, he erred and allowed Ruifeng to turn the tables and draw the game with a perpetual check. A more detailed take on the game can be found below.
Li vs. Xiong: 1/2-1/2
Game of the day: Even though the encounter between Ruifeng Li and top seed Jeffery Xiong ended in a draw, the game was a true spectacle. The players faced off no less then 37 times prior to this game, having drawn only 3 games previously. Based on this, fireworks were expected and the players did not disappoint!
Brown vs. Chandra: 1/2-1/2
Akshat Chandra opened up with the rare 1.d4 e6!?, which turned into a Bogo-Indian. Michael played the middle game aggressively, trying to open up the path to Akshat’s King by all means. Akshat kept his cool and fended off the threats, leaving him with an advantage in the middle game. Right after move 30 Akshat had a golden opportunity to obtain a large advantage by focusing on his King’s safety rather than aiming to restore the material balance immediately. When Akshat’s King found itself in trouble, the game soon petered out in a draw by move repetition.
Harmon-Vellotti vs. Troff: 1/2-1/2
This game was a true spectacle! After Luke opted for a sharp line in the Grunfeld, the players banged out move after move until Kayden released a novelty on move 14. Luke played logically, and tried to change off Kayden’s vicious Bishop on g7, but fell for a spectacular Rook sacrifice in the process. After sinking in deep thought, Luke decided to play down a pawn rather than risk allowing a series of spectacular sacrifices by Kayden, although the computer engines crudely pointed out that this would have led to no more than a draw. Kayden seemed to be on his way to convert his pawn advantage, but in time trouble he lost control over the position, ultimately leaving Luke with a winning position. Not long after move 40, the players agreed to a draw after a miscalculation on Luke’s part.
Checa vs. Ostrovskiy: 0-1
Aleksandr Ostrovskiy won a neat game against IM-elect Nicolas Checa. Aleksandr quickly got a pleasant position, and won an important pawn after the Knights were exchanged. For a moment, it looked like Nicolas was able to launch a dangerous attack in response, but Aleksander kept his cool during time trouble and defended accurately. Not much later, Nicolas fell victim to several impressive tactical blows, losing the game when Aleksandr managed to win the Queen.
Liang vs. Bodek: 1-0
Awonder Liang, the youngest participant of the tournament at 13 years old, faced unorthodox opening play by Michael Bodek. After gaining control over the center, the young Wisconsinite found himself forced to move backwards in order to create space for his pawns. A complicated battle in the center emerged, leaving White up a pawn in a Rook and Bishop ending when the smoke cleared. What happened next was truly impressive, Awonder showed great patience as he slowly outmaneuvered his opponent. Michael was forced to throw in the towel when the f-pawn could no longer be stopped from Queening.