By Hikaru on 7/27/2008 11:40 AM

Hello again everyone! For the first time in several months, I have actually been following some chess tournaments over the past week and a half, so I will start with my observations on Biel. Obviously Carlsen is the big favourite due to his recent results as well as the opposition of the field. Overall his play has been ok, although not quite what I would expect from someone who is supposed to be number 2 going on number 1 in the world as he got lucky to beat Pelletier and ridiculously lucky against Bacrot in a close to losing position. Carlsen aside, Alekseev seems to be playing solidly as does Dominguez as they are cruising along to see who finishes 2nd. And then there are the other 3. Onischuk seems to be playing reasonably well although losing R+N vs R to Dominguez is disappointing to say the least. Bacrot is having another up and down tournament as he started off horrifically but has bounced back with two straight wins. Pelletier on the other hand is just having a terrible tournament. Yannick is a nice g ... Read More »

By Hikaru on 7/19/2008 8:59 PM

Hello again everyone! Sorry for not posting anything for such a long period of time, but I have been very busy with life. As of right now, I have not played any chess tournaments since the wretched National Open. Having said that, I cannot complain with my current 2697 rating and number 31. My next tournaments as planned right now will be in Mainz, (Rapid+Fischer Random) Japan, and a reasonably strong round robin tournament in Montreal. Hopefully I can continue to play well and improve my world ranking (crossing fingers). I would also like to give a shout out to a friend of mine, Ylon Schwartz, who has reached the final table of the World Series of Poker in November. Good luck, and may the Schwartz be with you! Till next time, over and out!