Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura

Only 16 years old, American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura is already ranked among the world�s elite players. He is currently the highest rated player in the world at 16 years and under with a FIDE rating of 2601 on the July 2004 rating list.

Most recently, Hikaru scored several impressive victories in the 2004 FIDE World Championship held in Tripoli, Libya in June. In the 128 player knock-out format, he reached the round of 16 before losing to GM Michael Adams of England.

Hikaru holds the record for being the youngest American grandmaster ever. He earned his title in February 2003 at the age of 15 years 2 months, eclipsing the earlier record set in 1958 by former World Champion, GM Bobby Fischer. Previously, Hikaru had set the mark for the youngest American master when he reached that milestone at the age of 10 years 2 � months.

An active tournament player, Hikaru competes extensively both internationally and around the United States. Among his recent successes are: 1st place, Decameron Open, Santo Domingo (May 2004); 4th place, Corus Invitational Grandmaster B, Wijk aan Zee (January 2004); 1st place, Western States Open, Reno, Nevada (October 2003); 3rd equal, Continental Championships for the Americas, Buenos Aires (August 2003), and 1st equal, National Open, Las Vegas, Nevada (June 2003).

Hikaru earned the silver medal for the United States at the 2001 World Youth Championships in Oropesa, Spain. He is the 2001 U.S. Junior Champion and has won several national championships in various age groups.

He was born in Japan in 1987 and has been playing chess since he was 7 � years old.