Hikaru Nakamura won the North American Open (December 26-29, Las Vegas, Nevada) ahead of 13 other Grandmasters to take home $6940. This is Hikaru's second consecutive North American Open victory as well as his second major tournament victory, the first being the National Chess Congress over Thanksgiving weekend in Philadelphia.

The following two Hikaru wins show totally different aspects of his style- the first a slow grind against GM Melikset Khachiyan, the second a very precise tactical gem against Vadim Milov, which Hikaru called his favorite game of the tournament.

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Hikaru Nakamura Courtesy of Monroi.com 

A few days after Vegas, Hikaru headed for Odessa, where he is participating in the Association of Chess Professionals (ACP) World Rapid Cup. (January 4-8, Odessa, Ukraine)

GMs Alexander Shabalov, Zviad Izoria and Vadim Milov tied for second with 5.5/7. Shabalov's game against Mulyar featured an unusual and deep sacrifice.

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12-year-old Ray Robson finished his tournament with a crisp win over GM Melikset Khachiyan earning him a share of fifth place as well as the U2300 prize.

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Final Standings

1. Hikaru Nakamura- 6
2-4- Vadim Milov, Zviad Izoria and Alexander Shabalov- 5.5
5-9 GM Dmitry Gurevich, Dashze Sharavorj and Pavel Blatny, IM Michael Mulyar, and FM Ray Robson- 5

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