GMs Julio Becerra (left, by Clint Ballard) and Magesh Pachanathan

GM Magesh Panchanathan edged out GM Julio Becerra in a Miami match (April 15-16) to kick off the GM norm Round Robin that starts tomorrow. Marcel Martinez, who will be writing a report for CLO on the Round Robin, said: "There was a lot of fighting in this match. I was impressed at Panchanathan holding the match till he won it."

The match began with a spectacular draw:

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Magesh and Julio traded wins with Black in rounds 2 and 3.

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Magesh Panchanathan and Julio Becerra

Down to the wire

The two GMs split in several blitz playoffs, leading to a final Armageddon game which Magesh won. The quality of the blitz games were obviously not as high as the standard games, but they were fun to watch. In the following game, Magesh snags Julio's queen when Julio either missed or decided against 13...Ne5.

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This match was intended as the prelude to an exciting GM norm round robin from April 18-22. Gilberto Luna II of Miami is the organizer and the Florida Chess Association is the sponsor. The round robin participants will be: GM Julio Becerra (2544), GM Eugene Perelshteyn (2531, GM Magesh Panchanathan (2482), IM Jesse Kraai (2477), IM Renier Gonzalez (2454), FM Jorge Sammour-Hasbun (2449), IM Blas Lugo (2426), IM Amon Simutowe (2419), FM Marcel Martinez (2386) and FM Daniel Ludwig (2376).

Look for updates on the Miami Round Robin on Chess Life Online, including a post tournament report with photos and thoughts by Miami Shark FM Marcel Martinez. You can also watch the games live on ICC or access the library of usmatches07.