by Jennifer Shahade

After winning the second game on time, Gata Kamsky pushed his c-pawn all the way home to score another full point against the French GM Etienne Bacrot. This raises Kamsky's score in the first six-game match of the Candidates Matches in Elista, Russia (May 25-June 14) to 2.5/3. If he wins this match, Gata will play the winner of Gelfand-Kasimzhanov, which is now tied at 1.5-1.5. The four players who win both their mini-matches will advance to the World Championship set for Mexico City (September 12-30).

Round 3

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Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 30) is a free day. Games 4-6 will be played at 7 AM EST Thursday-Saturday. The second round of matches begins on Wednesday, June 6.