Home Page arrow Chess Life Online arrow 2008 arrow January arrow Hikaru #1 in Gibraltar!
Hikaru #1 in Gibraltar! Print E-mail
By Jennifer Shahade   
January 31, 2008

 
HikaruleadGibraltar.jpg
Hikaru Nakamura at the closing ceremony. Photo Cathy Rogers
Hikaru Nakamura made an amazing comeback in the Gibtelecom Masters (Jan. 22-31, Gibraltar) to capture first place and a prize of nearly $24,000. After a lackluster 3/5 start, Hikaru strung 5 wins together, then defeated Bu Xiangzhi from China 2-0 in a rapid playoff. Bu  had been running away with the event a few rounds earlier, and even had chances to equalize in the playoff. In the first rapid game (10 minutes plus 10 seconds), Hikaru executed a kingside majority attack on the White side of the Slav. In the second game, Bu won a queen for a rook and a knight, and had chances to equalize the score. However, Bu was unable to break through the "Nakamura Fortress" and even ended up losing to mate on the board. Here are the playoff games:

1596

1597

 In Hikaru's blog on his new website , he gives insight into his Gibraltar training regimen as well as his games. "One of the many reasons why I come to Gibraltar is for the fun atmosphere which abounds in the evenings." The $100,000 prize fund couldn't have hurt either. Congratulations to Hikaru. Watch uschess.org for more details on this amazing result. For now, enjoy the additional games below and browse the official Gibtelecom website for more details.
 
1594

1598

1599
HikaruBuplayoff.jpg
Hikaru Nakamura and Bu Xiangzhi playoff for first place. Photo Cathy Rogers
 
Read or Write Comments on this Article
(3 so far)
Advertisement

January - Chess Life Online 2008

Americans in MoscowBest of CLO 2007-#4My 61 Memorable Games: A MysteryHikaru #1 in Gibraltar!GM Joel on When it's Not Your MoveBest of CLO 2007-#53-Way Tie at Liberty Bell Open Best of CLO 2007-#6Attention AffiliatesThree-Way Tie in Agoura HillsBest of CLO 2007-#7Carlsen and Aronian Win CorusBest of CLO 2007-#8Irina Live from CorusBest of CLO 2007: #9Philly Chess Legend, Boris Baczynskyj DiesBest of CLO 2007: #10 Topalov Wins Grudge MatchBest of CLO: Meet the Judges Finegold Leads in ChicagoIan on Fischer and Forfeits in Wijk Searching for Fischer's LegacyUSCF President and Executive Director on FischerBobby Fischer Dies at 64Ian Rogers Blogs from WijkOrrin Hudson in People The Weekend that Wasn't and WasCorus Starts with SparksHow Wojo Won: The Accelerated DragonJennifer on Gems and Best OfGM Joel on the Riga Todd on Vegas Chess BluesQualify for the 2008 U.S. Champs!IM Johnny B. Blogs on the Pan-AmsUTD Takes Pan-AmsIvanov Wins Eastern Open

Announcements