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Chess Life Magazine 2009 September Akobian and Shulman Still Lead
Chess Life Magazine 2009 September Akobian and Shulman Still Lead | Akobian and Shulman Still Lead |
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| By Jennifer Shahade | |
| May 13, 2009 | |
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In round six of the 2009 U.S. Chess Championship (Saint Louis, May 7-17), friends and Olympic teammates Varuzhan Akobian and Yury Shulman drew their game but still share the lead with 4.5/6. 3162 See round seven pairings and the official tournament website with video gallery. Check live games tomorrow at 3 PM EST on the official site, monroi.com or the Internet Chess Club. 
Alexander Onischuk vs. Hikaru Nakamura, Photo Betsy Dynako
The only players within striking distance of Shulman and Akobian were Gata Kamsky, Robert Hess and Hikaru Nakamura, but they also drew their games. Nakamura faced Onischuk on the black side of an 4. e3 Nimzo-Indian. He said he chose the Nimzo because he wanted a solid game, but he regretted his choice when he found himself facing a very tough defensive task. Nakamura thought he would hold after he got f5 in, because his knight was so much stronger than Onischuk's bishop. 3163 
Gata Kamsky vs. Robert Hess, Photo Betsy Dynako
Against Kamsky, 17-year-old GM-elect Hess chose the "Dragdorf", a hybrid of the Dragon and the Najdorf. It was the first time Hess had ever played the Sicilian, and he managed a solid draw against the #1 seed. 3161 But there was also blood in this round. Crowd favorites Irina Krush, Ray Robson and Josh Friedel all scored today. 3160 3164 3165 
IM Irina Krush vs. GM Julio Becerra, Photo Betsy Dynako
This brings Irina and Ray within striking distance of GM norms. Check out the round six recap video: |
