Dr. Alexey Root just reported on CLO that GMs Julio Beccera, Alex Yermolinsky, Jesse Kraai, John Fedorowicz, and IM Dean Ippolito have tied for first at the US Championship Qualifier in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Since GM Beccera already qualified for the US Championship by rating, the other four players will now have a spot in the upcoming US Championship. Nine players tied for 6th place and the top three by tie breaks would qualify for the US Championship as well and they are Ludwig, Shankland, and Pruess.
Congratulations to all!
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Whoa, I never heard of some of these names. What happened to Seirawan, Kamsky, Nakamura, Christiansen or Benjamin?
This is not a true US Championship until all the big names appear. What would it take to get our best players to play?
I certainly think GM Kaidanov will win this year. From the list, only Yermolinsky could equal his playing strength. GM Kaidanov is a great player and wonderful chess teacher.
It is a legit U.S. Championship….I don’t see how anyone can say otherwise. Just because some of the well known names are apparently boycotting the tournament to make some sort of “statement” then so be it. There’s plenty of good players there and it will be a good tournament.
Kamsky, if he played, would obviously win…but he has other matters to worry about like getting the the WCC. As for he others…it doesn’t really matter.
It would be nice to see FM Daniel Naroditsky make it in to the Championship via a Wild card. Being the World Champion in the under 12 boys’ division should allow him a chance to be at least considered. This would certainly give him more exposure to a higher level of chess.
Someone contact the Berry brothers!
I am disappointed that Kamsky is not participating. Hopefully it is because of a scheduling conflict.
The USCF is asking members to donate to the Gata Kamsky International Chess and Sports Foundation to support Kamsky in his attempt to become World Champion.
Kamsky should particate in the US Championship if possible.