Only 5 players still have mathematical chances to win the 2009 Championship. They are Nakamura, Hess, Kamsky, Onischuk and Akobian.
Here are the critical final round matchups:
| Board | White | Rating | Result | Black | Rating |
| 1. | IM Robert Hess (6) | 2545 | – | GM Varuzhan Akobian (5½) | 2664 |
| 2. | GM Hikaru Nakamura (6) | 2757 | – | GM Joshua Friedel (5) | 2568 |
| 3. | GM Alexander Onischuk (5½) | 2736 | – | IM Ray Robson (4½) | 2542 |
| 4. | GM Jaan Ehlvest (4) | 2649 | – | GM Gata Kamsky (5½) | 2798 |
What is your prediction?
IM Robson can earn a GM norm against Onischuk who must win to have a shot at the title. IM Brooks can earn a GM norm if he defeats GM Ibragimov.
Standings of the leaders:
1. GM Nakamura, Hikaru (2)…. NY 2757 6.0
2. IM Hess, Robert (17)……. NY 2545 6.0
3. GM Kamsky, Gata (1)…….. NY 2798 5.5
4. GM Onischuk, Alexander (3). VA 2736 5.5
5. GM Akobian, Varuzhan (7)… CA 2664 5.5
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Hess will win. Nakamura will draw. Hess wins!
Hess will win. Nakamura will draw. Hess wins!
Hess!
My guess: Nakamura. I think he has a better chance against his opponent than Hess has against his.
Naka and Hess wins. Then Hess takes out Naka.
I predict Nakamura wins in under 25 moves
Hess draws in an opposite color bishop ending.
Hess drew, Nakamura wins!
Michigan Chess Dad
wow. anon 1:51 was right!
good prediction!