9th Blitz "Death Match" Player Announcement!

Two of the most prominent figures in the American Women's chess scene have confirmed their participation for Chess.com's 9th Blitz "Death Match", set to take place Sunday October 28th at 11:30 AM Pacific, 2:30 PM Eastern. International Master Anna Zatonskih and Women's Grandmaster Tatev Abrahamyan will compete in what has become the most popular monthly event on Chess.com, if not the entire landscape of "online chess".

Though Anna and Tatev can both boast two of the most impressive resume's of any female players, the favorite on paper heading into the match must surely be IM Zatonskih. Rated nearly 200 FIDE points higher, Anna is a multiple time US Women's Champion and led the U.S. Women's Olympic Team to a Silver Medal in 2004.

Originally from Armenia, Tatev is no stranger to success at the U.S. Women's Championship herself. She was Co-Champion in 2005, losing the playoff match against Rusudan Goletiani, tied for second in 2010 where she once again came up short in the Rapid Playoff, this time against her future "Death Match" opponent - Anna Zatonskih.

Tatev has said she's excited for a chance to avenge her previous rapid defeat in 2010, but knows she's the underdog. Anna also stated that she knows she's up against a formidable opponent in Tatev. Tatev and Anna have competed as teammates for the U.S. Women's Team for several years, but on October 28th there will be no "love lost" in what is sure to be an exciting blitz duel! Their over the board record, after fourteen meetings, shows Zatonskih with a +4 record, with multiple victories for both players.

IM's Daniel Rensch and David Pruess, along with other special guests will cover all the action live on www.Chess.com/TV - so mark your calendars! Look for a preview blog, predicting the winners at some point over the next month...