Poliannikov blocks Bayaraa's attempt at CONIC history

In the Age 11-12 section, Chinguun Bayaraa held a half-point lead over fellow Californian Robert Shlyakhtenko going into the last round.  Bayaraa, playing in his fourth CONIC event and already having two CONIC titles, had a chance at becoming the first player to win three CONIC titles.  He carried a 2-year, 9-game CONIC unbeaten streak into the last round.  However, Boylston Chess Club's Danila Poliannikov played a nice game and took the full point.  That result allowed Shlyakhtenko to take the section championship by outplaying Joaquin Perkins in a major-piece endgame. 

BELOW:  Danila Poliannikov in Round 2 (with Tianna Wang in the background).