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Biel Grandmaster Tournament Underway

Biel Grandmaster Tournament Underway

SonofPearl
| 19 | Chess Event Coverage

Biel 2012 red logo.jpgThe Biel Grandmaster tournament is underway at the 45th Biel Chess Festival in Switzerland.

Nakamura was the winner of the opening exhibition blitz event, but in the first round of the main tournament he came under considerable pressure from Magnus Carlsen.  Only some cool-headed defence secured a draw for the American.

Meanwhile, Anish Giri continued his good run of form in the Dutch Championships by beating Alexander Morozevich, and Wang Hao beat Etienne Bacrot.

In round two Magnus Carlsen was not to be denied this time, beating Wang Hao in style. Morozevich lost again in a double-edged clash with Bacrot, while Giri and Nakamura fought an entertaining draw.

Meet the gang (l to r): Nakamura, Bacrot, Carlsen, Wang Hao, Giri, Morozevich

Biel 2012 competitors-all.jpg

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The standings after two rounds:

Name Nat Elo Pts
Carlsen, Magnus  NOR 2837
Giri, Anish  NED 2696
Nakamura, Hikaru  USA 2778 1
Wang, Hao  CHN 2739 1
Bacrot, Etienne  FRA 2713 1
Morozevich, Alexander  RUS 2770 0

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The festival also includes many other events including a Master Tournament, Main Tournament, Rapid Tournament and a Blitz Tournament.

The Biel Chess Festival runs from 21 July - 3 August.  The main GM tournament started on Monday 23 July and there is one rest day on Sunday 29 July, with the final round on 2 August.  Magnus Carlsen is defending the title he won in 2011.

The Grandmaster Tournament games start at 14:00 local time (12:00 UTC) and a live broadcast is available at this link.

Picture and video from the official website.  Games via TWIC.

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