New York Marshalls vs Webster Windmills Top Clash In PRO Chess League Week 6

The New York Marshalls and the Webster Windmills top the standings in the Atlantic Division and face each other on Tuesday. It's week six for the PRO Chess League, with the Atlantic and Pacific Divisions playing on Tuesday beginning at 1:30 p.m. PT and the Eastern and Central Divisions playing on Thursday beginning at 7 a.m. PT.

We're already at the half-way mark for the regular season. Before the playoffs, three more "normal" rounds are scheduled, and two more "Battle Royales" in weeks seven and 10. But first, let's have a look at what week six is going to bring us.

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ATLANTIC: New York Marshalls vs Webster Windmills

After beating the slightly weakened Montreal Chessbrahs last week, the Webster Windmills (105 points) will defend their lead in the Atlantic Division against the current runner-up, the New York Marshalls (93 points). They latter managed to upset the Saint Louis Arch Bishops last Wednesday.

The Windmills are bringing three 2600 grandmasters to the pitch (with Ray Robson on board one) vs three 2500 GMs for the Marshalls.

Team New York will be putting its hope on its 2200 player on board four. Last week Grant Xu (4/8), who by the way is the first four-time consecutive Pennsylvania State Chess Champion (2015-2018) since the championship's inception in 1897, drew with both Caruana and So!

ATLANTIC: Montclair Sopranos vs Saint Louis Arch Bishops

In the same division there's also the clash between the numbers three and four. Once again bringing top 10 grandmasters Fabiano Caruana (17/23) and Wesley So (12.5/16), alongside IM Nikolas Theodorou (making his debut) and the untitled Josh Bloomer (3.5/15), the Arch Bishops won't have an easy day at the office facing three GMs and an IM.

PACIFIC: San Jose Hackers vs Chengdu Pandas

The Chengdu Pandas are still leading the Pacific division, but last week's loss to the San Francisco Mechanics made them vulnerable. Dallas Destiny is only 2.5 points behind thanks to their crushing 14-2 against the San Diego Surfers.

After their Chinese New Year celebrations the Pandas are back with a strong line-up that includes 2700 GMs Yu Yangyi (3.5/4) and Li Chao (3/4).

The San Jose Hackers have a pretty decent answer to that, with Azerbaijan's top GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (8/11) on board next to his good friend and compatriot Eltaj Safarli (13.5/15).

EASTERN: Tbilisi Gentlemen vs Estonia Horses

The Tbilisi Gentlemen defended their lead successfully last week vs the Volga Stormbringers, and this time they'll be facing the Estonia Horses. With 9/12 their board one of this week Nikita Meshkovs has had a good season so far.

Both teams are bringing three grandmasters, with Baadur Jobava once again leading the Gentlemen.

CENTRAL:
Cannes Blitzstreams vs Baden-Baden Snowballs & Norway Gnomes vs Marseille Migraines

The Central division is currently dominated by two teams: the Baden-Baden Snowballs and the Norway Gnomes. Both will be facing strong opposition this week:

Watch all the PRO Chess League action on Twitch.tv/chess, Twitch.tv/prochessleague, and Chess.com/tv on Tuesday and Thursday.

The Atlantic and Pacific Divisions play on February 12 beginning at 1:30 p.m. PT while the Eastern and Central Divisions play on February 14 beginning at 7 a.m. PT.

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