Defending champion GM Alex Onischuk and former champion Alex Shabalov are tied for 1st with 6 points. Right behind them with only 1/2 point behind are GMs Kudrin, Kaidanov and Shulman. Only the 5 of them will have mathematical chances to win the crown.
Here are the matchups:
1 GM ALEX SHABALOV (6) – GM SERGEY KUDRIN (5.5)
2 GM ALEX ONISCHUK (6) – GM BORIS GULKO (5)
3 GM YURY SHULMAN (5.5) – GM GREG KAIDANOV (5.5)
What are your predictions? Who will finish in the top 3?
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
1 GM ALEX SHABALOV 1/2 GM SERGEY KUDRIN
2 GM ALEX ONISCHUK 0-1 GM BORIS GULKO
3 GM YURY SHULMAN 0-1 GM GREG KAIDANOV
Shabalov has a lot written about him, but this is a tough call.
What is the USCF doing about the Russians??
Shabalov and Onischuk both win, Onischuk wins the rapid tie break.
All draws.
Shabalov wins, Onischuk draws, Kaidanov wins. Way to go Alex!!