All games were drawn in the final round in Shanghai. Shirov easily won the Shanghai stage to qualify for Bilbao. However, the top 2 move on. After 6 rounds, Kramnik and Aronian were tied for the 2nd spot. Therefore, they had to play blitz to determine the outcome. Kramnik won game 1, Aronian won game 2. Kramnik earned the invitation by winning the final Armageddon game with Black.

Round 6 results:

Shirov, Alexei – Aronian, Levon ½
Kramnik, Vladimir – Wang Hao ½

Final standings in Shanghai

Shirov, A GM ESP 2749 3 3 0 12 points – 1st place
Kramnik, V GM RUS 2780 1 4 1 7 points – wins playoff to qualify for Bilbao
Aronian, L GM ARM 2783 1 4 1 7
Wang Hao GM CHN 2724 0 3 3 3

Official website: http://www.bilbaofinalmasters.com/2010/en/

Posted by Picasa
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Tags: , ,