Jack PetersJune 6, 2010 Ukraine grandmaster Pavel Eljanov, probably the least-known of the world’s leading players, won the sixth Grand Prix tournament in Astrakhan, Russia. Eljanov’s 8-5 score in the round robin gave him a distinct edge over his...
The power of youth
Grandmasters are getting younger By Jack PetersMarch 14, 2010 Richard Rapport of Hungary just completed the requirements to become a grandmaster at age 13 years, 11 months, 15 days, the fifth-youngest ever. A thrilling accomplishment, no doubt. But chess...
Relentless Topalov
Relentless Veselin Topalov wins againBy Jack PetersMarch 7, 2010 The great double round robin in Linares, Spain, ended in a dramatic victory for world championship challenger Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria. Like a crafty pitcher who wins without his best...
Chess is a young man’s game
Kramnik wins Dortmund, againBy Jack Peters, International MasterJuly 19, 2009 Vladimir Kramnik of Russia won the elite double round robin in Dortmund, Germany, with an undefeated score of 6 1/2 -3 1/2 . Of course, the former world champion...
Chess stars battle at National Open in Las Vegas
Chess stars battle at National Open in Las VegasBy IM Jack PetersJune 14, 2009LA Times Two Southern Californians led a powerful field at the National Open in Las Vegas last weekend. Grandmaster Varuzhan Akobian and IM Enrico Sevillano shared...
Jack Peters’ LA Times column
ChessBy Jack Peters, International MasterMarch 15, 2009 The Los Angeles Chess Club conducted the Big Bang Open last weekend. Grandmaster Melikset Khachiyan won the 32-player tournament of one-hour games with a score of 5 1/2 – 1/2 . Joel...
Western States Scholastic Championships
By Jack Peters, International MasterMarch 8, 2009LA Times The Western States Single Grade Scholastic Championships attracted 304 players two weekends ago in Ventura. Winners by grade: Armen Sarkissian, 5 1/2 – 1/2 in grades 9 to 12; Brendyn Estolas,...
New year, same teams on top
New year, same teams on topBy Jack Peters, International MasterFebruary 22, 2009 Maybe chess is predictable. The U.S. Amateur Team Championship West uses a rating limit that supposedly gives more teams realistic chances to win, yet the same teams...
Grand debut for Karjakin
CHESSSergey Karjakin makes a grand debut in Corus tournamentBy Jack PetersFebruary 8, 2009 The Corus tournament ended dramatically Sunday in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. In the tightest finish in memory, six players began the last round tied for the...
The CA connection in TX
Sevillano, Milovanovic, Shabalov tie at U.S. OpenBy Jack Peters, International MasterAugust 17, 2008 State champion and International Master Enrico Sevillano of Tehachapi tied for first place in the 109th U.S. Open in Dallas, Texas. Sevillano, IM Rade Milovanovic (Texas)...