Gata Kamsky in Elista. Photo Tara McGowran

Gata Kamsky won his third game in a row against Etienne Bacrot at the Candidates Matches in Elista. He now advances to the second round, where from June 6-14 he will play the winner of Kasimdzhanov- Gelfand.
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Photo Shaminder Dulai

On May 19, the Hip Hop Chess Federation hosted an unusual event in San Francisco, involving IM Josh Waitzkin and some of the most bold-faced names in hip-hop like RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. The CLO report includes thoughts from HHCF founder Adisa Banjoko, Waitzkin, along with a live video from the event.
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In his May check-up, Dr.Dowd examines the problems of Matti Myllyniemi, a beloved Finnish composer.
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Betsy Dynako

Vadim Milov prevailed over Yury Shulman in a late night tiebreak playoff at the 2007 Chicago Open (May 25-28). Elizabeth Vicary reports on Milov's thoughts on his play and the unusual odd numbered class sections. The article also includes a large selection of photos by Betsy Dynako.
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After winning the second game on time, Gata Kamsky pushed his c-pawn all the way home to score another full point against the French GM Etienne Bacrot. This raises his score in the first six-game match of the Candidates Matches in Elista to 2.5/3.
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Expert player David Paulina upset GM Sergey Erenburg round one. Photo Betsy Dynako.

The Chicago Open (May 25-28) has seen an unusually large number of upsets, including IM Josh Friedel's victory over Alexander Shabalov, and expert David Paulina's win against GM Sergey Erenburg.

Update: Milov wins Chicago Open in a tiebreak match over Yury Shulman. Full report coming soon!

In the final position, Bacrot lost on time in a drawish looking pawn down endgame.

Gata Kamsky defeated the French GM Etienne Bacrot with Black in the second game of their six-game match at the Candidates Matches in Elista, Russia. (May 25-June 14) He was up a pawn in a drawish looking endgame when Etienne lost on time. The first game was a draw.
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Alexander Shabalov wins clear first in the Frank Berry U.S. Championship with a last round victory over Sergey Kudrin! Read full story for thoughts from the players, games and a photo gallery.
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Photo Jennifer Shahade

The Fantasy Competition closed quite differently from the main tournament. Instead of the leader throughout, Gilberto Luna II, taking home the grand prize, an upstart who had made little noise in the standings till the end came out on top. Congratulations to Asher Gabara, who will take home the 80 GB Ipod!
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Sergei Kudrin and Boris Gulko took on tourney leaders Alexander Onischuk and Alexander Shabalov today.

Going into the final round of the 2007 Frank Berry U.S. Championship,Alexander Shabalov and Alexander Onischuk lead the pack with 6/8. In round eight, Shabalov and Onischuk drew against Boris Gulko and Sergey Kudrin. Tomorrow they trade opponents! Watch the games live, which begin at 1 PM EST.

UPDATE: Alex Shabalov has won the US Championship! Stay tuned for the full report.

With just one day to decide the winner of the fantasy chess competition, Arun Sharma checks in with a bonus optimal team challenge and more stats than ever. At the moment, Gilbero Luna II and Jeremy Madison are neck and neck at the top with 31.5 points each.
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Shabalov has been dethroned from board one. Alexander Onischuk defeated Hikaru Nakamura with black to join the top of the scoretable with Shabalov, who drew with Jaan Ehlvest.
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Photo Jennifer Shahade

With only two rounds to go in the U.S. Championship, the fantasy chess competition is getting more exciting. Gilberto Luna II of Miami leads for the third round in a row, but only by a point. Arun Sharma breaks down the stats and counts down the top 32 teams.
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Photo Macauley Peterson

Topalov earned first place at the Mtel Masters in Sofia, coming back from a poor start. The Bulgarian hero only scored plus one to win the event. Tied for second were four players, including America's Gata Kamsky.
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Alexander Onischuk, just before the beginning of the sixth round. Photo Jennifer Shahade

Going into round six of the U.S. Championship, Alexander Shabalov was a half and a point ahead of the field, but defending champ Alexander Onischuk brought him down a notch on the white side of the Slav. Now live on the scene in Stillwater, web editor Jennifer Shahade brings you Alex's thoughts on the game and photos.
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Alexander Shabalov leads the Frank Berry U.S. Championship one a half points ahead of the field, with a perfect 5-0 score. In round five against Gregory Kaidanov, Alex showed off his endgame technique in the lead diagram. Meanwhile, Hikaru bounced back against Yermolinsky and local hero Michael Langer defeats his second IM in a row.
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