A win that matters

It will end in a victory one way or the other. Fortunately, it ends in a victory and Wesley is good to go again. It was like having your first taste of glass of water after spending some time in the desert . After 10 consecutive draws he has fought in SPICE Cup, So finally got his first win in the history of the tournament courtesy of hard headed defending champion, GM Eugene Perelshteyn. Wesley's campaign really starts with that victory. He's a consistent player once off to a good start. I know Wesley is feeling that one victory, his confidence is back (so is the fans), and Wesley So is in very good position to redeem Philippine chess.

Wesley So will be facing another American prodigy in the third round, GM Ray Robson, US youngest grandmaster. The two youngsters will face each other over the board for the first time and definitely, the highlight match of the SPICE Cup. Young players tend to be more intimadated by fellow young player compare when facing an older and higher rated player so this match should be more interesting than others. The two will battle twice this tournament and we hope they will not all end in draws.

Hope a good performance by Wesley here in SPICE Cup will inspire this blogger again to update this blog in a regular basis :)


Susan Polgar chess blog is regularly updating the tournament while chessbomb.com offers live games of the tournament with cool computer analysis.

2010 SPICE Cup puts on a record

For two straight years, GM Wesley So will be participating in the tough SPICE CUP at Texas Tech University, USA. So's performance last year produced neither bad nor impressive result, though some were disappointed. Wesley drew all his games, most of them were but short draws. But a year had passed and So aged a year and has somewhat improve his games so we can expect a different So we saw from last year.

According to Susan Polgar's blog, this year's edition of the 2010 SPICE Cup will be the highest rated international invitational tournament in U.S. history to date with an average FIDE rating of 2631. There will be two section to be competed here. The A Group, where the big boys are, and the B group where the emerging talents will compete each other for a chance to play in the A group in the future.

GM Zoltan Almasi (HUN) 2707 (#1 in Hungary on the current LIVE rating list)
GM Alexander Onischuk (USA) 2688 (#3 in the U.S., former U.S. #1 and Champion)
GM Wesley So (Philippines) 2668 (#1 in the Philippines)
GM Georg Meier (Germany) 2659 (#2 in Germany)
GM Ray Robson (USA) 2539 (Youngest American GM)
GM Eugene Perelshteyn (USA) 2528 (winner of 2007 SPICE Cup)

Wesley So confirmed he's ready for SPICE Cup 2010

As just announced in Susan Polgar blog, GM Wesley So sent his confirmation to Polgar that he'll be participating in the A Group of SPICE Cup 2010. And yes, there will be new rules to prevent early draws that plague the 2009 tournament. At the 2009 edition, So produced eight draws in 9 games and many of them, according Susan herself, where offered by So's opponents. These new rules will be implemented. No draw offer allowed prior to move 30 and a win will score 3 points, a draw score 1 point, and loss 0 point. Other early birds in the A group are as follows; GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Jon Ludvig Hammer (Norway), GM Ray Robson (USA) and GM Eugene Perelshteyn (USA).

So is set to compete in the B group of Corus next January 2010 as he is automatically qualified after winning the C group last year.

More comforting words for Wesley So and his fans from Susan Polgar

As everyone may know by now, Wesley So failed to made a statement in his first major US tournament debut, in 2009 SPICE Cup where Wesley finished at the bottom of the standings in group A. So finished the event without a single win with eight draws and a loss. Susan Polgar, SPICE Cup organizer was nonetheless, has all the kind words and praises reserved not only for Wesley, but to all Filipino chess enthusiasts as well everywhere in the world. Here's what she had to say:

It's an absolute pleasure to have Wesley and William here at the SPICE Cup in Lubbock and Texas Tech. They are wonderful people.

Playing in an open tournament and playing in a round robin/double round robin tournament is very different. It requires different approach, preparation, psychology, and training, etc. This is an important learning process for Wesley. Next time he will improve.


Wesley certainly got the respect from the big guys. No one will offer you a draw if they think they can beat you :)

I am sure this is not the last time we will hear about Wesley at the SPICE Cup.

One thing I hardly see from any other player is the support Wesley got from the Filipino community in the Philippines, in the US, in Texas, and around the world. There were people who drove I believe 5-6 hours to come and support Wesley and William. Stick with this kid, he has a bright future.

I will continue to update news about Filipinos players and Wesley on my blog and please feel free to send me any article that I may have missed.

Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
www.SusanPolgar.blogspot.com

SPICE Cup 10th and final round: Wesley So's last stand in Texas

GM Wesley So, the second seeded player here in 2009 SPICE Cup group A, is still looking for that elusive first win in this category 16 tournament. Going into the final round, So posted eight draws with one defeat. The loss came in the second round when he bowed to young Norwegian, Jon Ludvig Hammer. So is currently placed last in the group of 6 GMs. Wesley will make his last stand from Lubbock, Texas against the co-leader of the tournament, Dmitry Andreikin. So hopes that he wins his last game against Andreikin and Akobian beats Kusubov, and the Hammer-Mamedov ended in a draw to create a 6 way tie for first! Anyway, a win in the final round is just about fine. Regardless.

Standings after 9 rounds

1. Kusubov 5.0
2. Andreikin 5.0
3. Hammer 4.5
4. Mamedov 4.5
5. Akobian 4.0
6. So 4.0

Live coverage is happening here: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/spice/SPICE_CUP_2009_LIVE_COVERAGE.php

Chess and the internet: the Philippines is still among the most passionate about the game

Just recently, Susan Polgar posted in her blog regarding the top countries that are following her blog since the 2009 SPICE Cup started last Sunday in Lubbock, Texas where GM Wesley So is presently competing, his first major tournament in the US. According to her blog, the stats shows that the Philippines has overtaken the USA, the number two internet user in the world, in terms of number that is following the 2009 SPICE Cup. How about that for a nation that is nowhere to be found among the top 20 internet users in the world? This development surprised me a lot and we can argue this for days but fact remains that Filipinos still pretty much in love with their chess my dear.


Top 15 countries (of 127) following Susan Polgar's blog

24.32% Philippines

18.92% United States

12.16% Norway

9.46% Japan

5.41% Netherlands

5.41% Spain

4.05% Canada

4.05% United Kingdom

2.70% Italy

2.70% India

2.70% Israel

1.35% France

1.35% Malaysia

1.35% Australia

1.35% Korea, Republic Of

1.35% Sweden

1.35% Switzerland

SPICE Cup round 4: So - Mamedov, who's lucky?

Both So and Mamedov can easily claims that it was not them who was lucky enough to escape with the draw. Psychologically speaking, I was thinking that Mamedov, who initiated the draw by repetition, may have simply lost his nerve in the ending. The attrition imposes to him by Wesley where he came close to losing his rook after Wesley's 37 Bb1, trapping black's rook on a1, which he luckily escapes may easily explain this. But on the one hand, following the commentators from chessdom, they waived So's 39th move, 39. exd5?And Wesley runs directly into the trap! It was necessary to take with the Knight 39. Nxd5 Nxd5 40. exd5, then 40...Qb5, attempting Qf1, breaks against simple 41. Rd3. .

For sure, it's Wesley who may feel bitter after this game. He's got enough resources to pull off a win. But Mamedov is experiencing the joy of contentment, as the result of the repetition which he initiated.

Meanwhile Hammer defeated the struggling Akobian in an excellent end game battle to get back into the leader board.

Round 4 results

Group A

So 1/2 Mamedov

Kuzubov 1/2 Andreikin

Hammer 1-0 Akobian


Group B


Finegold 1/2 Robson

Bhat 1/2 Papp

Ippolito 0-1 Antal

Perelshteyn 1-0 Diamant

Kuljasevic 1/2 Rensch



Standings after 4 rounds

A group

1-3. Hammer, Kuzubov, Andreikin 2.5
4. Mamedov 2.0
5. So 1.5
6. Akobian 1.0

B group

1-3. Antal, Finegold, Perelshteyn 3.0
4-5. Bhat, Papp 2.5
6. Robson 2.0
7-8. Rensch, Kuljasevic 1.5
9. Diamant 1.0
10. Ippolito 0.0

starting at 00:22, standing outside the playing area is Wesley's father, William.

So - Mamedov commentaries by chessdom.com

Round 4 pictures

Replay of all games from SPICE CUP

LIVE games with commentaries of So-Mamedov and Kasparov-Karpov

The first Live games with commentaries that featured daily at chessdom.com will be the Kasparov - Karpov rapid game 1 which will start at around 12:00 midnight, Manila time. Commentaries for this game will be provided by Jason Juette. Next will be the round 4 game between Mamedov and So which will start at around 2:00 am in the morning and commentaries will be provided by Goran Urosevic and IM Perunovic.

All live games from SPICE CUP 2009 can be follow at Monroi.com.
Kasparov-Karpov 2009 Valencia official English website

By the way, did I get it right from the original Spanish caption of the video?

KARPOV VISITS THE CENTRAL MARKET
To prepare for his upcoming duel against Kasparov

SPICE Cup round 3, So - Akobian is a draw

GM Wesley So drew his game with 2007 SPICE Cup co-champ Varuzhan Akobian of USA. Wesley So game is not featured last night at chessdom for the live commentary but we provided a link below where you can view and replay all the games for everyone's convenience. In the main attraction of the round, Kuzubov defeated So's tormentor in the 2nd round to share the lead with Andrekin with 2.0 points each. Commentary for this game is also provided by chessdom.

A Group


Andreikin 1/2 Mamedov

So 1/2 Akobian

Kuzubov 1-0 Hammer


B Group


Finegold 1-0 Kuljasevic

Robson 0-1 Bhat

Papp 1-0 Ippolito

Antal 0-1 Perelshteyn

Diamant 1/2 Rensch


Standings after 3 rounds:

A Group

1-2. Andreikin, Kuzubov 2.0
3-4. Hammer, Mamedov 1.5
5-6. So, Akobian 1.0

B Group

1. Finegold 2.5
2-5. Bhat, Antal, Perelshteyn, Papp 2.0
6. Robson 1.5
7-9. Diamant, Kuljasevic, Rensch 1.0
10. Ippolito 0.0


Replay of all games from Monroi.com

LIVE commentary of the Kuzubov - Hammer game by Chessdom.com: http://www.chessdom.com/news-2009/kuzubov-hammer-spice-cup

Round 3 photos (61 pics): http://picasaweb.google.com/SPICEChess/2009SPICECupRound3

Varuzhan Akobian employing his favorite French against So in round 3

SPICE Cup round 2, Wesley So defeated, but Susan was charmed by his fans!

It was sorry to see Wesley So being man handled so early in the game in front of his adoring fans at Lubbock, Texas. By the 22nd move, the game was pretty much against his odds. The ensuing moves was a long, torturous one for Wesley. Nevertheless, Susan Polgar was charmed and awed by the supporter of Wesley So as she wrote on her blog:

The Filipino community in this region is absolutely incredible. They on their own raised some money to support their own player. Some even drove 5-6 hours to come to Lubbock to support Wesley So.

I also had a number of conversations with Wesley's Dad and Ray's Dad in the past 2 days. We came up with some very interesting ideas to help some of the most talented kids. As soon as we finalize the details, I will make the official announcement.

Sunday, September 20 / 2pm - Round 2

A group

Mamedov 1/2 Kuzubov
Hammer 1-0 So
Akobian 0-1 Andreikin

Sunday, September 20 / 2pm - Round 2
B group

Kuljasevic 1/2 Diamant
Rensch 0-1 Antal
Perelshteyn 1/2 Papp
Ippolito 0-1 Robson
Bhat 1/2 Finegold


Standings after 2 rounds

Group A

1-2. Andreikin, Hammer 1.5
3-4. Kuzubov, Mamedov 1.0
5-6. So, Akobian 0.5

Group B

1. Antal 2.0
2-3 Robson, Finegold 1.5
4-7. Papp, Bhat, Kuljasevic, Perelshteyn 1.0
8-9. Diamant, Rensch 0.5
10. Ippolito 0.0

Hammer - So game commentary by chessdom.com

Replay of all games from A and B group in round 2 can be viewed at Monroi.com

Round 2 Photos

Jon Ludvig Hammer - Wesley So, looking at the elegant trophies.

SPICE Cup round 1: So - Kuzubov, a draw

Only one decisive game in round 1, and that is in the B group. Sometimes one couldn't help but think that handling the white pieces at the start of a round robin tournament might not be an advantage at all. We've seen it many times in the past. It's just that players want to stay close with the peloton, see if others will make a break away, then, if allowed, catch up with him later. But nevertheless, the game So-Kuzubov (34 moves) is the only game in the A group that can be considered a real attempt to break away from the peloton group. The Akobian - Mamedov games lasted for only 21 moves while the Andreikin - Hammer took just 20 moves.

A group

GM Akobian (2008 SPICE Cup C0-Champ) 1/2 GM Mamedov
GM Andreikin 1/2 GM Hammer
GM So 1/2 GM Kuzubov

B group

GM Bhat 1/2 IM Kuljasevic
IM Finegold 1/2 IM Ippolito
IM Robson 1/2 GM Perelshteyn (2007 SPICE Cup Champ)
IM Papp 1/2 FM Rensch
IM Antal 1-0 GM Diamant


Round 2 Pairings, Group A

Mamedov - Kuzubov

Hammer - So

Akobian - Andreikin


Replay of all games from A and B group can be viewed at Monroi.com

Photos from round 1

Commented games of So-Kusubov at chessdom

Father and son, William and Wesley So before the start of round 1

SPICE Cup round 1, Live games with commentaries

Just a very quick, short post. If you are suffering from insomnia or better yet, working in a call center agency, grave yard shift, then you are in a perfect position to watch the live game with commentaries between Wesley So and Yuriy Kuzubov, today at chessdom. Commentaries will be provided by GM Dimitrov. Round 1 will start at around 1 am- 2 am, Manila time.

Live games at chessdom

IM Oliver Barbosa begged off from SPICE CUP group B

IM Oliver Barbosa who earlier accepted the invitation of Susan Polgar to participate in the B group of the upcoming 2009 SPICE CUP in Texas Tech University slated September 19-29 has officially called off his participation, as announced in Susan Polgar's blog. He will be replace by IM Dean Ippolito. Oliver Barbosa currently holds 20 title in the US. GM Wesley So nevertheless will still compete in Group A and set to leave for the US in a few days time.

Live games and daily coverage for SPICE CUP 2009

Just received an email info from our contacts at chessdom that the site will have live commentary of the games and daily coverage from SPICE CUP 2009 this September 19 - 29 in Texas Tech University, USA where GM Wesley So will be among the participants in Group A. IM Oliver Barbosa is also set to compete in Group B of the competition.

IM Oliver Barbosa joins SPICE CUP group B

IM Oliver Barbosa will be joining the SPICE Cup group B, a category 11 event with an average rating of 2501 according to Susan Polgar's blog. Barbosa, who has been enjoying much success in the US, capturing 20 titles to date will be seeded 9th in a group of 10 participants, 3 of them are grandmasters. GM Wesley So likewise will be competing in Group A. Wesley will be the second seed after Pashikian, Arman (2650) of Armenia was replaced by GM Jon Ludvig Hammer (2585) of Norway. The SPICE CUP chess festival will take place September 19-29.

A Group – Category 16 (6-player DRR) – Average rating: 2630.17 – Average age: 20

GM Dmitry Andreikin 2659 - Russia (#6 junior under 20 in the world - Russian Junior Champion) 19

GM Wesley So 2644 - Philippines (#7 junior under 20 in the world - #1 in the Philippines - member of the 2008 Filipino Olympiad team.) 15
GM Varuzhan Akobian 2636 - USA (#6 in the U.S. - 2008 SPICE Cup Co-Champion - 2-time Olympiad Bronze Medalist) 26
GM Yuriy Kuzubov 2631 - Ukraine (#8 junior under 20 in the world - #12 in Ukraine) 19

GM Rauf Mamedov 2626 - Azerbaijan (#5 player in Azerbaijan - member of the 2008 Azerbaijani Olympiad team) 21
GM Jon Ludvig Hammer 2585 - Norway (#2 in Norway behind Magnus Carlsen - member of the 2008 Norwegian Olympiad team) 19

This event will break the U.S. record by a big margin. Last year's SPICE Cup was a category 15 event with average rating of 2605.5. This year's average rating will be over 2630!

B Group – Category 11 (10-player RR) – Average rating: 2501.7

IM Gabor Papp 2562 - HUN (GM norm - Texas Tech Student in 8/2009)
IM Davorin Kuljasevic 2547 - CRO (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student in 8/2009)
GM Eugene Perelshteyn 2541 - USA (2007 SPICE Cup Champion)

IM Ray Robson 2527 - USA (2 GM norms - Winner of the 2009-2010 Samford Fellowship)

GM Andre Diamant 2526 - Brazil (2008 Brazilian Champion)
IM Ben Finegold 2513 - USA (2 GM norms)
IM Gergely Antal 2487 - HUN (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student)

GM Amon Simutowe 2473 - ZAM (#1 player in Zambia, first African GM, board 1 of Zambian Olympiad team)

IM Oliver Barbosa 2454 - PHI (One of the top young Filipinos - Winner of 20 U.S. tournaments in the past year)

FM Danny Rensch 2386 - USA (2 IM norms)

All ratings listed are FIDE ratings.

SPICE Cup Open and SPICE Cup Scholastic Open are once again two of the events which are a part of the SPICE Cup Chess Festival.

Just as last year, the SPICE Cup will be held on campus at Texas Tech University and is co-organized by SPICE, Susan Polgar Foundation, and Texas Tech University.

2009 SPICE CUP Group A: Wesley So, 3rd seed

So the line up for The 2009 SPICE Cup Group A group has been finalized. The category 16 the SPICE CUP organizers has been brewing to perfection for nearly a year will now have all the bragging rights in the world! According to Susan Polgar blog, this year SPICE CUP will boast an average rating of 2643.5, making this event one of the strongest chess tournament to be ever held in US soil, rating/statistic wise. GM Wesley So is one of the early bird to confirmed his participation in the said event. Wesley will be the 3rd seed here. The SPICE CUP chess festival will take place September 19-29.

Confirmed players for group A (6-player DRR - Category 16):

GM Dmitry Andreikin 2659 - Russia (#6 junior under 20 in the world - Russian Junior Champion)
GM Pashikian Arman 2650 - Armenia (#4 player in Armenia, the country which won the last 2 Olympiad)
GM Wesley So 2646 - Philippines (#7 junior under 20 in the world - #1 in the Philippines)
GM Rauf Mamedov 2645 - Azerbaijan (#5 player in Azerbaijan)
GM Yuriy Kuzubov 2635 - Ukraine (#8 junior under 20 in the world - #12 in Ukraine)
GM Varuzhan Akobian 2626 - USA (#6 in the U.S. - 2008 SPICE Cup Co-Champion - 2-time Olympiad Bronze Medalist)

FM Danny Rensch of Arizona has confirmed his participation in the SPICE Cup B group. I was so impressed when I read a story about him. That is why I decided to invite Danny to give him an opportunity to earn his third and final IM norm.

B Group - Category 11-12 (10-player RR):

IM Gabor Papp 2558 - HUN (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student in 8/2009)
IM Davorin Kuljasevic 2547 - CRO (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student in 8/2009)
GM Eugene Perelshteyn 2537 - USA (2007 SPICE Cup Champion)
GM Andre Diamant 2519 - Brazil (2008 Brazilian Champion)
IM Ben Finegold 2513 - USA (2 GM norms)
IM Ray Robson 2496 - USA (1 GM norm - Winner of the 2009-2010 Samford Fellowship)
IM Gergely Antal 2479 - HUN (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student)
FM Danny Rensch 2392 - USA (2 IM norms)

All ratings listed are FIDE ratings.

SPICE Cup Open and SPICE Cup Scholastic Open are once again two of the events which are a part of the SPICE Cup Chess Festival.

Just as last year, the SPICE Cup will be held on campus at Texas Tech University and is co-organized by Texas Tech University, SPICE and the Susan Polgar Foundation.

SPICE Cup 2009 update

Susan Polgar had just posted in her blog the latest update for the coming SPICE Cup 2009 in September. Below is the list of the confirmed players who will participate in the said event. SPICE Cup is aiming for a category 17-18 here. GM Wesley So is one of the earliest participants who confirmed his interest to join the event.

A Group - Category 16 - 2641.5 (6-player double RR)

GM Dmitry Andreikin 2659 - RUS (#6 junior under 20 in the world - Russian Junior Champion)
GM Wesley So 2646 - PHI (#7 junior under 20 in the world - #1 in the Philippines)
GM Yuriy Kuzubov 2635 - UKR (#8 junior under 20 in the world - #12 in Ukraine)
GM Varuzhan Akobian 2626 - USA (#6 in the U.S. - 2008 SPICE Cup Co-Champion - 2-time Olympiad Bronze Medalist)

B Group - Category 12 - 2529.4 (10-player RR):

GM Anton Kovalyov 2586 - ARG (Top junior from Argentina)
IM Papp, Gabor 2558 - HUN (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student in 8/2009)
IM Davorin Kuljasevic 2547 - CRO (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student in 8/2009)
GM Eugene Perelshteyn 2537 - USA (2007 SPICE Cup Champion)
GM Andre Diamant 2519 - Brazil (2008 Brazilian Champion)
IM Ben Finegold 2513 - USA (2 GM norms)
IM Ray Robson 2496 - USA (winner of the 2009-2010 Samford Fellowship)
IM Gergely Antal 2479 - HUN (2 GM norms - Texas Tech Student)

All ratings listed are FIDE ratings.

SPICE Cup Open and SPICE Cup Scholastic Open are once again two of the events which are a part of the SPICE Cup Chess Festival.

Just as last year, the SPICE Cup will be held on campus at Texas Tech University and is co-organized by Texas Tech University, SPICE and the Susan Polgar Foundation.