Friday
Feb122010
Aeroflot Update: Good Morning, Chess in Vietnam!
Friday, February 12, 2010 at 5:39PM
It's not surprising that China has become a chess power, but Vietnam?! It's too soon to give them that label, but they have some impressive players working their way up. After four rounds at the Aeroflot Open, it's not some name-brand super-GM like Vachier-Lagrave, Bacrot, Motylev, van Wely, Dreev, Bareev, etc. or a strong Russian player who is leading the field. Rather, first place is shared by two Vietnamese players, Le Quang Liem and Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son. There are still five rounds to go, so it's far too soon to coronate either player, but it's an impressive start!
Reader Comments (4)
interesting tid bit if true:
DCP23: "In case anyone wonders why Ehlvest - Grachev is 0-1 while the endgame is probably drawn, here's the scoop:
Jaan Ehlvest was found talking on the phone while his game was still going, and was immediately forfeited by arbiter Ashot Vardapetian. His opponent did not complain or anything, it was the arbiter's initiative and decision."
Strange story. I assume Ehlvest was on the phone for an innocuous but important non-chess reason. Hard to see why his opponent would complain, though!
Sometimes wish I had Karsten Muller on speed-dial. You know his style- "...bodycheck...bodycheck...and it's...GAME...OVER."
Grachev may (or may not) be 100% happy with the turn of events - but would he even have the chance to overrule the arbiter's decision?
Any info on how Ehlvest reacted?