Nakamura in Cap D’Agde Finals!
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One of the strongest rapid events is coming to a close today in France and 20-year old Hikaru Nakamura will face Vassily Ivanchuk in the finals. This will be Nakamura’s biggest test of his career after having beat former World Champion Anatoly Karpov in the semi-final match.
For the last several years Nakamura has come into his own and has exceeded expectations of fans and pundits who felt he may be stagnating. He has since broken the coveted 2700 barrier and his performance ans the Cap D’Agde should be an indication that he has corrected some of his weaknesses in his play. His path to the finals has been impressive…
lost to GM Teimour Radjabov (2751)
beat IM Sébastien Feller (2526)
drew GM Magnus Carlsen (2786)
beat GM Humpy Koneru (2618)
beat WGM Hou Yifan (2578)
beat IM Almira Skripchenko (2455)
beat GM Anatoly Karpov (2651)
beat GM Maxime Vachier Lagrave (2716)
Several of Nakamura’s matchup are of note. His first round match with Radjabov and 3rd round match with Carlsen may be the beginning of many contested battles as the three vie for future championships. He also got a chance to play up-and-coming French star Vachier-Lagrave and China’s sensation Hou Yifan. It is without question that Nakamura has squashed all doubts about his intentions to be a contender in the upper echelon of chess.
Update: Nakamura beat Ivanchuk in the final!
Live Games: https://www.capechecs.com/direct.php
Results: tp://www.capechecs.com/resultats/index.php?t=masters
Official Site: https://www.capechecs.com/articles/actualite-des-tournois-lever-de-rideau-au-cap-d-agde-37.html
Video by Europe-Echecs.com.
I never thought Naka could upstage Ivanchuk,what a great surprise ,can we get d games here pliz ,the main website is a hussle.
Actually, I love Nakamura’s aggressive style! I remember years ago when I 1st saw him (I think it was at a World Open?), a top US GM, play the early 2. Qh5 after a normal e4e5 opening and win! I was excited about this sort of play, because it help me to understand that being super booked up in the most popular openings isn’t that important: Razor sharp and accurate play is more important! I had the thought after seeing Nakamura’s performance against the world’s top class GMs, that I’d rather see him being supported to go after the World Championship instead of Kamski?! However, I must admit… Anand is super strong in fast chess, and in every other aspect of the game, so what a royal battle that would be so time down the road! 😀
I knew Naka wouldn’t outplay Chucky completely and I understand when Naka mentions Chucky sidestepped d draw at some point .Its hard to see who can really outplay Ivanchuk in Chess ,he knows everything .
Phenomenal result – apparently Nakamura’s only loss in the whole tournament was to Radjabov in his first game.