Yerevan update

Final day of Kramnik-Aronian match was a comedy of errors. Aronian, with a draw in hand already, played quite complacently, content with a draw even when he had a winning position. Kramnik, on the other hand, tried too hard, missed some key moves and would actually get into trouble if only his opponent wasn't being so relaxed.

Both games ended in draws, and in both games, the axe could have swung either way. Still, their brilliant, beautiful play continues.

Final result: Aronian trumped Kramnik 4-2. Marvellous display from the world number 5.

Detailed report here.

Kramnik lost 3 games in a row!!!

After edging GM Peter Leko 4.5-3.5 last month in an 8-game rapid match, World Champion GM Vladimir Kramnik turns his attention towards Armenian's top GM, Levon Aronian. This time, the match takes place in Yerevan, Armenia. It consists of 6 rapid games, with two games to be played every day.

The first day was already explosive, with both players scoring to tie the score at 1-1. Kramnik won the first game but lost the second.

On the second day, however, Aronian stole the show with TWO straight wins! How long has it been since Kramnik lost three consecutive games? Currently leading 3-1, Aronian only needs half a point from the final day to win the match. Yes, he only needs a mere 0.5 out of possible two. Kramnik will have to win both games just to draw the match.

Could the World Champion bounce back?

Get more details here.

The Kings of the Game

We all dreamed of getting there, being one of the game's maestro. In my case, being a 1400+/- player at 26 still did not discourage me. After all, it's the journey that matters, not the destination. Chess gave us the feeling we can't seek anywhere, am I right?

These guys have made the journey, they are the reigning Kings:

1. 2786 Viswanathan Anand
2. 2772 Veselin Topalov
3. 2772 Vladimir Kramnik
4. 2762 Alexander Morozevich
5. 2759 Levon Aronian
6. 2757 Shakhriyar Mamedyarov
7. 2747 Teimour Radjabov
8. 2738 Peter Leko
9. 2736 Peter Svidler
10. 2734 Michael Adams

Kramnik is the current World Champion, after defeating Topalov in the controversial Elista match. Anand surged to the top rankings after his brilliant performance in the Super GM tournament, Morelia-Linares. Most impressive, however, is Radjabov, the youngest on the list (he was born in 1987!). Overall, there's only 20 players in the world now that are part of the 2700 club.

Russia is still the top chess-playing country. Malaysia is ranked at #81. Take a look:

1852. 2414 Wong Zi Jing

Malaysia's top player is ranked at only 1852nd in the world. The competition is steep. Very steep indeed.

Yeah, we all got a long way to go. For now though, I'm not going to be a rating hunter. Just learn how to play the beautiful game beautifully. Nice rating will surely comes later. Cheers for the journey!!