World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen toppled an uninspired Gata Kamsky to move into clear first with 3/4, as Hikaru Nakamura lost his leader-status after stumbling out of the gate against Levon Aronian.
Through the first two rounds of the inaugural Sinquefield Cup, the American No. 1 has gotten off to a great start, besting World No. 2 Levon Aronian on Monday and U.S. No. 2 Gata Kamsky on Tuesday.
Round 1 of the strongest chess tournament in U.S. history is in the books, and two full points have already been awarded as World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and U.S. No. 1 Hikaru Nakamura emerged victorious.
After a celebration weekend that began with the drawing of lots and finished with the drawing of crowds, the strongest chess tournament in American history is ready for its first move.
Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is perhaps the most recognizable chess figure on the earth today. With a FIDE rating of 2862, he is the current No. 1 in the world.
Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, ranked seventh on the planet with a FIDE rating of 2774, is the United States’ No. 1-ranked player and a three-time U.S. Champion.
Grandmaster Levon Aronian is just the sixth player in history to cross the elite 2800 threshold, currently ranking No. 2 in the world with a FIDE rating of 2802.
Gata Kamsky, the reigning U.S. Champion, is a Soviet-born, American grandmaster, currently ranked No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 17 in the world with a FIDE rating of 2741.
The 2013 Sinquefield Cup will offer live spectators three different commentary options, access to the playing hall and a chance to meet and get autographs from the players.