2024 XTX Markets London Chess Classic

[Roland Kensdale]

Apologies if I've missed the thread referring to this, but this is a big event, starting shortly:

https://en.chessbase.com/post/33-500-fi ... at-arsenal

New entries are being sought for an iconic edition of Britain’s most prestigious chess event, the 2024 XTX Markets London Chess Classic, starting on November 29 at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium. The event’s FIDE Masters tournament, which will take place alongside the main tournament, is open to amateur and professional players alike and currently has an impressive line-up of strong masters. Like to join in? Here's your chance.

[LawrenceCooper]

Apologies if I've missed the thread referring to this, but this is a big event, starting shortly:

https://en.chessbase.com/post/33-500-fi ... at-arsenal

New entries are being sought for an iconic edition of Britain’s most prestigious chess event, the 2024 XTX Markets London Chess Classic, starting on November 29 at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium. The event’s FIDE Masters tournament, which will take place alongside the main tournament, is open to amateur and professional players alike and currently has an impressive line-up of strong masters. Like to join in? Here's your chance.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14322#p311046

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Since the other thread is titled "FIDE Open" I am posting here about the results in the 'Elite' event:

https://lichess.org/broadcast/2024-xtx- ... 1/O9V515xj

Gawain Jones started by beating Mickey Adams in round 1, and then Shreyas Royal in round 2.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Round 3: Gawain drew with Vidit. Mickey should win against Shreyas. Other two games level.

[NickFaulks]

Hong outmuscled Vitiugov impressively in a long game.

Mamedjarov won a tricky ending against Ju.

[LawrenceCooper]

Ju Wenjun beat Shreyas and 3 draws today, albeit Mickey's escape against Vidit was miraculous.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Less of a bloodbath today.

Gawain drew with Vitiugov. Hong drew with Mamedyarov.

Mickey impressed by holding a tough draw from a lost position against Vidit (ensuring Gawain retains a half-point lead in first place).

Shreyas remains in last place with a loss to an attacking game by Ju.

EDIT: Oops. Cross-posted with Loz! It is an interesting mix of players.

[LawrenceCooper]

Last round pairings:

Jones Gawain C B (4) v Ju Wenjun (2.5)
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (3.5) v Vitiugov Nikita (3.5)
Adams Michael (3.5) v Hong Andrew (3)
Royal Shreyas (1) v Mamedyarov Shakhriyar (3)

[Matt Mackenzie]

This has been a tough event for Royal after his notable performance last year.

[John Moore]

This has been a tough event for Royal after his notable performance last year.

But good performances by Gawain, Mickey (beating Mamedyarov yesterday) and Nikita.

[LawrenceCooper]

Congratulations to Gawain who finishes with a win and a full point clear of those in joint second place (Adams, Mamedyarov, Vidit & Vitiugov).

[John Moore]

Congratulations to Gawain who finishes with a win and a full point clear of those in joint second place (Adams, Mamedyarov, Vidit & Vitiugov).

Great result for Gawain. Well done.

[Paul Cooksey]

Gawain described it as the best win of his career. Well deserved based on his level of play.

My impression is Adams is a slow starter now he plays less frequently, but his assessment he did better than he deserved seemed a bit too modest to me.

Andrew Hong made a good impression. I could not have said anything much about him before the event. But he played interesting chess and it looks like he is an improving player. The USA has impressive strength in depth.

[LawrenceCooper]

My impression is Adams is a slow starter now he plays less frequently, but his assessment he did better than he deserved seemed a bit too modest to me.

Possibly, although starting with black against Gawain wasn't the easiest tournament opener. He may have been thinking of the unexpected turnaround in his game yesterday but modest is certainly a fair description of him.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

The Adams win over Mamedyarov (the "turnaround" that Loz mentions above) was 121 moves!

https://lichess.org/broadcast/2024-xtx- ... E/CVxYZlGs