Connecticut Dreadnoughts vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Mark Paragua (2588) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
GM Oliver Barbosa (2579) - GM Larry Kaufman (2391)
NM Kapil Chandran (2365) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
NM Yoon-Young Kim (2116) - FM Alex Barnett (2330)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Connecticut Dreadnoughts and the Baltimore Kingfishers clash in a match that will decide which team makes the playoffs. Both teams sit at a (4.0-5.0) match record, but Connecticut is in 3rd place in the Southern Division thanks to their 18.5 game points to Baltimore's 17.5 game points. In essence, Connecticut has draw odds with regards to making the playoffs. With the Miami Sharks (4.5-4.5 match record with 16.5 game points) playing against the Atlanta Kings (3.5-5.5 match record with 18.0 game points), only one team from each of these two matches can make the playoffs despite the possibility of all four teams ending up tied with a (4.5-5.5) match record. In that very special case, Atlanta and Connecticut would make the playoffs as they both would have at least 20.5 game points to win the first tie-breaker. That tiebreaker is also why the other Southern Division match-up, Carolina Cobras (3.5-5.5 match record with 16.0 game points) vs. St. Louis Arch Bishops (6.5-2.5), only serves to determine St. Louis' seeding in the playoffs as Carolina cannot make the playoffs even with a 4-0 victory. Also note that last week, the Western Division secured their Interdivisional supremacy, so they receive a 4th playoff spot this year. See all of the playoff structure here.
In the all-time series, Connecticut leads Baltimore with a (2.5-0.5) match record. These two teams last played against each other in Week 9, 2013 when Connecticut won with a 3.5-0.5 score. Only two Baltimore players (GM Larry Kaufman and NM Jared Defibaugh), who played in that match, return to play this week. Coincidentally, Connecticut starts a lineup that also won by a 3.5-0.5 score last week against the New England Nor'easters. Meanwhile Baltimore debuts a more balanced lineup than we have seen them use this year.
Board 1: GM Mark Paragua vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Mark Paragua is (+1 =3 -1) with a 2586 performance rating in his first USCL season. He drew last week with the black pieces on Board 1 against SM Mika Brattain of the New England Nor'easters. He will be challenged by IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+4 -2) with a 2670 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season with Baltimore. IM Levan Bregadze has a (-2) career record against Connecticut. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Denys Shmelov of the Boston Blitz.
Board 2: GM Larry Kaufman vs. GM Oliver Barbosa. GM Larry Kaufman is (=1 -2) with a 2163 performance rating in his 10th USCL season. He has a (=1 -1) score in his career against Connecticut. He last played in Week 8 when he drew on Board 2 with the black pieces against GM Renier Gonzalez of the Miami Sharks. He will battle GM Oliver Barbosa, who is (+2 =2) with a 2672 performance rating in his first USCL season. GM Oliver Barbosa won last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters.
Board 3: NM Kapil Chandran vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Kapil Chandran won his season debut last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against FM Christopher Chase of the New England Nor'easters. That starts him off with a 2811 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season. His opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh, has a (+3 =2 -2) record with a 2398 performance rating in his 5th season. NM Jared Defibaugh has a (-3) career record against Connecticut. He last played in Week 8 when he lost with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Federico Gonzalez of the Miami Sharks.
Board 4: FM Alex Barnett vs. NM Yoon-Young Kim. FM Alex Barnett lost his USCL debut last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against NM Chris Williams of the Boston Blitz. That starts him with a 1910 performance rating. This week, he is set to play NM Yoon-Young Kim, who is (+2 -3) with a 2176 performance rating in his first USCL season. NM Yoon-Young Kim won last week with the white pieces on Board 4 against Carissa Yip of the New England Nor'easters.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Showing posts with label preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preview. Show all posts
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
2014 Week 9 Preview
Boston Blitz vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
IM Steven Zierk (2543) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Denys Shmelov (2473) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Chris Williams (2310) - FM Alex Barnett (2330)
NM Ilya Krasik (2264) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Boston Blitz battle the Baltimore Kingfishers in the final interdivisional week of the season. Boston (2.5-5.5) is in 5th place in the Eastern Division while Baltimore (3.0-5.0) is in 5th place in the Southern Division. Baltimore is only a half-match-point (and 1.5 game points) behind Atlanta for the 3rd playoff spot in the Southern Division. Boston's playoff chances, however, rely on the Eastern Division winning a 4th playoff spot and being ahead of Philadelphia, who is 2.0 match points ahead of Boston, in tie-breaks. Currently, Boston leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 8.0-6.0 match score. The last match they played occurred in Week 10, 2013 when Boston won by a 3-1 score. Two Boston players (IM Steven Zierk and FM Denys Shmelov) from that match return to play this week.
Board 1: IM Steven Zierk vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Steven Zierk has a (+2 =1 -1) record with a 2667 performance rating in his 4th USCL season and 3rd season with Boston. He won his only career game against Baltimore. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. He will be challenged by GM Akshayraj Kore, who is (+1 -1) with a 2545 performance rating in his first season. GM Akshayraj Kore last played in Week 5 when he lost with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Robert Hungaski of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Denys Shmelov. IM Levan Bregadze has scored (+3 -2) with a 2629 performance rating in his third USCL season and 2nd season with Baltimore. He drew his only career game against Boston. He last played in Week 6 when he lost with the black pieces on Board 2 against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. His opponent, FM Denys Shmelov, is (+2 =3 -1) with a 2502 performance rating in his 7th season with Boston. He has a (+2 =3 -1) career record against Baltimore. FM Denys Shmelov drew last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against SM Mika Brattain of the New England Nor'easters.
Board 3: NM Chris Williams vs. FM Alex Barnett. NM Chris Williams returned to the Boston roster this season after a 6-year break from the USCL. He is (+2 -4) with a 2218 performance rating in his 2nd season for Boston. He lost last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters. He is matched against FM Alex Barnett, who will be making his USCL debut. FM Alex Barnett is known for his exciting, aggressive style of play as well as his unique commentary in his previous role as a USCL Game of the Week judge.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Ilya Krasik. NM Andrew Zheng last played in Week 6 when he won the black pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is (+3 =1 -1) with a 2286 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Coincidentally, that is the exact same performance rating he had last season when his only game was a draw with the white pieces against this week's opponent, NM Ilya Krasik. Scoring (+2 =1 -4) in his 10th USCL season with Boston, NM Ilya Krasik has a 2138 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 4 against NM Greg Kaden of the New England Nor'easters. He has a (+4 =2 -4) record against Baltimore in his career.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Steven Zierk (2543) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Denys Shmelov (2473) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Chris Williams (2310) - FM Alex Barnett (2330)
NM Ilya Krasik (2264) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Boston Blitz battle the Baltimore Kingfishers in the final interdivisional week of the season. Boston (2.5-5.5) is in 5th place in the Eastern Division while Baltimore (3.0-5.0) is in 5th place in the Southern Division. Baltimore is only a half-match-point (and 1.5 game points) behind Atlanta for the 3rd playoff spot in the Southern Division. Boston's playoff chances, however, rely on the Eastern Division winning a 4th playoff spot and being ahead of Philadelphia, who is 2.0 match points ahead of Boston, in tie-breaks. Currently, Boston leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 8.0-6.0 match score. The last match they played occurred in Week 10, 2013 when Boston won by a 3-1 score. Two Boston players (IM Steven Zierk and FM Denys Shmelov) from that match return to play this week.
Board 1: IM Steven Zierk vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Steven Zierk has a (+2 =1 -1) record with a 2667 performance rating in his 4th USCL season and 3rd season with Boston. He won his only career game against Baltimore. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. He will be challenged by GM Akshayraj Kore, who is (+1 -1) with a 2545 performance rating in his first season. GM Akshayraj Kore last played in Week 5 when he lost with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Robert Hungaski of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Denys Shmelov. IM Levan Bregadze has scored (+3 -2) with a 2629 performance rating in his third USCL season and 2nd season with Baltimore. He drew his only career game against Boston. He last played in Week 6 when he lost with the black pieces on Board 2 against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. His opponent, FM Denys Shmelov, is (+2 =3 -1) with a 2502 performance rating in his 7th season with Boston. He has a (+2 =3 -1) career record against Baltimore. FM Denys Shmelov drew last week with the white pieces on Board 2 against SM Mika Brattain of the New England Nor'easters.
Board 3: NM Chris Williams vs. FM Alex Barnett. NM Chris Williams returned to the Boston roster this season after a 6-year break from the USCL. He is (+2 -4) with a 2218 performance rating in his 2nd season for Boston. He lost last week with the black pieces on Board 3 against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters. He is matched against FM Alex Barnett, who will be making his USCL debut. FM Alex Barnett is known for his exciting, aggressive style of play as well as his unique commentary in his previous role as a USCL Game of the Week judge.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Ilya Krasik. NM Andrew Zheng last played in Week 6 when he won the black pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is (+3 =1 -1) with a 2286 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Coincidentally, that is the exact same performance rating he had last season when his only game was a draw with the white pieces against this week's opponent, NM Ilya Krasik. Scoring (+2 =1 -4) in his 10th USCL season with Boston, NM Ilya Krasik has a 2138 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 4 against NM Greg Kaden of the New England Nor'easters. He has a (+4 =2 -4) record against Baltimore in his career.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, October 13, 2014
2014 Week 8 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Miami Sharks
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Julio Becerra (2626)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - GM Renier Gonzalez (2510)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Federico Gonzalez (2315)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Vlad Yanovsky (2165)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Miami Sharks face-off in a hotly-contested Southern Division match-up. Baltimore (3.0-4.0 in match points) is in 4th place while Miami (3.5-3.5) sits just above them in 3rd place in the Southern Division. Miami leads the all-time series with a 2-1 match score against Baltimore. Amazingly, these two original USCL teams, who battled each other in the very first week of the first USCL season as well as the first USCL Finals, have not met since Week 4, 2006. Two Baltimore players (GM Larry Kaufman and FM Ralph Zimmer) and one Miami player (GM Julio Becerra) played in that last match and will return to play in this upcoming match.
TRIVIA: Name the team against which Baltimore has not played for the longest amount of time.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Julio Becerra. GM Niclas Huschenbeth is (=1 -1) with a 2568 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season. He last played in Week 6 when he drew with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Wesley So of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He has never played against Miami before he challenges GM Julio Becerra this week. Playing against GM Julio Becerra is nearly synonymous with playing against the Miami Sharks as GM Becerra recently became the first USCL player with over a hundred games played. Over his 10-year career, he has played in 101 of Miami's 111 matches played (Not counting a 2005 Miami match that was agreed drawn without playing due to a Hurricane). This season, he is (+2 =4 -1) with a 2722 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 1 against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. Also, he has scored (+2 -1) against Baltimore in his career.
Board 2: GM Renier Gonzalez vs. GM Larry Kaufman. GM Renier Gonzalez is (-2) with a 2217 performance rating in his 3rd season for the Miami Sharks. He last played in Week 5 with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Yian Liou of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has not played against Baltimore previously. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Larry Kaufman, is also on a (-2) score though with a 1990 performance rating. GM Larry Kaufman has a (+2) record against Miami in his 10-year career. He played last week with the black pieces on Board 2 against IM Mark Ginsburg of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Federico Gonzalez. NM Jared Defibaugh has a (+3 =2 -1) record with a 2479 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. He will get his first chance to play against Miami with an opponent, NM Federico Gonzalez, who will be playing his first USCL game ever. Little information is available for NM Federico Gonzalez except for his 2315 USCF rating.
Board 4: Vlad Yanovsky vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Vlad Yanovsky won his only game this season in Week 6 with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Ian Harris of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts. That starts him with a 2708 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Also having played only one game this season, FM Zimmer lost last week with the black pieces on Board 4 against Matthew Noble of the Arizona Scorpions. That starts him off with a 1684 performance rating. Might that be the largest performance rating gap in USCL history? Also, FM Zimmer is (-1) in his career against Miami.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Julio Becerra (2626)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - GM Renier Gonzalez (2510)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Federico Gonzalez (2315)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Vlad Yanovsky (2165)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Miami Sharks face-off in a hotly-contested Southern Division match-up. Baltimore (3.0-4.0 in match points) is in 4th place while Miami (3.5-3.5) sits just above them in 3rd place in the Southern Division. Miami leads the all-time series with a 2-1 match score against Baltimore. Amazingly, these two original USCL teams, who battled each other in the very first week of the first USCL season as well as the first USCL Finals, have not met since Week 4, 2006. Two Baltimore players (GM Larry Kaufman and FM Ralph Zimmer) and one Miami player (GM Julio Becerra) played in that last match and will return to play in this upcoming match.
TRIVIA: Name the team against which Baltimore has not played for the longest amount of time.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Julio Becerra. GM Niclas Huschenbeth is (=1 -1) with a 2568 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season. He last played in Week 6 when he drew with the white pieces on Board 1 against GM Wesley So of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He has never played against Miami before he challenges GM Julio Becerra this week. Playing against GM Julio Becerra is nearly synonymous with playing against the Miami Sharks as GM Becerra recently became the first USCL player with over a hundred games played. Over his 10-year career, he has played in 101 of Miami's 111 matches played (Not counting a 2005 Miami match that was agreed drawn without playing due to a Hurricane). This season, he is (+2 =4 -1) with a 2722 performance rating. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 1 against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters. Also, he has scored (+2 -1) against Baltimore in his career.
Board 2: GM Renier Gonzalez vs. GM Larry Kaufman. GM Renier Gonzalez is (-2) with a 2217 performance rating in his 3rd season for the Miami Sharks. He last played in Week 5 with the white pieces on Board 2 against FM Yian Liou of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has not played against Baltimore previously. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Larry Kaufman, is also on a (-2) score though with a 1990 performance rating. GM Larry Kaufman has a (+2) record against Miami in his 10-year career. He played last week with the black pieces on Board 2 against IM Mark Ginsburg of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Federico Gonzalez. NM Jared Defibaugh has a (+3 =2 -1) record with a 2479 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. He will get his first chance to play against Miami with an opponent, NM Federico Gonzalez, who will be playing his first USCL game ever. Little information is available for NM Federico Gonzalez except for his 2315 USCF rating.
Board 4: Vlad Yanovsky vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Vlad Yanovsky won his only game this season in Week 6 with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Ian Harris of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts. That starts him with a 2708 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. Also having played only one game this season, FM Zimmer lost last week with the black pieces on Board 4 against Matthew Noble of the Arizona Scorpions. That starts him off with a 1684 performance rating. Might that be the largest performance rating gap in USCL history? Also, FM Zimmer is (-1) in his career against Miami.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, October 6, 2014
2014 Week 7 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Arizona Scorpions
IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) - GM Mackenzie Molner (2581)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - IM Mark Ginsburg (2397)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - IM Alexey Diulger (2421)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Matthew Noble (2084)
Wednesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
In the third and penultimate interdivisional match of the season, the Baltimore Kingfishers play the Arizona Scorpions. Baltimore (3.0-3.0 match record) is in 2nd place in the Southern Division while Arizona (2.5-3.5) is in 5th place in the Western Division. Baltimore has won all three previous matches against Arizona. These two teams last played in Week 6, 2012 when Baltimore won by a 3-1 score. One Baltimore player (NM Jared Defibaugh) and two Arizona players (GM Mackenzie Molner and IM Mark Ginsburg) from that match return to play in this match.
The four weeks of interdivisional matches determine which of the three USCL divisions earns a 4th playoff spot. Currently, the Western Division leads the race with an (8.0-4.0) match record while the Eastern Division (7.0-5.0) remains close behind. The Southern Division sits at a dismal (3.0-9.0) record, but there is still time to catch up. See the full USCL playoff structure explanation here.
Board 1: IM Tanguy Ringoir vs. GM Mackenzie Molner. IM Tanguy Ringoir won his only USCL game thus far in Week 4 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Carlos Perdomo of the Atlanta Kings. That starts him off with a 2800 performance rating. He will be challenged by GM Mackenzie Molner, a 9-year veteran of the USCL playing in his 4th year with the Arizona Scorpions. GM Molner has a (+2 =1 -2) record this season with a 2651 performance rating. In his USCL career which has included stints with the New York Knights and the New Jersey Knockouts, he has a (+3 =2 -2) record against Baltimore. He drew last week with the black pieces on Board 1 against GM Jesse Kraai of the San Francisco Mechanics.
Board 2: IM Mark Ginsburg vs. GM Larry Kaufman. In his 6th USCL season, IM Mark Ginsburg is (+2 =2 -1) with a 2525 performance rating. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Cameron Wheeler of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has a (=1 -1) record in his career against Baltimore including a drawn game in Week 4, 2009 with the same colors against this week's opponent, GM Larry Kaufman. GM Larry Kaufman lost his only game this season in Week 2 with the black pieces against NM Ilker Bozkurt of the Carolina Cobras for a 1983 performance rating. In his 10 seasons with the Baltimore Kingfishers, he has a (+1 =1) record against the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. IM Alexey Diulger. NM Jared Defibaugh has scored (+2 =2 -1) with a 2410 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won his only career game against Arizona. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Matthew Larson of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. Opposing him will be IM Alexey Diulger, who lost his only career USCL game in Week 5 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That still starts IM Alexey Diulger with a relatively high 2385 performance rating.
Board 4: Matthew Noble vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Matthew Noble is (+1 -1) in his first USCL season with a 2109 performance rating. He last played in Week 5 when he won with the black pieces on Board 4 against Julian Proleiko of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is set to play FM Ralph Zimmer, who is making his season debut for his 9th season with Baltimore. FM Ralph Zimmer scored (+2 =1 -1) last season with a 2337 performance rating and won his only career game against the Arizona Scorpions.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583) - GM Mackenzie Molner (2581)
GM Larry Kaufman (2391) - IM Mark Ginsburg (2397)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - IM Alexey Diulger (2421)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2268) - Matthew Noble (2084)
Wednesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
In the third and penultimate interdivisional match of the season, the Baltimore Kingfishers play the Arizona Scorpions. Baltimore (3.0-3.0 match record) is in 2nd place in the Southern Division while Arizona (2.5-3.5) is in 5th place in the Western Division. Baltimore has won all three previous matches against Arizona. These two teams last played in Week 6, 2012 when Baltimore won by a 3-1 score. One Baltimore player (NM Jared Defibaugh) and two Arizona players (GM Mackenzie Molner and IM Mark Ginsburg) from that match return to play in this match.
The four weeks of interdivisional matches determine which of the three USCL divisions earns a 4th playoff spot. Currently, the Western Division leads the race with an (8.0-4.0) match record while the Eastern Division (7.0-5.0) remains close behind. The Southern Division sits at a dismal (3.0-9.0) record, but there is still time to catch up. See the full USCL playoff structure explanation here.
Board 1: IM Tanguy Ringoir vs. GM Mackenzie Molner. IM Tanguy Ringoir won his only USCL game thus far in Week 4 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Carlos Perdomo of the Atlanta Kings. That starts him off with a 2800 performance rating. He will be challenged by GM Mackenzie Molner, a 9-year veteran of the USCL playing in his 4th year with the Arizona Scorpions. GM Molner has a (+2 =1 -2) record this season with a 2651 performance rating. In his USCL career which has included stints with the New York Knights and the New Jersey Knockouts, he has a (+3 =2 -2) record against Baltimore. He drew last week with the black pieces on Board 1 against GM Jesse Kraai of the San Francisco Mechanics.
Board 2: IM Mark Ginsburg vs. GM Larry Kaufman. In his 6th USCL season, IM Mark Ginsburg is (+2 =2 -1) with a 2525 performance rating. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Cameron Wheeler of the San Francisco Mechanics. He has a (=1 -1) record in his career against Baltimore including a drawn game in Week 4, 2009 with the same colors against this week's opponent, GM Larry Kaufman. GM Larry Kaufman lost his only game this season in Week 2 with the black pieces against NM Ilker Bozkurt of the Carolina Cobras for a 1983 performance rating. In his 10 seasons with the Baltimore Kingfishers, he has a (+1 =1) record against the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. IM Alexey Diulger. NM Jared Defibaugh has scored (+2 =2 -1) with a 2410 performance rating in his 5th USCL season. He won his only career game against Arizona. He won last week with the white pieces on Board 3 against NM Matthew Larson of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. Opposing him will be IM Alexey Diulger, who lost his only career USCL game in Week 5 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That still starts IM Alexey Diulger with a relatively high 2385 performance rating.
Board 4: Matthew Noble vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Matthew Noble is (+1 -1) in his first USCL season with a 2109 performance rating. He last played in Week 5 when he won with the black pieces on Board 4 against Julian Proleiko of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is set to play FM Ralph Zimmer, who is making his season debut for his 9th season with Baltimore. FM Ralph Zimmer scored (+2 =1 -1) last season with a 2337 performance rating and won his only career game against the Arizona Scorpions.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, September 28, 2014
2014 Week 6 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. St. Louis Arch Bishops
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Wesley So (2751)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - GM Le Quang Liem (2785)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Mathew Larson (2251)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - Jacob Wilkins (1909)
Tuesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and St. Louis Arch Bishops face-off in a rematch of Week 1 when St. Louis won with a 2.5-1.5 result. Baltimore is using the same lineup from Week 1 while St. Louis has two players (GM Le Quang Liem and Jacob Wilkins) returning from that match. Currently in the Southern Division, St. Louis (3.5-1.5) is on top of the standings with Baltimore (2.0-3.0) trailing in 3rd place (of 6). St. Louis has won both previous matches against Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Wesley So. GM Niclas Huschenbeth lost his only game this season, which occurred in Week 1 on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Archbishops. That starts him with a 2385 performance rating. He is (-2) against St. Louis in his 3-year USCL career. This week, GM Le Quang Liem drops down to Board 2, so GM Huschenbeth will do battle with GM Wesley So. GM Wesley So is (+2 =1) with a 2864 performance rating in his first USCL season. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Mackenzie Molner of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 2: GM Le Quang Liem vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Le Quang Liem is (+3 =1) with a 2860 performance rating in his first USCL season. He is (+1) against Baltimore, and he won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. Squaring-off against him will be IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+3 -1) with a 2690 performance rating in his 3rd season. IM Bregadze is (-1) against his former team, the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He won last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against FM Andrew Shvartsman of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Matthew Larson. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+1 =2 -1) with a 2350 performance rating in his 5th season. He drew his only career game against St. Louis in Week 1. He last played in Week 4 when he won on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings. He is set to play NM Matthew Larson, who is making his season debut. NM Larson is making his return to the USCL after only playing for St. Louis in 2012. He was (+2 -4) with a 2115 performance rating that year and scored (+1) against Baltimore.
Board 4: Jacob Wilkins vs. NM Andrew Zheng. Jacob Wilkins is (=2 -1) with a 1990 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Shaun Smith of the Manhattan Applesauce. He lost his only career game against Baltimore in Week 1 on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Andrew Zheng, who is also his opponent this week. Colors will be reversed this time. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2 =1 -1) with a 2281 performance rating in his 2nd season. He last played in Week 4 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against NM Michael Corallo of the Atlanta Kings.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603) - GM Wesley So (2751)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - GM Le Quang Liem (2785)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Mathew Larson (2251)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - Jacob Wilkins (1909)
Tuesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and St. Louis Arch Bishops face-off in a rematch of Week 1 when St. Louis won with a 2.5-1.5 result. Baltimore is using the same lineup from Week 1 while St. Louis has two players (GM Le Quang Liem and Jacob Wilkins) returning from that match. Currently in the Southern Division, St. Louis (3.5-1.5) is on top of the standings with Baltimore (2.0-3.0) trailing in 3rd place (of 6). St. Louis has won both previous matches against Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Wesley So. GM Niclas Huschenbeth lost his only game this season, which occurred in Week 1 on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Le Quang Liem of the St. Louis Archbishops. That starts him with a 2385 performance rating. He is (-2) against St. Louis in his 3-year USCL career. This week, GM Le Quang Liem drops down to Board 2, so GM Huschenbeth will do battle with GM Wesley So. GM Wesley So is (+2 =1) with a 2864 performance rating in his first USCL season. He won last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Mackenzie Molner of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 2: GM Le Quang Liem vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Le Quang Liem is (+3 =1) with a 2860 performance rating in his first USCL season. He is (+1) against Baltimore, and he won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against IM Alexey Diulger of the Arizona Scorpions. Squaring-off against him will be IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+3 -1) with a 2690 performance rating in his 3rd season. IM Bregadze is (-1) against his former team, the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He won last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against FM Andrew Shvartsman of the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Matthew Larson. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+1 =2 -1) with a 2350 performance rating in his 5th season. He drew his only career game against St. Louis in Week 1. He last played in Week 4 when he won on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings. He is set to play NM Matthew Larson, who is making his season debut. NM Larson is making his return to the USCL after only playing for St. Louis in 2012. He was (+2 -4) with a 2115 performance rating that year and scored (+1) against Baltimore.
Board 4: Jacob Wilkins vs. NM Andrew Zheng. Jacob Wilkins is (=2 -1) with a 1990 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Shaun Smith of the Manhattan Applesauce. He lost his only career game against Baltimore in Week 1 on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Andrew Zheng, who is also his opponent this week. Colors will be reversed this time. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2 =1 -1) with a 2281 performance rating in his 2nd season. He last played in Week 4 when he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against NM Michael Corallo of the Atlanta Kings.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, September 22, 2014
2014 Week 5 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Manhattan Applesauce
GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) - GM Robert Hungaski (2551)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - FM Andrew Shvartsman (2432)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - FM Rico Salimbagat (2286)
NM Mark Ashland (2068) - NM Levy Rozman (2382)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers are set to take on the Manhattan Applesauce. Baltimore (2.0-2.0 match record) currently sits in 3rd place (of 6) in the Southern Division while Manhattan (2.0-2.0) is in 4th place (of 6) in the Eastern Division. The Manhattan Applesauce (formerly Queens Pioneers) have been in the USCL for 8 years, and they lead the all-time series against Baltimore with a 7.0-2.0 match record. These two teams last played in Week 3, 2013 when the match was drawn. Two Baltimore players (IM Levan Bregadze and IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat) and 1 Manhattan player (FM Rico Salimbagat) return from that match to play in this upcoming match.
Board 1: GM Akshayraj Kore vs. GM Robert Hungaski. GM Akshayraj Kore won his only career USCL game in Week 3 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Andranik Matikozyan of the Los Angeles Vibe for a performance rating of 2938. His opponent, GM Robert Hungaski, drew his only game this year on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. GM Hungaski is playing in his 4th season in the USCL and 2nd season for Manhattan. He has a (+2) career record against Baltimore with both games played against IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat.
Board 2: FM Andrew Shvartsman vs. IM Levan Bregadze. FM Andrew Shvartsman is (+1 -1) with a 2420 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he won on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. This will be his first career game against the Baltimore Kingfishers. He will be challenged by IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+2 -1) with a 2642 performance rating this year. IM Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against NM Damir Studen of the Atlanta Kings. He is playing in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore with a (=1) career record against the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. FM Rico Salimbagat. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat lost his only game this season on Board 1 with the white pieces against IM Kassa Korley of the Carolina Cobras for a 2086 performance rating. In his 10-year USCL career, he is (+1 =2 -4) against Manhattan. He will play against FM Rico Salimbagat, who won his only game this season on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Chris Williams of the Boston Blitz for a 2710 performance rating. FM Salimbagat is (=1) against Baltimore in his 2-year USCL career.
Board 4: NM Levy Rozman vs. NM Mark Ashland. NM Levy Rozman is (+1 -1) with a 2299 performance rating in his first USCL season. He lost last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Alex King of the New York Knights. He will face NM Mark Ashland, who is making his USCL debut for the Baltimore Kingfishers. This marks the third consecutive week that Baltimore has started a player who is completely new to the US Chess League.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Akshayraj Kore (2543) - GM Robert Hungaski (2551)
IM Levan Bregadze (2530) - FM Andrew Shvartsman (2432)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - FM Rico Salimbagat (2286)
NM Mark Ashland (2068) - NM Levy Rozman (2382)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers are set to take on the Manhattan Applesauce. Baltimore (2.0-2.0 match record) currently sits in 3rd place (of 6) in the Southern Division while Manhattan (2.0-2.0) is in 4th place (of 6) in the Eastern Division. The Manhattan Applesauce (formerly Queens Pioneers) have been in the USCL for 8 years, and they lead the all-time series against Baltimore with a 7.0-2.0 match record. These two teams last played in Week 3, 2013 when the match was drawn. Two Baltimore players (IM Levan Bregadze and IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat) and 1 Manhattan player (FM Rico Salimbagat) return from that match to play in this upcoming match.
Board 1: GM Akshayraj Kore vs. GM Robert Hungaski. GM Akshayraj Kore won his only career USCL game in Week 3 on Board 1 with the black pieces against IM Andranik Matikozyan of the Los Angeles Vibe for a performance rating of 2938. His opponent, GM Robert Hungaski, drew his only game this year on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. GM Hungaski is playing in his 4th season in the USCL and 2nd season for Manhattan. He has a (+2) career record against Baltimore with both games played against IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat.
Board 2: FM Andrew Shvartsman vs. IM Levan Bregadze. FM Andrew Shvartsman is (+1 -1) with a 2420 performance rating in his 2nd USCL season. He last played in Week 3 when he won on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. This will be his first career game against the Baltimore Kingfishers. He will be challenged by IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+2 -1) with a 2642 performance rating this year. IM Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against NM Damir Studen of the Atlanta Kings. He is playing in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore with a (=1) career record against the Manhattan Applesauce.
Board 3: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. FM Rico Salimbagat. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat lost his only game this season on Board 1 with the white pieces against IM Kassa Korley of the Carolina Cobras for a 2086 performance rating. In his 10-year USCL career, he is (+1 =2 -4) against Manhattan. He will play against FM Rico Salimbagat, who won his only game this season on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Chris Williams of the Boston Blitz for a 2710 performance rating. FM Salimbagat is (=1) against Baltimore in his 2-year USCL career.
Board 4: NM Levy Rozman vs. NM Mark Ashland. NM Levy Rozman is (+1 -1) with a 2299 performance rating in his first USCL season. He lost last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against NM Alex King of the New York Knights. He will face NM Mark Ashland, who is making his USCL debut for the Baltimore Kingfishers. This marks the third consecutive week that Baltimore has started a player who is completely new to the US Chess League.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, September 15, 2014
2014 Week 4 Preview
Atlanta Kings vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
IM Carlos Perdomo (2400) - IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583)
NM Damir Studen (2372) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Richard Francisco (2382) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
NM Michael Corallo (2284) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Atlanta Kings will meet the Baltimore Kingfishers for the first time. This is Atlanta's first season in the USCL. In the Southern Division, Atlanta (1.5-1.5 match record) is in 3rd place (of 6) while Baltimore (1.0-2.0) is in 5th place. Atlanta is using the same lineup as last week when they played the New Jersey Knockouts. Meanwhile, Baltimore's boards 2, 3, and 4 return from last week's match against the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 1: IM Carlos Perdomo vs. IM Tanguy Ringoir. IM Carlos Perdomo drew his first USCL game last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. Meanwhile, for the second week in a row, Baltimore's Board 1 is making his USCL debut. This time, it is IM Tanguy Ringoir from Belgium, the latest chess recruit of the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. NM Damir Studen. IM Levan Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against FM Konstantin Kavutskiy of the Los Angeles Vibe. He is (+1 -1) with a 2578 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore. Facing him will be NM Damir Studen, who is (+2 -1) with a 2631 performance rating in his first USCL season. NM Damir Studen lost last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Joel Benjamin of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Board 3: NM Richard Francisco vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Richard Francisco has a (+2 =1) record with a 2578 performance rating in his first USCL season. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against IM Alexander Katz of the New Jersey Knockouts. His opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh is (=2 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2206 performance rating. NM Defibaugh drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Mark Duckworth of the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Michael Corallo. NM Andrew Zheng has scored (+2 -1) with a 2280 performance rating in his second USCL season. He lost last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against FM Michael Casella of the Los Angeles Vibe. Squaring-off against him will be NM Michael Corallo. In NM Michael Corallo's first career USCL game last week, he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Ethan Klein of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Carlos Perdomo (2400) - IM Tanguy Ringoir (2583)
NM Damir Studen (2372) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
NM Richard Francisco (2382) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
NM Michael Corallo (2284) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Atlanta Kings will meet the Baltimore Kingfishers for the first time. This is Atlanta's first season in the USCL. In the Southern Division, Atlanta (1.5-1.5 match record) is in 3rd place (of 6) while Baltimore (1.0-2.0) is in 5th place. Atlanta is using the same lineup as last week when they played the New Jersey Knockouts. Meanwhile, Baltimore's boards 2, 3, and 4 return from last week's match against the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 1: IM Carlos Perdomo vs. IM Tanguy Ringoir. IM Carlos Perdomo drew his first USCL game last week on Board 1 with the black pieces against GM Alex Stripunsky of the New Jersey Knockouts for a 2656 performance rating. Meanwhile, for the second week in a row, Baltimore's Board 1 is making his USCL debut. This time, it is IM Tanguy Ringoir from Belgium, the latest chess recruit of the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. NM Damir Studen. IM Levan Bregadze won last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against FM Konstantin Kavutskiy of the Los Angeles Vibe. He is (+1 -1) with a 2578 performance rating in his 3rd USCL season and 2nd season for Baltimore. Facing him will be NM Damir Studen, who is (+2 -1) with a 2631 performance rating in his first USCL season. NM Damir Studen lost last week on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Joel Benjamin of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Board 3: NM Richard Francisco vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Richard Francisco has a (+2 =1) record with a 2578 performance rating in his first USCL season. He drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against IM Alexander Katz of the New Jersey Knockouts. His opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh is (=2 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2206 performance rating. NM Defibaugh drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Mark Duckworth of the Los Angeles Vibe.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Michael Corallo. NM Andrew Zheng has scored (+2 -1) with a 2280 performance rating in his second USCL season. He lost last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against FM Michael Casella of the Los Angeles Vibe. Squaring-off against him will be NM Michael Corallo. In NM Michael Corallo's first career USCL game last week, he drew on Board 4 with the white pieces against Ethan Klein of the New Jersey Knockouts.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, September 7, 2014
2014 Week 3 Preview
Los Angeles Vibe vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2538) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Konstantin Kavutskiy (2397) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
FM Mark Duckworth (2316) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
FM Michael Casella (2262) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Tuesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Los Angeles Vibe and the Baltimore Kingfishers finally face-off for the first time in the USCL. This meeting took awhile as Los Angeles is playing in its 5th season and Baltimore is in its 10th season. Both teams are seeking the first match points of the season as Los Angeles (0.0-2.0 match record) currently is in 6th place (of 6) in the Western Division while Baltimore (0.0-2.0 match record) is in 5th place (of 6) in the Southern Division. Los Angeles is using the same lineup as last week when they played the Rio Grande Ospreys. Meanwhile, Baltimore's bottom two boards return for a 3rd week in a row while the top two boards continue to shuffle.
Board 1: IM Andranik Matikozyan vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Andranik Matikozyan, a 5-year veteran with Los Angeles, drew last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Anton Kovalyov of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) on the season with a 2497 performance rating. His opponent, GM Akshayraj Kore, is making his USCL debut. GM Akshayraj Kore currently attends the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Konstantin Kavutskiy. IM Levan Bregadze is playing in his 3rd USCL season though only his 2nd season for Baltimore. He lost his only game this year in Week 1 on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Varuzhan Akobian of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2358 performance rating. He will battle FM Konstantin Kavutskiy, who is playing in his 5th USCL and 4th for Los Angeles. FM Kavutskiy lost last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against GM Andrey Stukopin of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) this year with a 2387 performance rating. Coincidentally, both of these players spent a season on the St. Louis Arch Bishops roster though not the same season.
Board 3: FM Mark Duckworth vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. FM Mark Duckworth, playing in his 2nd USCL season, is (-2) so far in this season with a 1957 performance rating. He lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Katerina Nemcova of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He will play NM Jared Defibaugh, who is (=1 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2151 performance rating. NM Defibaugh lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against NM Kevin Mo of the Carolina Cobras.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. FM Michael Casella. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2) in the USCL this year. He won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against FM Robin Cunningham of the Carolina Cobras, giving NM Zheng a 2489 performance rating and 8th place (four-way tie for 6th) in the USCL MVP Leaderboard. Challenging him will be FM Michael Casella, who returned to Los Angeles for a 4th season after taking 2013 off. In his only game this season, FM Casella won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against Jeffrey Serna of the Rio Grande Ospreys for a 2474 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Andranik Matikozyan (2538) - GM Akshayraj Kore (2543)
FM Konstantin Kavutskiy (2397) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
FM Mark Duckworth (2316) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
FM Michael Casella (2262) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Tuesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Los Angeles Vibe and the Baltimore Kingfishers finally face-off for the first time in the USCL. This meeting took awhile as Los Angeles is playing in its 5th season and Baltimore is in its 10th season. Both teams are seeking the first match points of the season as Los Angeles (0.0-2.0 match record) currently is in 6th place (of 6) in the Western Division while Baltimore (0.0-2.0 match record) is in 5th place (of 6) in the Southern Division. Los Angeles is using the same lineup as last week when they played the Rio Grande Ospreys. Meanwhile, Baltimore's bottom two boards return for a 3rd week in a row while the top two boards continue to shuffle.
Board 1: IM Andranik Matikozyan vs. GM Akshayraj Kore. IM Andranik Matikozyan, a 5-year veteran with Los Angeles, drew last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against GM Anton Kovalyov of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) on the season with a 2497 performance rating. His opponent, GM Akshayraj Kore, is making his USCL debut. GM Akshayraj Kore currently attends the University of Maryland: Baltimore County (UMBC).
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Konstantin Kavutskiy. IM Levan Bregadze is playing in his 3rd USCL season though only his 2nd season for Baltimore. He lost his only game this year in Week 1 on Board 2 with the white pieces against GM Varuzhan Akobian of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2358 performance rating. He will battle FM Konstantin Kavutskiy, who is playing in his 5th USCL and 4th for Los Angeles. FM Kavutskiy lost last week on Board 2 with the black pieces against GM Andrey Stukopin of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He is (=1 -1) this year with a 2387 performance rating. Coincidentally, both of these players spent a season on the St. Louis Arch Bishops roster though not the same season.
Board 3: FM Mark Duckworth vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. FM Mark Duckworth, playing in his 2nd USCL season, is (-2) so far in this season with a 1957 performance rating. He lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against WGM Katerina Nemcova of the Rio Grande Ospreys. He will play NM Jared Defibaugh, who is (=1 -1) in his 5th USCL season with a 2151 performance rating. NM Defibaugh lost last week on Board 3 with the white pieces against NM Kevin Mo of the Carolina Cobras.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. FM Michael Casella. NM Andrew Zheng is (+2) in the USCL this year. He won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against FM Robin Cunningham of the Carolina Cobras, giving NM Zheng a 2489 performance rating and 8th place (four-way tie for 6th) in the USCL MVP Leaderboard. Challenging him will be FM Michael Casella, who returned to Los Angeles for a 4th season after taking 2013 off. In his only game this season, FM Casella won last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against Jeffrey Serna of the Rio Grande Ospreys for a 2474 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, September 1, 2014
2014 Week 2 Preview
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Carolina Cobras
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - IM Kassa Korley (2486)
GM Larry Kaufman (2405) - NM Ilker Bozkurt (2383)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Kevin Mo (2334)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - FM Robin Cunningham (2268)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Carolina Cobras square-off in a USCL Southern Division match. Both teams have played in all 10 seasons of the US Chess League. Both teams also come into this match with the same 0.0-1.0 season record with 1.5/4.0 games points. The all-time series between these two teams is tied up at 4.5-4.5 with Baltimore holding the slimmest possible margin in game points at 18.5-17.5. These two teams last played in Week 7, 2011, a match that ended in a draw. Three Baltimore players (IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, GM Larry Kaufman, and NM Jared Defibaugh) and 1 Carolina player (IM Kassa Korley) from that match return to play in this match.
Board 1: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. IM Kassa Korley. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat will begin his 10th season, having played a team record 67 career games for Baltimore. His record last year was (+1 =3 -3) for a 2339 performance rating. He has also scored (+3 =2 -3) in his career against Carolina. His opponent, IM Kassa Korley, is playing his 3rd season for the Carolina Cobras. IM Kassa Korley won last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against SM Deepak Aaron of the Atlanta Kings for a 2846 performance rating. He did not play in the USCL last year. He has a (+1) record against Baltimore. Also, note these two players met on Board 2 in Week 7, 2011 with a then-FM Kassa Korley winning with the white pieces.
Board 2: NM Ilker Bozkurt vs. GM Larry Kaufman. NM Ilker Bozkurt is participating in his first USCL season. He drew FM Kazim Gulamali of the Atlanta Kings on Board 3 with the white pieces for a 2397 performance rating. He will face GM Larry Kaufman, who is another Baltimore player starting his 10th USCL season. GM Larry Kaufman has 54 career games played with Baltimore and a (+3 =2 -1) record against Carolina. He had a tough season last year with a (=1 -3) record and a 2156 performance rating.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Kevin Mo. NM Jared Defibaugh, a 5 season veteran with 29 career games played for Baltimore, drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2367 performance rating this season. He has scored (+1 =1) against Carolina in his career. He will battle NM Kevin Mo, who is playing his 2nd season for Carolina. NM Kevin Mo lost last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings for a 1982 performance rating. Last year, he had a (-4) record with a 2083 performance rating, so he is still looking to score his first point in the USCL.
Board 4: FM Robin Cunningham vs. NM Andrew Zheng. FM Robin Cunningham will debut in his 2nd season for the Carolina Cobras. He recorded a (+1 =5 -1) season last year for a 2308 performance rating. On the other side of the board will be NM Andrew Zheng, playing in his 2nd year with only 2 career games played. NM Andrew Zheng won last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He begins the season with a 2309 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Update: Added career records against opposing team when available.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2450) - IM Kassa Korley (2486)
GM Larry Kaufman (2405) - NM Ilker Bozkurt (2383)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2325) - NM Kevin Mo (2334)
NM Andrew Zheng (2208) - FM Robin Cunningham (2268)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the Carolina Cobras square-off in a USCL Southern Division match. Both teams have played in all 10 seasons of the US Chess League. Both teams also come into this match with the same 0.0-1.0 season record with 1.5/4.0 games points. The all-time series between these two teams is tied up at 4.5-4.5 with Baltimore holding the slimmest possible margin in game points at 18.5-17.5. These two teams last played in Week 7, 2011, a match that ended in a draw. Three Baltimore players (IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, GM Larry Kaufman, and NM Jared Defibaugh) and 1 Carolina player (IM Kassa Korley) from that match return to play in this match.
Board 1: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. IM Kassa Korley. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat will begin his 10th season, having played a team record 67 career games for Baltimore. His record last year was (+1 =3 -3) for a 2339 performance rating. He has also scored (+3 =2 -3) in his career against Carolina. His opponent, IM Kassa Korley, is playing his 3rd season for the Carolina Cobras. IM Kassa Korley won last week on Board 1 with the white pieces against SM Deepak Aaron of the Atlanta Kings for a 2846 performance rating. He did not play in the USCL last year. He has a (+1) record against Baltimore. Also, note these two players met on Board 2 in Week 7, 2011 with a then-FM Kassa Korley winning with the white pieces.
Board 2: NM Ilker Bozkurt vs. GM Larry Kaufman. NM Ilker Bozkurt is participating in his first USCL season. He drew FM Kazim Gulamali of the Atlanta Kings on Board 3 with the white pieces for a 2397 performance rating. He will face GM Larry Kaufman, who is another Baltimore player starting his 10th USCL season. GM Larry Kaufman has 54 career games played with Baltimore and a (+3 =2 -1) record against Carolina. He had a tough season last year with a (=1 -3) record and a 2156 performance rating.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Kevin Mo. NM Jared Defibaugh, a 5 season veteran with 29 career games played for Baltimore, drew last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against WGM Anna Sharevich of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. That starts him off with a 2367 performance rating this season. He has scored (+1 =1) against Carolina in his career. He will battle NM Kevin Mo, who is playing his 2nd season for Carolina. NM Kevin Mo lost last week on Board 4 with the black pieces against NM Richard Francisco of the Atlanta Kings for a 1982 performance rating. Last year, he had a (-4) record with a 2083 performance rating, so he is still looking to score his first point in the USCL.
Board 4: FM Robin Cunningham vs. NM Andrew Zheng. FM Robin Cunningham will debut in his 2nd season for the Carolina Cobras. He recorded a (+1 =5 -1) season last year for a 2308 performance rating. On the other side of the board will be NM Andrew Zheng, playing in his 2nd year with only 2 career games played. NM Andrew Zheng won last week on Board 4 with the white pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He begins the season with a 2309 performance rating.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Update: Added career records against opposing team when available.
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, August 25, 2014
2014 Week 1 Preview
St. Louis Arch Bishops vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Le Quang Liem (2785) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2758) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
WGM Anna Sharevich (2367) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
Jacob Wilkins (1909) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the St. Louis Arch Bishops begin their seasons in the newly-minted Southern Division of the US Chess League. Baltimore, having been in the USCL since its inaugural season, will be starting their 10th season while St. Louis will begin their 5th season. St. Louis leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 1-0 match score. These two teams last played in Week 2, 2012 when St. Louis completed a rare 4-0 sweep. There are two returning players, GM Niclas Huschenbeth and IM Levan Bregadze, from that last match but with a twist as IM Bregadze has switched teams from St. Louis to Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Le Quang Liem vs. GM Niclas Huschenbeth. GM Le Quang Liem makes his USCL debut for the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is currently the 2nd highest FIDE-rated player in the USCL. Challenging him will be GM Niclas Huschenbeth, who is playing in his 3rd USCL season. He went (+1 =1 -2) last season.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. GM Varuzhan Akobian. IM Levan Bregadze faces off against his former team for the first time. He scored (+1 =4 -1) for the Baltimore Kingfishers last year and he will also be playing in his 3rd season. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Varuzhan Akobian, went (+3 =2 -2) in the previous season. He will start his 5th year in the USCL and 2nd year with St. Louis.
Board 3: WGM Anna Sharevich vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. WGM Anna Sharevich is another St. Louis player who will be making her USCL debut in this match. This debut is a long time coming as she was named to St. Louis' 2012 roster, but never played. Her opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh, will begin his 5th season with Baltimore. He managed a (+2 =3 -4) score last season.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. Jacob Wilkins. NM Andrew Zheng will be playing in his 2nd USCL season. NM Zheng is the 8th-highest-rated 12-year-old in the United States as of the August rating list. He drew his only USCL game last year. Facing him will be Jacob Wilkins, who scored (+1 =3 -2) for a performance rating 200+ points above his current rating in his first season last year.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
GM Le Quang Liem (2785) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2603)
GM Varuzhan Akobian (2758) - IM Levan Bregadze (2530)
WGM Anna Sharevich (2367) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2325)
Jacob Wilkins (1909) - NM Andrew Zheng (2208)
Wednesday, 8:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers and the St. Louis Arch Bishops begin their seasons in the newly-minted Southern Division of the US Chess League. Baltimore, having been in the USCL since its inaugural season, will be starting their 10th season while St. Louis will begin their 5th season. St. Louis leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 1-0 match score. These two teams last played in Week 2, 2012 when St. Louis completed a rare 4-0 sweep. There are two returning players, GM Niclas Huschenbeth and IM Levan Bregadze, from that last match but with a twist as IM Bregadze has switched teams from St. Louis to Baltimore.
Board 1: GM Le Quang Liem vs. GM Niclas Huschenbeth. GM Le Quang Liem makes his USCL debut for the St. Louis Arch Bishops. He is currently the 2nd highest FIDE-rated player in the USCL. Challenging him will be GM Niclas Huschenbeth, who is playing in his 3rd USCL season. He went (+1 =1 -2) last season.
Board 2: IM Levan Bregadze vs. GM Varuzhan Akobian. IM Levan Bregadze faces off against his former team for the first time. He scored (+1 =4 -1) for the Baltimore Kingfishers last year and he will also be playing in his 3rd season. Meanwhile his opponent, GM Varuzhan Akobian, went (+3 =2 -2) in the previous season. He will start his 5th year in the USCL and 2nd year with St. Louis.
Board 3: WGM Anna Sharevich vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. WGM Anna Sharevich is another St. Louis player who will be making her USCL debut in this match. This debut is a long time coming as she was named to St. Louis' 2012 roster, but never played. Her opponent, NM Jared Defibaugh, will begin his 5th season with Baltimore. He managed a (+2 =3 -4) score last season.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. Jacob Wilkins. NM Andrew Zheng will be playing in his 2nd USCL season. NM Zheng is the 8th-highest-rated 12-year-old in the United States as of the August rating list. He drew his only USCL game last year. Facing him will be Jacob Wilkins, who scored (+1 =3 -2) for a performance rating 200+ points above his current rating in his first season last year.
Catch the games live on ICC and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls linked below/shown to the right!
Board 1 Result? | Board 2 Result? | Board 3 Result? | Board 4 Result? | Match Result?
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Week 10 Lineup
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Boston Blitz
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610) - IM Steven Zierk (2543)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492) - SM Denys Shmelov (2465)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - NM Vadim Martirosov (2349)
Jeffrey Chang (2116) - NM Daniil Mosiyenko (2181)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610) - IM Steven Zierk (2543)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492) - SM Denys Shmelov (2465)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - NM Vadim Martirosov (2349)
Jeffrey Chang (2116) - NM Daniil Mosiyenko (2181)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers (3.5-5.5, 4th place) and the Boston Blitz (3.5-5.5, 3rd) square-off to determine 3rd place in the Northeast Division. Boston leads Baltimore 16-15 in total game points this season for the first tie-break. Neither team can make the playoffs, so it will be the last game of the year for both teams. Boston leads the all-times series against Baltimore with a 7-6 match score. These two teams last played in Week 5, 2013 when all boards were drawn. Three players (IM Tegshsuren Enkbat, SM Denys Shmelov, and NM Vadim Martirosov) from that last match return to play in this match as well.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. IM Steven Zierk. GM Niclas Huschenbeth is (+1 =1 -1) in his 2nd USCL season and has not played against Boston previously. He drew last week with the white pieces against GM Mikheil Kekelidze of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts on Board 1. He is matched up with IM Steven Zierk, who is (+1 -1) in his 3rd USCL season but has not played against Baltimore in his career. He won last week with the white pieces against GM Alexander Ivanov of the New England Nor'easters on Board 1.
Board 2: SM Denys Shmelov vs. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat. SM Denys Shmelov is (+2 =5 -1) in his 6th season and has a (+1 =3 -1) record against Baltimore. The only match he has not played this year was Week 7 when Boston played the San Francisco Mechanics. He won last week with the black pieces against FM Charles Riordan of the New England Nor'easters on Board 2. He is rematched with IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, who has a (+1 =3 -2) record in his 9th season and has scored (+2 =3 -3) against Boston in his career. IM Enkhbat last played in Week 8 when he drew with the white pieces against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters on Board 2. SM Shmelov and IM Enkhbat played against one another in a drawn game from Week 5, 2013.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Vadim Martirosov. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+2 =3 -3) in his 4th season and has a (+2) score against Boston. The only match he did not play this year was Week 5 when Baltimore played against the Boston Blitz. He lost last week with the white pieces against FM Leif Pressman of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts on Board 3. He will battle NM Vadim Martirosov, who is (+2 =2 -1) in his 7th USCL season and has a (=6 -1) record against Baltimore. He won in Week 8 with the black pieces against IM Jay Bonin of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts on Board 3. NM Defibaugh and NM Martirosov also played against one another with the same colors in Week 10, 2012 when NM Defibaugh won.
Board 4: NM Daniil Mosiyenko vs. Jeffrey Chang. NM Daniil Mosiyenko is making his season debut for the Boston Blitz. He played 3 games in 2011 with a (+1 =1 -1) record for Boston. Opposite him will be Jeffrey Chang, who is making his USCL debut for the Baltimore Kingfishers. As of the October USCF Rating list, he is the 22nd ranked 15-year-old in the country.
Catch the games live on chess.com and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls to the right!
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Week 9 Lineup
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Connecticut Dreadnoughts
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610) - GM Mikheil Kekelidze (2576)
GM Larry Kaufman (2401) - IM Justin Sarkar (2512)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - FM Leif Pressman (2374)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2244) - Jason Shi (2173)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610) - GM Mikheil Kekelidze (2576)
GM Larry Kaufman (2401) - IM Justin Sarkar (2512)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - FM Leif Pressman (2374)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2244) - Jason Shi (2173)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers (3.5-4.5, 3rd place) battle the Connecticut Dreadnoughts (5.0-3.0, 2nd place) in a race to secure the 2nd playoff spot in the Northeast Division. Connecticut is 1.0 match point behind the 1st place New England Nor'easters, and the 1st place team in each division gets to choose either draw odds or color choice in the Quarterfinals of the playoffs. Baltimore needs to win this match to have any chance of overtaking Connecticut in the final week of the regular season. Baltimore is also behind with 14.5 game points (the first tie-break) to Connecticut's 18.0 game points thanks to Connecticut's 4-0 sweep of Baltimore the last time they faced-off in Week 1 of this season. Surprisingly, that means Baltimore has outscored Connecticut by 0.5 game points but Connecticut has outscored Baltimore by 0.5 match points after Week 1. Connecticut leads the all-time series 1.5-0.5 in match points. Three players (GM Mikheil Kekelidze, NM Jared Defibaugh, and Jason Shi) return from that last match to play in this match, too.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Mikheil Kekelidze. GM Niclas Huschenbeth is (+1 -1) in his 2nd USCL season and has not played against Connecticut previously. He won in Week 7 with the white pieces against GM Emil Anka of the Seattle Sluggers on Board 1. He is matched up with GM Mikheil Kekelidze, who is (+2 =2 -1) in his 2nd USCL season and has scored (+1 =1) against Baltimore. He last played in Week 5, when he won with the black pieces against GM Sam Shankland of the New England Nor'easters on Board 1.
Board 2: IM Justin Sarkar vs. GM Larry Kaufman. IM Justin Sarkar lost his only game of the season in Week 7 with the white pieces against IM Levon Altounian of the Arizona Scorpions on Board 2. He has yet to play against Baltimore in his 3 USCL seasons. His opponent, GM Larry Kaufman, has a (=1 -2) record in his 9th season and drew his only career game against Connecticut. He lost in Week 7 with the black pieces against FM Costin Cozianu of the Seattle Sluggers on Board 2.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. FM Leif Pressman. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+2 =3 -2) in his 4th season and has a (-2) record against Connecticut. He drew last week with the black pieces against NM Mika Brattain of the New England Nor'easters on Board 3. He is set to play against FM Leif Pressman, who is (+1 =1) in his 2nd season but has not played against Baltimore. He drew in Week 7 with the black pieces against IM Mark Ginsburg of the Arizona Scorpions on Board 3.
Board 4: Jason Shi vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. Jason Shi is (+1 =1) in his first USCL season and won his only game against Baltimore. He last played in Week 4, when he drew with the black pieces against Jacob Wilkins of the St. Louis Arch Bishops on Board 4. He will square-off against FM Ralph Zimmer, who is (+2 =1) in his 8th year in the USCL and won his only career game against Connecticut. He won last week with the white pieces against NM Andrew Liu of the New England Nor'easters on Board 4.
Catch the games live on chess.com and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls to the right!
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Week 8 Lineup
New England Nor'easters vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Sam Shankland (2673) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
FM Steven Winer (2409) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
NM Mika Brattain (2364) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
NM Andrew Liu (2296) - FM Ralph Zimmer (2244)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
GM Sam Shankland (2673) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
FM Steven Winer (2409) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
NM Mika Brattain (2364) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
NM Andrew Liu (2296) - FM Ralph Zimmer (2244)
Tuesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers (2.5-4.5, 4th) contend with the New England Nor'easters (6.0-1.0, 1st) in a Northeast Division showdown in Week 8 of the US Chess League. New England just needs half a match point in the final 3 weeks to clinch a playoff spot while Baltimore needs a win to keep themselves from being eliminated from playoff contention. New England leads Baltimore in the all-time series with a 3.5-1.5 match score. These two teams last played each other in Week 2, 2013 when New England won with a 2.5-1.5 score. Five players (IM Levan Bregadze, IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, FM Steven Winer, NM Jared Defibaugh, NM Andrew Liu) from that match return to play in this match as well.
Board 1: GM Sam Shankland vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Sam Shankland has scored (=1 -1) in his 8th USCL season and is (+1 =1) against Baltimore. He last played in Week 5 when he lost with the white pieces against GM Mikheil Kekelidze of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts on Board 1. He will be playing IM Levan Bregadze, who is (+1 =3 -1) in his 2nd USCL season and won his only game against New England. IM Bregadze last played in Week 6 when he drew with the white pieces against FM Tom Bartell of the Philadelphia Inventors on Board 1.
Board 2: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. FM Steven Winer. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat is (+1 =2 -2) in his 9th season and has a (+1 =1 -3) record against New England. He drew in Week 6 with the black pieces against FM Dov Gorman of the Philadelphia Inventors on Board 2. He will be rematched (with colors reversed) with FM Steven Winer, who is (+2 =3) in his 3rd USCL season and has scored (+1 -2) against Baltimore. He won last week with the white pieces against IM Andranik Matikozyan of the Los Angeles Vibe on Board 2. These two players have played twice before in the USCL with FM Winer winning with the white pieces in Week 2, 2013 and IM Enkhbat winning with the black pieces in Week 10, 2005.
Board 3: NM Mika Brattain vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Mika Brattain has a (+1 =2 -1) record in his 2nd USCL season and has scored (=1 -1) against Baltimore in his career. He won last week with the black pieces against IM Larry Remlinger of the Los Angeles Vibe on Board 3. He is set to play NM Jared Defibaugh, who is (+2 =2 -2) in his 4th season and has a (+1 =2) record against New England. He lost last week with the white pieces against FM Tian Sang of the Seattle Sluggers on Board 3.
Board 4: FM Ralph Zimmer vs. NM Andrew Liu. FM Ralph Zimmer is (+1 =1) in his 8th season and has scored (=2) against New England in his career. He won last week with the black pieces against FM Curt Collyer of the Seattle Sluggers on Board 4. He will face NM Andrew Liu, who has scored (+2 =2) in his 2nd season and won his only game so far against Baltimore. He won in Week 6 with the white pieces against NM Christopher Wu of the New Jersey Knockouts on Board 3.
Catch the games live on chess.com and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls to the right!
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Week 7 Lineup
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Seattle Sluggers
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610) - GM Emil Anka (2497)
GM Larry Kaufman (2401) - FM Costin Cozianu (2478)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - FM Tian Sang (2324)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2244) - FM Curt Collyer (2266)
Tuesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610) - GM Emil Anka (2497)
GM Larry Kaufman (2401) - FM Costin Cozianu (2478)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - FM Tian Sang (2324)
FM Ralph Zimmer (2244) - FM Curt Collyer (2266)
Tuesday, 9:00 PM EDT
Time Control: 60 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers (2.0-4.0, 4th place) of the Northeast Division take on the Seattle Sluggers (2.5-3.5, 2nd place) of the Pacific Division in Week 7 of the US Chess League. This is the 2nd and last week of East vs. West interconference play in the regular season. Both teams lost in Week 4, the first week of interconference play. Seattle lost to Philadelphia 1-3 while Baltimore went down to Dallas with a 1.5-2.5 score that week. However, both teams won last week with Baltimore beating Philadelphia 3-1 and Seattle defeating Dallas 2.5-1.5, stopping Dallas' 5-match win streak. Interesting transposition between the four teams, right? Now, Baltimore and Seattle have only battled each other once before in Week 4, 2012, and Seattle won that match with a 2.5-1.5 score. Two players (FM Costin Cozianu and FM Curt Collyer) from that match return to play in this match, too.
Board 1: GM Niclas Huschenbeth vs. GM Emil Anka. GM Niclas Huschenbeth is (-1) in his 2nd USCL season and has not played against Seattle. He lost in Week 4 with the black pieces against GM Conrad Holt of the Dallas Destiny on Board 1. He is matched up with GM Emil Anka, who is (+1 -3) in his 1st USCL season. GM Anka lost last week with the black pieces against FM Jeffery Xiong of the Dallas Destiny on Board 2.
Board 2: FM Costin Cozianu vs. GM Larry Kaufman. FM Costin Cozianu has a (=1 -1) record in his 4th season and is (-1) against Baltimore. He last played in Week 2, when he lost with the white pieces against IM Zhanibek Amanov of the Los Angeles Vibe on Board 2. His opponent, GM Larry Kaufman, has a (=1 -1) record this year and has played in all 9 years of the USCL yet has not had a game against Seattle until this match. He drew in Week 5 with the black pieces against NM Vadim Martirosov of the Boston Blitz on Board 3.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. FM Tian Sang. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+2 =2 -1) in his 4th season and has not played against Seattle. He won last week with the white pieces against NM Peter Minear of the Philadelphia Inventors on Board 3. He will square-off against FM Tian Sang, who is (+1 =1 -1) in his 1st season. His last game occurred in Week 5, when he won with the white pieces against FM Cameron Wheeler of the San Francisco Mechanics on Board 3.
Board 4: FM Curt Collyer vs. FM Ralph Zimmer. FM Curt Collyer is (+1 =1) in his 2nd season and has a (=1) record against Baltimore. He last played in Week 4, when he drew with the black pieces against FM Dov Gorman of the Philadelphia Inventors on Board 2. He will face FM Ralph Zimmer, who drew his only game so far this season in Week 4 with the white pieces against NM Sarah Chiang of the Dallas Destiny on Board 4. He has also yet to play against Seattle.
Catch the games live on chess.com and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls to the right!
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Monday, September 30, 2013
Week 6 Lineup
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Philadelphia Inventors
IM Levan Bregadze (2469) - FM Tom Bartell (2496)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492) - FM Dov Gorman (2362)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - NM Peter Minear (2385)
NM Ian Schoch (2296) - FM Karl Dehmelt (2260)
Tuesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
IM Levan Bregadze (2469) - FM Tom Bartell (2496)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492) - FM Dov Gorman (2362)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - NM Peter Minear (2385)
NM Ian Schoch (2296) - FM Karl Dehmelt (2260)
Tuesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control: 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers (1.0-4.0, 4th place) of the Northeast Division are set to play against the Philadelphia Inventors (2.0-3.0, 3rd place) of the Atlantic Division. Both teams are currently outside of the top 2 spots, which qualify teams for the playoffs, in their respective divisions. Half of the season has come and gone, so each match gains that much more importance. Now, Philadelphia leads Baltimore in their all-time series with a 9.0-5.0 match score. These two teams last faced each other in the Quarterfinals of the 2012 season, which Philadelphia won with a 3.5-0.5 game score. Three players (FM Tom Bartell, IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, and FM Dov Gorman) from that previous match return to play in this match as well.
Board 1: IM Levan Bregadze vs. FM Tom Bartell. IM Levan Bregadze is (+1 =2 -1) in his 2nd USCL season but has yet to play against Philadelphia. He drew last week with the black pieces against IM Marc Esserman of the Boston Blitz on Board 1. He will square off against FM Tom Bartell, who is (+1 =1 -2) in his 7th season. FM Bartell has scored (+2 =4 -1) against Baltimore in his career. He lost last week with the black pieces against GM Pascal Charbonneau of the New York Knights on Board 1.
Board 2: FM Dov Gorman vs. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat. FM Dov Gorman is (+1 =3 -1) in his 2nd season and has a (+1 =1) record against Baltimore. He won last week with the white pieces against SM Matt Herman of the New York Knights on Board 2. Opposite him will be IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, a 9-year USCL veteran. IM Enkhbat has a (+1 =1 -2) record this year and is (+3 =3 -2) against Philadelphia in his career. He drew last week with the white pieces against SM Denys Shmelov of the Boston Blitz on Board 2.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. NM Peter Minear. NM Jared Defibaugh is (+1 =2 -1) in his 4th season and has a (-3) record against Philadelphia. He won in Week 4 with the black pieces against NM Ruifeng Li of the Dallas Destiny on Board 3. His opponent, NM Peter Minear, is (+1 =3 -1) in his 2nd USCL season but has not faced Baltimore previously. He lost last week with the black pieces against FM Akshat Chandra of the New York Knights on Board 3.
Board 4: FM Karl Dehmelt vs. NM Ian Schoch. FM Karl Dehmelt is (+1 -2) in his 4th year and has scored (=1 -1) against Baltimore. He lost last week with the white pieces against NM Nicolas Checa of the New York Knights on Board 4. He will play against NM Ian Schoch, who is (-2) in his 3rd season. NM Schoch has not played against Philadelphia before this match. He last played in Week 3 when he has the white pieces against NM Ryan Goldenberg of the Manhattan Applesauce on Board 4.
Catch the games live on chess.com and let us know your predictions in the 5 polls to the right!
Reposted at: Chess.com blogs
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Week 5 Lineup
Boston Blitz vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
IM Marc Esserman (2569) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
SM Denys Shmelov (2465) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
NM Vadim Martirosov (2349) - GM Larry Kaufman (2401)
NM Ilya Krasik (2286) - NM Andrew Zheng (2159)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
IM Marc Esserman (2569) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
SM Denys Shmelov (2465) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
NM Vadim Martirosov (2349) - GM Larry Kaufman (2401)
NM Ilya Krasik (2286) - NM Andrew Zheng (2159)
Wednesday, 7:30 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers (0.5-3.5, 4th) battle the Boston Blitz (2.0-2.0, 3rd) this Wednesday in the USCL's Week 5. Both teams are looking to catch up to the New England Nor'easters (3.5-0.5, 1st) and the Connecticut Dreadnoughts (2.5-1.5, 2nd) for the two playoff spots in the Northeast Division. Boston leads the all-time series against Baltimore with a 6.5-5.5 match score. However, the last time these two teams played each other, Baltimore put themselves into the playoffs by knocking out Boston in Week 10, 2012 by a 2.5-1.5 score. Four players (SM Denys Shmelov, GM Larry Kaufman, NM Vadim Martirosov, NM Ilya Krasik) from that previous match return to play in this upcoming match as well.
Board 1: IM Marc Esserman vs. IM Levan Bregadze. IM Marc Esserman, playing in his 6th USCL season, is (+1 -1) on the season and has scored (+2 =1) in his career against Baltimore. He lost last week with the black pieces against GM Yuniesky Quesada of the Miami Sharks on Board 1. His opponent, IM Levan Bregadze, is (+1 =1 -1) in his 2nd USCL season. IM Bregadze last played in Week 3, which was a draw with the black pieces against GM Zviad Izoria of the Manhattan Applesauce on Board 1.
Board 2: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. SM Denys Shmelov. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat is (+1 -2) in his 9th USCL season and has scored (+2 =2 -3) against Boston. He won in Week 3 with white against IM Dmitry Schneider of the Manhattan Applesauce on Board 2. He will face SM Denys Shmelov, who is (=3 -1) in his 6th USCL season and has scored (+1 =2 -1) against Baltimore. He lost last week with the black pieces against FM Eric Rodriguez of the Miami Sharks on Board 3.
Board 3: NM Vadim Martirosov vs. GM Larry Kaufman. NM Vadim Martirosov has a (+1 -1) record in his 7th USCL season and is (=5 -1) against Baltimore in his career. He last played in Week 2, a loss with the white pieces against FM Leif Pressman of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts. He will play GM Larry Kaufman, who lost his only game of the season last week with the white pieces against FM Jeffery Xiong of the Dallas Destiny on Board 2. GM Kaufman is playing in his 9th USCL season and has a (=2 -6) record against Boston.
Board 4: NM Andrew Zheng vs. NM Ilya Krasik. NM Andrew Zheng is making his USCL debut in this match. According the the USCF's Sept. 2013 rating lists, NM Zheng is the #7 ranked 11-year-old in the country. Welcoming him to the league will be a 9-year-veteran of the USCL, NM Ilya Krasik. NM Krasik drew his only game this year in Week 1 with the white pieces against NM Andrew Liu of the New England Nor'easters on Board 4. He is (+4 =1 -4) in his career against Baltimore.
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Sunday, September 15, 2013
Week 4 Lineup
Dallas Destiny vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Conrad Holt (2639) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610)
FM Jeffery Xiong (2485) - GM Larry Kaufman (2401)
NM Ruifeng Li (2348) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
NM Jonathan Chiang (2330) NM Sarah Chiang (2213) - FM Ralph Zimmer (2244)
Wednesday, 7:45 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Due to a lineup change, on Board Four Baltimore will begin with 84 minutes while Dallas will begin with 66.
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
GM Conrad Holt (2639) - GM Niclas Huschenbeth (2610)
FM Jeffery Xiong (2485) - GM Larry Kaufman (2401)
NM Ruifeng Li (2348) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
Wednesday, 7:45 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Due to a lineup change, on Board Four Baltimore will begin with 84 minutes while Dallas will begin with 66.
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers play their first Western Conference foe of the season, the Dallas Destiny. Baltimore sits in 4th place in the Northeast Division with a (0.5 - 2.5) match record while Dallas is tied for first place (2nd place on tiebreak) with the Miami Sharks in the South Division, both teams having perfect (3.0 - 0.0) match records. Baltimore and Dallas are tied at (1.0 - 1.0) in their previous matches. The last time these two teams tackled each other, Dallas swept Baltimore 4-0 in Week 8, 2006. Two players (GM Larry Kaufman and FM Ralph Zimmer) from that last match are also playing in this upcoming match.
Board 1: GM Conrad Holt vs. GM Niclas Huschenbeth. GM Conrad Holt is (+2) in his 3rd USCL season and currently in 4th place place in the USCL MVP race. He won last week with white against IM Mackenzie Molner of the Arizona Scorpions on Board 1. He will play against GM Niclas Huschenbeth, who is playing his 1st game in his 2nd season. He was (=1 -2) last season. These two players also represent rival College Chess teams, the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); both of which have made the President's Cup (Final Four of College Chess) each year since the tournament's inception in 2001. As such, this game might be a prelude to this year's Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship.
Board 2: GM Larry Kaufman vs. FM Jeffery Xiong. GM Larry Kaufman is also playing his 1st game this year though this is his 9th season playing in the USCL. He scored (+1 =2 -3) last year and is (=1 -1) against Dallas. His opponent, FM Jeffery Xiong, is a perfect (+3) this season (his 3rd) and currently 2nd in the USCL MVP race. He won last week on Board 3 with white against WGM Angelina Belakovskaia of the Arizona Scorpions.
Board 3: NM Ruifeng Li vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. NM Ruifeng Li is making his USCL debut in this match. He will face NM Jared Defibaugh, who is also (=2 -1) this season. NM Defibaugh is playing in his 4th USCL season, but has not faced Dallas before this match. He drew last week with black against FM Rico Salimbagat of the Manhattan Applesauce on Board 3.
Board 4: FM Ralph Zimmer vs. NM Jonathan Chiang NM Sarah Chiang. FM Ralph Zimmer is third Kingfisher to make his season debut in this match. This will be his 8th year playing in the USCL, as he has only missed the 2005 season. He is (-1) against Dallas, and he scored (+4 =1 -2) last year while earning top honors in the Baltimore Kingfishers' team MVP points race. He is matched against NM Jonathan Chiang, who is also making his season debut in this match. NM Chiang is playing in his 2nd USCL season and scored (+1 -1) last season. Less than 24 hours after the official lineups were posted, Dallas has replaced NM Jonathan Chiang with his older sister, NM Sarah Chiang. A recent scheduling conflict must have come up. Anyway, NM Sarah Chiang will be playing her first game of the season in this match. She has only played 1 USCL game so far, a draw with white against Nicholas Rosenthal of the Miami Sharks in Week 3 of last year. Also, due to the late lineup change, FM Zimmer will begin with 84 minutes while NM Sarah Chiang will begin with 66 minutes.
TRIVIA NOTE: Upon seeing this week's lineup, NM Jared Defibaugh e-mailed me proclaiming about the Dallas Destiny lineup, "that's gotta be the youngest uscl team in history." Dallas, with all four players under the age of 21, and an average age under 15, certainly appears to have a claim to that USCL record. Although they may have already been the record holder as I do not recall Dallas ever having a single player over 30 years old (Sounds eerily like Logan's Run). Can anyone prove either statement wrong?
Updated at 11:35 AM EDT on 9/17/2013
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Monday, September 9, 2013
Week 3 Lineup
Manhattan Applesauce vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Zviad Izoria (2624) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
IM Dmitry Schneider (2516) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
FM Rico Salimbagat (2259) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
NM Ryan Goldenberg (2348) - NM Ian Schoch (2294)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
GM Zviad Izoria (2624) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
IM Dmitry Schneider (2516) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
FM Rico Salimbagat (2259) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
NM Ryan Goldenberg (2348) - NM Ian Schoch (2294)
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
The Baltimore Kingfishers will do battle with the Manhattan Applesauce in Week 3 of the US Chess League (USCL). Baltimore is currently mired in 4th place in the Northeast Division with a 0.0-2.0 match record. Meanwhile, Manhattan is tied for 2nd (but 3rd on tiebreaks) place in the Atlantic Division. As these teams are not in the same division, they are only scheduled to play once this season. Manhattan has actually dominated the series with a 6.5-1.5 match record. They last played in Week 9, 2012 which Manhattan won with a 3.5-0.5 game score. IM Enkhbat is the only player from that match scheduled to play this week as well.
Board 1: GM Zviad Izoria vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Zviad Izoria is (+1) in his first USCL season. He defeated FM Tom Bartell of the Philadelphia Inventors on Board 1 in Week 1 with the white pieces. His opponent, IM Levan, Bregadze, is (+1 -1) in his 2nd USCL season. He won last week with the white pieces against IM David Vigorito of the New England Nor'easters on Board 1.
Board 2: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. IM Dmitry Schneider. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, in his 9th season, has lost twice and has a (=2 -4) record against Manhattan. He lost last week with the black pieces on Board 2 against FM Steven Winer of the New England Nor'easters. Playing opposite him will be IM Dmitry Schneider, who is in his 8th USCL season, having missed playing only in 2006. He drew his only game this season in Week 1 with the black pieces against FM Dov Gorman of the Philadelphia Inventors on Board 2. He is (+2 =1) against Baltimore in his career.
Board 3: FM Rico Salimbagat vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. FM Rico Salimbagat is (=1 -1) in his first season in the USCL. He lost last week on Board 3 with the black pieces against FM Michael Bodek of the New York Knights. He will be facing NM Jared Defibaugh, who is also (=1 -1) this season. NM Defibaugh is playing in his 4th USCL season and has not played against Manhattan previously. He drew last week with the white pieces against FM Charles Riordan of the New England Nor'easters on Board 3.
Board 4: NM Ian Schoch vs. NM Ryan Goldenberg. NM Ian Schoch lost his 1st game this season in Week 1 with the white pieces against Jason Shi of the Connecticut Dreadnoughts on Board 4. He is (+1) in his career against against Manhattan. He will play NM Ryan Goldenberg, who is (+1 -1) in his first USCL season. He lost with the white pieces against FM Aravind Kumar of the New York Knights last week on Board 4.
TRIVIA: During the games last week, I mentioned on chess.com that this year's Baltimore Kingfishers roster has only 3 players who are currently attending UMBC. FM Mike Klein posed this as a trivia question to USCL President, IM Greg Shahade, during the live commentary on chess.com/tv. Coupled with seeing a certain player's name in this week's match, I realized this is the first season in which there are more former UMBC attendees on other USCL rosters than current and former ones on the Baltimore Kingfishers' roster. So can you figure out which 5 players (and 1 manager) on other USCL rosters are former UMBC alumni? Here's a hint: 3 of the 6 have played for the Baltimore Kingfishers in past years.
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Sunday, September 1, 2013
Week 2 Lineup
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. New England Nor'easters
IM Levan Bregadze (2469) - IM David Vigorito (2532)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492) - SM Steven Winer (2409)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - FM Charles Riordan (2386)
NM Ben Krause (2323) - NM Andrew Liu (2296)
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
IM Levan Bregadze (2469) - IM David Vigorito (2532)
IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492) - SM Steven Winer (2409)
NM Jared Defibaugh (2297) - FM Charles Riordan (2386)
NM Ben Krause (2323) - NM Andrew Liu (2296)
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
After a terrible Week 1, the Baltimore Kingfishers (0.0-1.0, 4th in the Northeast Division) look to bounce back against the New England Nor'easters (0.5-0.5, 3rd in the Northeast Division). New England drew with the Boston Blitz last week, but are in 3rd place on the 2nd tiebreak of opponents' rating average. New England leads the all-time series match score by 2.5-1.5, but when they last played each other in Week 5, 2012, Baltimore won with a 2.5-1.5 games score. Three players (IM Enkhbat, IM Vigorito, and NM Defibaugh) from that last match return to play in this one.
Board 1: IM Levan Bregadze vs. IM David Vigorito. IM Levan Bregadze is (-1) in his 2nd USCL season and has never played against New England before this match. His opponent, the player/manager IM David Vigorito, is making his first appearance in his 5th year as a player. IM Vigorito went (=1 -2) last year and has scored (+1 =1 -1) against Baltimore in his USCL career.
Board 2: SM Steven Winer vs. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat. SM Steven Winer is making a return to the USCL with New England after having played for the Boston Blitz in the first 2 USCL seasons. He is (=1) on the season and is (-2) against Baltimore. He drew as black against SM Denys Shmelov of the Boston Blitz last week on Board 2. He will be facing IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, who is (-1) this season and (+1 =1 -2) against New England. These two actually played against each other back in Week 10, 2005 when IM Enkhbat won with the black pieces.
Board 3: NM Jared Defibaugh vs. FM Charles Riordan. NM Jared Defibaugh is also (-1) this season and (+1 =1) against New England. He is matched up against FM Charles Riordan, who will be playing in his 7th USCL season. FM Riordan scored (+2 =2 -1) for New England last year and is (+1 =2) against Baltimore in his career.
Board 4: NM Andrew Liu vs. NM Ben Krause. NM Andrew Liu is (=1) this season having drawn with black against NM Ilya Krasik of the Boston Blitz last week on Board 4. This is NM Liu's 2nd USCL season and he is still searching for his first win after 3 games played. He is tasked against NM Ben Krause, who is making his USCL debut for Baltimore in this match.
Trivia Note: All four of the New England Nor'easter's players this week began their USCL careers on the Boston Blitz, and they are the only four players on the New England roster to have played for Boston.
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Sunday, August 25, 2013
Week 1 Lineup
Wednesday, 7:20 PM EDT
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Connecticut Dreadnoughts vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Mikheil Kekelidze (2576) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
GM Michael Rohde (2548) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
IM Jay Bonin (2436) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
Jason Shi (2173) - NM Ian Schoch (2294)
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
Time Control 75 min. with 30 sec. increment
Connecticut Dreadnoughts vs. Baltimore Kingfishers
GM Mikheil Kekelidze (2576) - IM Levan Bregadze (2469)
GM Michael Rohde (2548) - IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat (2492)
IM Jay Bonin (2436) - NM Jared Defibaugh (2297)
Jason Shi (2173) - NM Ian Schoch (2294)
Note: Players in italic have the white pieces.
And so begins the 9th season of the U.S. Chess League (USCL). In the first week's match-up, we find our Baltimore Kingfishers paired against the Connecticut Dreadnoughts. This will be Baltimore's 9th season and Connecticut's 2nd season in the league. In light of the newly-enacted four teams per division arrangement in the USCL, this match has some extra importance as these two teams compete in the same division and there will be only 6 divisional games this year. The last (and only) time these two teams squared-off, they settled for a drawn match in Week 3, 2012. Two players (GM Kekelidze and NM Defibaugh) from that match return to play in this match.
Board 1: GM Mikheil Kekelidze vs. IM Levan Bregadze. GM Mikheil Kekelidze was (+1 =6 -3) last year for the Dreadnoughts and is (=1) against Baltimore. His opponent, IM Levan Bregadze, scored (+7 =1 -2) for his former team, the St. Louis Archbishops, and is (-1) against Connecticut. Both players will look to avoid starting their sophomore season in a slump!
Board 2: IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat vs. GM Michael Rohde. IM Tegshsuren Enkhbat, who will be appearing in his 9th USCL season, was (=3 -2) for the Kingfishers last season. He has yet to play against Connecticut. IM Enkhbat is a stalwart of the Baltimore team, having a career score of 28.0/60 from the team's 85 matches (including playoffs). Sitting opposite him (on the virtual chess board) will be GM Michael Rohde, who will be playing his 1st game in the USCL. This pairing is a rare clash between a USCL Veteran, who has been in the league from the start, vs. a complete USCL Rookie.
Board 3: IM Jay Bonin vs. NM Jared Defibaugh. After not playing at all in the USCL last season (despite being on the Philadelphia Inventors' roster), IM Jay Bonin is now playing again with the 3rd team of his 9-year USCL career. He has accumulated 28.0 points in 47 USCL games. He will be facing NM Jared Defibaugh, playing in his 4th USCL season. NM Defibaugh scored (+4 -3) last season, but lost his game in Baltimore's previous match with Connecticut. He has scored 10.0/19 in the USCL thus far. Both players have plenty of experience in the USCL, so they know that every (half-)point counts.
Board 4: NM Ian Schoch vs. Jason Shi. NM Ian Schoch returns to the Baltimore Kingfishers' lineup after a year off. He previously played in 2 USCL seasons, and he won 5 out of 8 games (all were decisive). He is set to play another USCL newcomer for Connecticut, Jason Shi. Will NM Schoch be able to continue his decisive game streak?
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