Kaidanov Kiboshes the Competition

GM Kaidanov appearing in Lexington 2009

Lexington Kentucky's  GM Gregory Kaidanov scored 6 out of 9 for clear first at the St. Louis Invitaional from March 6-9, earning himself a spot at the U.S. Championship. GMs Alejandro Ramirez and Ray Robson tied for second on 5.5 points, giving Robson the remaining invitation on tiebreaks.

The full field for the U.S. Championship in April will include GM Gata Kamsky (the current champion), GM Alex Onischuk, GM Varuzhan Akobian, GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Yury Shulman, GM Jaan Ehlvest, GM Alex Stripunsky, GM Larry Christiansen, GM Robert Hess, GM Alex Shabalov, GM Alexander Ivanov, IM Sam Shankland, GM Ben Finegold, IM Daniel Naroditsky, GM Gregory Kaidanov and GM Ray Robson.

Below you can catch the scores of Kaidanov winning against GM Melikset Khachiyan and grabbing a win with the black pieces against IM Michael Brooks.