What are you doing to prepare for
the US Chess League (uschessleague.com)? Well here in Southern
California, the new incoming team Los Angeles Vibe is getting up
and running with Grandmaster and Fide masters practicing in their local club.
This past Saturday, June 26th, Team Captain Melikset Khachiyan,
along with possible team members GM Alejandro Ramirez (who just moved in to
become a local in LA this summer), FM Alexander Kretchetov (a confirmed team
member), and FM Garush Manuykyan went around sparring with each other in a
round robin quad.
The host for the LA team this coming fall and the venue for the quad, is the Chess Palace, a venue I manage in Garden Grove, California. Team coordinator Tatev was psyched at the energy that her fellow teammates mustered up for an event that starts a month and a half away. She showed her support by visiting even though she couldn't play. "This is dedication from Los Angeles GMs," says a club patron, "New York Knights better watch out because we are coming for you!" The two GMs Melikset Khachiyan and Alejandro Ramirez tied for first with 2.5/3.
Alongside the masters were club regulars who are committed to playing every weekend. They were surprised as soon as they saw the cross tables with 2500 and 2600 rated players. Luckily they didn't have to play each other today. Separated into small groups of 4 (quads) or 8 players (ocho), the pairings matched closely rated players together. Class A, B, C, and D players were grouped in similar strength. See the full tournament report with pictures and a game upset at www.chesspalace.com.
Read more about the other two US Chess League expansion teams, the Saint Louis Archbishops and the New England Nor'Easters.