Romanenko & Shabalov Top Manhattan; Two Norms Notched
August 22, 2011
parker225.jpg
17-year-old Parker Zhao earned an IM norm at the Manhattan Open, Photo from 2010 US Junior Champs at CCSCSL
IM Vladimir Romanenko and GM Alexander Shabalov tied for 1st at the Manhattan Open, winning over $5200 each. Additionally, two players made norms at the event, held from August 17-21 at the New Yorker Hotel. IM Vladimir Romanenko of Belarus not only made the GM norm, he also won the first place bonus prize, thanks to his better tiebreaks.

The other player to achieve a norm was a familiar face to  CLO, particularly after Saturday's tournament report: 17-year-old Parker Zhao.  This was Parker's third IM norm in fact, and after his results from the tournament have been rated, his rating should climb past the 2400 FIDE threshold for IMs elect.  His last-round game , a victory over IM Greg Shahade, featured a "surprise" Queen sacrifice by White on move 19.

5800

Also play through games by the winners including a face-off between the two norm earners: 

5799

5798

For more games, see Monroi.com. Also check full standings in all sections and complete breakdowns on ManhattanOpen.com. Look for an exclusive report later this week on the Manhattan Open by CLO columnist IM Greg Shahade on his comeback to chess.