Norm Bonanza in New York
By Dr. Marcus Fenner   
June 26, 2013
NYILEAD.jpgThe Marshall Chess Club's 6th Annual New York International concluded on Sunday with 2 GM and 3 IM norms awarded, confirming the event as a premier American opportunity to accomplish FIDE norms.
 
65 players from 20 countries, including 9 GM's and 12 IM's, made the event an exceptionally strong "Super Swiss."  The strength of the event was demonstrated early on with three of the top four boards drawing in round one.

GM Tamaz Gelashvili finished as the clear winner of the $5,000 top prize with a score of 7/9 though the many upsets and strong performances by young players stole the show.

IM Mackenzie Molner achieved his final GM norm with a FIDE performance of 2625.

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Marshall Chess Club members Raven Sturt and Akshat Chandra also achieved their first IM norms. 
 
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Bodek & Molner
15-year-old Marshall Chess Club member FM Michael Bodek had a superlative tournament.  Having never defeated a GM in a slow game before the event he managed to beat three Grandmasters including two former World Championship candidates (Yudasin, Ehlvest). Michael's spectacular performance earned him his second IM norm and his first GM norm.

Look an update to this article with an annotated game by Bodek himself!

Find the final crosstable here.