Alexander Shabalov, here pictured at the World Cup
GM Alexander Shabalov grabbed clear first this weekend at the Liberty Bell Open, taking home $2,422 + $121 First Prize Bonus. The prizes at the tournament were enhanced due to a higher than expected turnout. Shabalov scoring a key win over GM Sergey Kudrin and saving a draw against WIM Alisa Melekhina. (which he called his toughest game.) Later this week, look for US Chess Scoop videos featuring Shabalov and many other players from the tournament including IMs Irina Krush, Bryan Smith, Dean Ippolito and WIMs Melekhina and Iryna Zenyuk.