Philadelphia International Underway
June 25, 2011
alisaslide.jpgThe Philadelphia International (June 24-July 28) is underway at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel. The event began with a big upset as FM Alisa Melekhina defeated GM Alexander Shabalov in round two.

Alisa turns 20 tomorrow and told CLO that "I usually lose whenever I play on my birthday, but hopefully that won't be the case this year." 

The lead-up weekend to the World Open (June 28-July 4) is also host to a variety of events, including the World Open Senior Amateur and the World Open Girls Championship. Check the website for details and look for a US Chess Scoop video next week.

Play through the Melekhina-Shabalov game below: (added 6/26/2011):

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