Update on Americans Abroad
October 28, 2008
The European Club Championship concluded with smiles for Gata Kamsky, who despite his lackluster personal result, can be proud to be a member of the winning team, URAL Sverdlovskaya. See a photo gallery on chessdom.com that features a euphoric Grischuk and a cheerful Kamsky. Our other two Americans playing in Greece wrapped up with solid individual results. GM Alex Onischuk scored 4/6 on PVK Kiev Chess and IM Anna Zatonskih scored 3.5/6, both performing higher than their ratings and getting into form for the upcoming Olympiad. (See a full Olympiad Preview by Michael Klein in your soon to arrive November Chess Life.)

Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, with just 1-2 rounds to go at the time of writing, are locks to qualify to the next stage in the Cap D'Adge in France. Follow the finals starting tomorrow on the official website and the Internet Chess Club (The handle for the games of Cap D'Adge=CCAS08).
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In the World Youth in Vung Tau Vietnam (group photo above), Darwin Yang from the Boys Under 12 lost for the first time in the event. He still has 7/9, but unfortunately, stands in second place for the first time in many rounds. With two rounds left to go, root on Darwin and other Americans on the official website , results page , pgn link and the live games link (only top boards.) The final round is at 10 AM Vietnam time on Thursday, so you can watch the top boards alongside U.S. Chess League action on Wednesday night.

Sam Shankland has 6/9 so far against a tough field, but told CLO that he is probably ineligible for an IM norm because many of his opponents have not yet officially received the titles necessary for him to meet the titled player requirement. Shankland is still investigating whether a norm is possible, but judging by Sam's recent results, the title will come soon in either case.

The World Senior Championship (October 28-November 11, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany) takes off as the World Youth (not to mention the Bonn World Championship ) wind down. Check out Larry Kaufman's arrival report.