Junior is coasting to victory in the 12th World Computer Chess Championship at the Bar-Ilan University in Ramat-Gan, Israel, in spite of a disappointing draw in round seven against the German program IsiChess. Shredder and Fritz won their games to stay in striking distance: with four rounds left to play Shredder needs half a point, Fritz a full point to catch up. Naturally Junior must cooperate.

A critical game, which will probably come in round nine or ten, is Junior vs Fritz. Fritz greatly reduced its chances for overall victory by losing on time against Falcon in round three. This was due not to faulty algorithms, but by the computer hanging, as we have learnt from members of the Fritz team. If Fritz manages to beat Junior the whole event will be wide open, with all three favourites (Shredder, Junior and Fritz) in striking distance of the title.

Results

Standings after seven rounds

• All the games played so far in PGN
• The Bar-Ilan University WCCC and computer Olympiad web site
• Live coverage

Picture gallery

The building of the Bar-Ilan University in Ramat-Gan, where the event is being held

A group of chess programmers caught outside their natural habitat

The natural habitat: Shredder vs ParSOS in the computer blitz championship (in the background Frans Morsch of Fritz watches)

The Junior team (right) in the blitz championship

Final standings of blitz championship

The total number of participants was eight, with seven rounds played. Fritz did not participate. The final standings were: 1 Shredder 5,5; 2 Crafty 4,5; 3-4 Junior, Falcon 4.0; 5 ParSOS 3.5; 6 Jonny 2.5; 7-8 Diep, Crazy Bishop.

• Individual results of the blitz tournament on the official site

Live coverage

The games are being transmitted live on the Playchess.com server, with audio and visual commentary by GM Boris Alterman.

Schedule

Links

• Official World Computer Chess Championship web site
• The Bar-Ilan University WCCC and computer Olympiad web site