tag: Sinquefield Cup 2014 - Page 1

Throwback Thursday: Caruana scores seven wins in a row

2/25/2021 – In a mind-boggling performance, Fabiano Caruana won the second edition of the Sinquefield Cup after scoring victories in his first seven games and obtaining a stratospheric Tournament Performance Rating. The six-player field had an average Elo rating of 2802 and included world champion Magnus Carlsen. | Photos: Lennart Ootes / Saint Louis Chess Club

Grandmaster Clash in Slate Magazine

9/23/2014 – "One of the most amazing feats in chess history just happened, and no one noticed," writes Seth Stevenson, in a most-read article posted recently on Slate Magazine. It is long but definitely worth a read. Seth puts the sheer magnitude of Fabiano Caruana's performance in perspective, and also provides a wealth of background information on the players and the event. Don't miss it.

Behind the Scenes of the Sinquefield Cup

9/10/2014 – The Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis not only boasted the strongest field in history, but also invested in a full-scale production to broadcast the tournament to a mass audience. Alisa Melekhina takes a behind-the-scenes glimpse while Tony Rich reveals which future high-level events the organization plans to host. Pictorial behind-the-scenes report.

Sinquefield 10: Draws end magnificent event

9/7/2014 – Despite the three relatively short and event-less draws that we saw today in the Sinquefield Cup, the fans have nothing to complain about. The event provided amazing chess and one of the most impressive – if not the most impressive – streak seen in all of chess history. The fight for second was won by Carlsen, who drew Topalov, who clinched third. Final report.

Sinquefield 09: Lucky Breaks

9/6/2014 – Two players in this tournament have had difficulties holding acceptable positions and converting advantageous ones. However today finally both of these players received a little "break" and managed to draw their lost games. Aronian entered a complicated rook endgame against Carlsen, but White misplayed it and allowed a Vancura defense. Nakamura held on by the skin of his teeth.

Sinquefield 08: Streak stopped, Event clinched.

9/5/2014 – Caruana's streak has been stopped by Carlsen, though barely. The Norwegian was lucky to survive the position against the tournament leader.... well, the tournament winner now that mathematically it is impossible for anyone to catch up to him despite there being two more rounds! Aronian forgave MVL's mistakes while Topalov was ruthless in a Berlin endgame against the local legend.

Sinquefield 07: "He's not making a mistake"

9/4/2014 – Those were Maxime Vachier-Lagrave's words when describing Fabiano Caruana's play in the 2014 Sinquefield Cup. "I've never seen this. I've never even seen Carlsen play so well." The Italian player severely punished MVL's mistakes and moves to a jaw-dropping 7-0. Carlsen is in "hot pursuit" three points behind him after beating Nakamura. Aronian and Topalov drew their game.

Sinquefield 06: He cannot be stopped

9/3/2014 – His attacks are well timed, his novelties uncomfortable to play against, his technique exquisite. Fabiano Caruana (picture from 1995!) moves to a gorgeous 6-0 after blowing Veselin Topalov off the board with a great tactical sacrifice that destroyed the Bulgarian's king position. The other games were interesting, but some players are imprecise and difficult to recognize. Round six report.

Sinquefield 05: Is he human!?

9/1/2014 – He must be, because Caruana finally made his first mistake of the tournament - but not one that mattered. His position was so crushing against Nakamura that the Italian won his fifth game in a row anyways and goes into half-time with a 2.5 point lead, +25 rating points, and an incalculable performance. Topalov beat MVL to join Carlsen in second as he beat Aronian.

Sinquefield 04: Fight for second already?

8/31/2014 – The leader of the tournament is not saying it, but it is in everybody's mind: has the Sinquefield Cup 2014 turned into a battle for second place? Caruana continues to crush the opposition, today playing a beautiful game against Aronian, inflicting the Armenian's second loss in a row. Second place is currently held by Vachier-Lagrave half a point ahead of the rest.

2014 Sinquefield Cup starts today

8/27/2014 – It is billed as the strongest chess tournament in history: the world's numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 9 are playing a double round robin in Chess Club and Scholastic Center, Saint Louis, USA. Their average rating is 2801, making it a Category XXIII event. Total prize fund: US $315,000. The first round starts at 2 p.m. local time today. Playchess has live coverage and commentary.
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