Beijing GP

FIDE are certainly packing in the Grand Prix events, with the Beijing GP starting yesterday. Despite some difficulties in the FIDE/Agon relationship, the series is still attracting good venues, and more importantly, good players. Beijing sees Gelfand, Topalov, Leko, Karjakin, Gischuk as part of the 12 player field, while home town fans will be pleased to se the participation of Wang Yue and Wang Hao.
The first round was played yesterday, and the big game was between Gelfand and Topalov. In a battle of the 'passers', Topalov's passed c pawn proved stronger than Gelfand's passed d pawn. Almost all the games in the first round were hard fought, and surprisingly Black won 3 of them (to White's none). The tournament web site is beijing2013.fide.com and each round starts at 5pm Canberra time (assuming I haven't mucked up my time zones!)


Gelfand,Boris - Topalov,Veselin
FIDE Grand Prix Series in Beijing 2013 China,Beijing (1.3), 04.07.2013