11 December 2018
First Games of GTC Final Tournament Played in London
Participants begin with draws.
Photo: Lennart Ootes
First semi-final games of matches of the Grand Chess Tour final tournament were played in London on December 11.
Hikaru Nakamura, who played with Black against his compatriot Fabiano Caruana, held a tough position. Having played with the white pieces against Levon Aronian, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave got an unpleasant position but gave up an exchange thus equalizing the chances.
After two classical games on December 11-12, play switches to Rapid & Blitz on December 13. The winners then go through to the 3-day Final, held at the traditional Olympia London venue on December 15-16 (Classical) & 17 (Rapid & Blitz). There will also be a Third Place Playoff.
The fantastic four will be dueling for a total of USD 300,000 in GCT prize money. The 2018 GCT champion will take home a 1st prize of USD 120,000.
Grand Chess Tour website
London Chess Classic website
