Amazing how much the top seeds are struggling in this round of the FIDE world cup. Makes me realize there is not as much difference between 2500 and 2700 players as we are lead to believe.

Insane position. Never seen anything like this.

First classical tournament back in action since the Northumbria Masters in August, starting off on board 13 against Nigel Moyse with black. Probably the closest 9 rounder to my house I’ve ever played and a pretty strong field too :)

American GM Hans Niemann defeats Indian superstar and World # 4 Praggnananda to move into a tie for first at the FIDE Grand Swiss. One more win could land him in the Candidates where he will join Caruana and possibly Nakamura. Love him or hate him, his story is extraordinary.

After a last minute withdrawal I am now playing the Northumbria Masters Gavin Wall memorial IM norm tournament. A 6 am train has got me ready for the chess to speak for itself early :)

Chess Mafia’s “Proctor” software is embarassing. It’s incredibly laggy and often makes my computer overheat. Especially inconvenient while traveling and runs very poorly if your WiFi isn’t extremely fast. Over a year ago chess mafia head said everyone would be on proctor. I’ve

Just arrived in Liverpool for the BCC and am ready for chess to speak for itself