The end is near!

I can't believe it's already Thursday evening. This week has zipped by (and most of the week is a blur!). I have had a lot of fun this week and was somewhat saddened by all of the eliminations that occurred today.

The bright point is that 1 player still has the ability to clinch his 3rd and final GM norm - none other than one of Canada's favorite (maybe I should spell it favourite?) sons, International Master Pascal Charbonneau.

Pascal has yet to suffer a loss in the event and has had some outstanding wins. This is a bright and talented young player, well more mature than his young 22 years shows. He has shown that you can fight it out for 86 moves and draw or you can fight it out for less than 30 moves and win the game. Pascal has shown an aggressive nature to outright crush (not Krush) an opponent and when to make the calculated decision of accepting the draw.

Tonights games though were bloodthirsty no doubt. Even players eliminated from the norm hunt were fighting it tooth and nail. Even though Irina lost tonite she proved a point - that she means business across the board and not to take her lightly. Irina and Vladimir fought it out till the bitter end. Rusa and Ben were no different in their fighting spirit. Rusa was going for the kill however could not deliver the death blow - but she too proved her point that she is here and to be taken seriously! Both of the fine young ladies are examples young girls should look to as leading female figures in the male dominated sport of chess.

Tonight we also saw more spectators. IM-elect Jan van de Mortel showed up again to relay games and give commentary. Many thanks to Jan for his tireless efforts. Hopefully in April Jan will be sitting at the boards going after his 1st GM norm!

Also showing up included Brad and Andi Rosen, GM Yury Shulman, Fred Scott Allsbrook, and a few faces that I did not recognize.

This blog site and the website each have been registered over 300 unique hits per day (and over 600 repeat visits) from all over the world!

Well enough for now!

Good Chess to All,

Sevan A. Muradian