With one tournament still to go, Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian is already the winner of the 2008-2009 Fide Grand Prix. He has collected a total of 500 points from two GP victories and second place in the most recent Grand Prix in Jermuk. No one can catch him as the best three of four tournaments are used. The two top winners of the Grand Prix qualify to play in the candidates’ stage of World Championship cycle 2009-2011. In photo Lev Aronian is interviewed following his second place showing at this month’s tournament in Jermuk.
Last weekend was one of world champions. After playing simultaneous exhibitions against 200 opponents marking the 200th Jubilee of the world’s oldest chess club, eight champions took part in an all-play, all-rapid chess tournament in Zurich. The tournament was won by the 14th world champion Vladimir Kramnik with the current world champion Vishy Anand in second place. In photo, Kramnik versus Judit Polgar: draw.