The Bilbao Grand Slam of chess began September 1, 2008, and features world champion Viswanathan Anand facing off with number four seeded Ukrainian Vassily Ivanchuk in the first round. This match will be a test for the world champion Anand as the World Championship match next month will be against Vladimir Kramnik of Russia some time in October.
Ivanchuk is at the top of his game as he recently won the Tal memorial tournament, beating Kramnik. According to the live unofficial chess rankings, Ivanchuk is actually second in points behind Anand who has 2798 points to Ivanchuk’s 2787. Ivanchuk went on to also win a blitz tournament that was observed and enjoyed by guests that included well known celebrities.
Ivanchuk is tied with Magnus Carlesen of Norway, both men standing with 2787 points in the live rankings. Both men are looking to overthrow Anand and take the number position before the grand slam event is over with. Chess aficionados are expecting the Bilbao Grand Slam to be filled with interesting matched with these three men involved. Ivanchuk is considered a Grandmaster of the game, but has yet to win the World Chess Championship, the premier match of the chess playing world.
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