Monday, July 9, 2007

Friend vs. Friend

GM Anton Shomoev and GM Bator Sambuev, both of Russia and both friends, are set to play in Round Four of the 2007 Canadian Open. GM Shomoev's comment upon seeing the pairing posted -- on time -- at the Ottawa Marriott was something along the lines of "I traveled half-way around the world -- and now I'm playing Sambuev?" He had to laugh.

Other friends paired in Round Four: GM Suat Atalik plays GM Alex Yermolinsky. As well, GM Victor Mikhalevski plays GM Mark Bluvshtein. GM Mikhalevski quipped that last night at his impromptu birthday dinner, which GM Bluvshtein attended, he and Mark joked about the possibility that they might play today.

No comments: