As the Winter Chess Classic 2023 entered its third day, the atmosphere inside the Sinquefield Commons at Saint Louis University was charged with anticipation. The chilly weather outside belied the intensity of the battles that unfolded over the chessboards. The day featured two rounds of classical chess, bringing us closer to the fast-paced action in rapid and blitz.

Team Dynamics

In a dramatic turn of events, the B Team seized the lead from Team A in the final round of classical chess. The competition has reached a pivotal moment, with the B Team now leading with a score of 55.5 to Team A’s 52.5. The competitors displayed true fighting spirit, taking both rounds down to the wire.

Individual Highlights

Round 5

• Oparin, Grigory (A) vs. Dambasuren, Batsuren (B): Draw
• Gledura, Benjamin (A) vs. Akobian, Var (B): Draw
• Antipov, Mikhail (A) vs. Chandra, Akshat (B): Draw
• Bok, Benjamin (A) vs. Bruzon, Lazaro (B): Draw
• Theodorou, Nikolas (B) vs. Raja, Harshit (A): Theodorou wins
• Swiercz, Dariusz (B) vs. Stearman, Josiah (A): Draw

Round 6

• Chandra, Akshat (B) vs. Oparin, Grigory (A): Draw
• Gledura, Benjamin (A) vs. Theodorou, Nikolas (B): Draw
• Akobian, Var (B) vs. Antipov, Mikhail (A): Draw
• Dambasuren, Batsuren (B) vs. Bruzon, Lazaro (A): Draw
• Raja, Harshit (A) vs. Swiercz, Dariusz (B): Swiercz wins
• Stearman, Josiah (A) vs. Bok, Benjamin (B): Bok wins

Team Standings

1. Team A Score: 52.5
2. Team B Score: 55.5

With the B Team now in the lead, the Winter Chess Classic promises even more thrilling encounters in the upcoming rapid and blitz rounds. The players continue to showcase their talent and determination as they vie for victory and $30,000 in prizes. Stay tuned for more updates as the Winter Chess Classic unfolds its final chapters at Saint Louis University.