Bilboa Round 9: Vallejo 1 - Nakamura 0

Nakamura flagged on move 40 in a slightly superior position: he thought he had made the time control, and stepped away for a glass of juice.

As Carlsen beat Ivanchuk today, a win would have brought Nakamura into a tie for first.

Three decisive games today!

Round 6, Bilbao Masters: Ivanchuk 1 - Nakamura 0

Ivanchuk's opening lends credence to the credible rumors that he has been working with David Franklin.

Bilbao Masters - Nakamura clear 2nd at halfway point

Coverage at ChessBase, ChessVibes., and The Week in Chess.

The venue now shifts from Brazil to Spain.  When play resumes Thursday, Nakamura plays tournament leader Vassily Ivanchuk: a win would bring Nakamura into joint first place!

A Correct Draw

To me, this game lends credence to the fairly credible rumors that Kasparov is coaching Nakamura.  The 3...Be7 and 5...h6 move order has been used by big boys in World Championship matches. Not very exciting for fans, but Nakamura with Black managed to completely shut down Carlsen.

Good coverage at Thw Week in Chess. Ivanchuk has won three games in a row; Nakamura is in 4th with an even score; he has a good chance to move up tomorrow with White against the off-form Vallejo.

Carlsen-Nakamura live

WhyChess has nice coverage: the game started at 1 p.m. Chicago time.

Nakamura-Anand in São Paulo

That was certainly a fun game at the Bilbao Masters this afternoon!  Kasparov thought that Nakamura missed one clearer try for advantage.

I'd heard this unconfirmed rumor some months ago: it certainly seems plausible....