2018 Cup Chronicle Issue 1

Day one of the 2018 Sinquefield Cup produced two early leaders: Levon Aronian and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. While Aronian is no stranger to success in Saint Louis, having won the Sinquefield Cup in 2015 and the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz in 2017, Mamedyarov is making his debut as an official player in the Grand Chess Tour. His first ever classical game in Saint Louis was a one sided affair, where his opponent Wesley So never had any chances of equalizing. For once, Levon Aronian was on the white side of the Berlin Defense, showing off both his flexibility and flawless technique in a fine victory. The fighting spirit of the players is high and round two promises to bring more excitement!