Riga GP underway

The Art of the 1st Round Blunder

World Chess’ 2nd Grand Prix (GP) of the year got underway yesterday in Riga. Apart from the conspicuous lack of any western sponsors what so ever, it was business as usual.

There were many interesting and hard fought games, but the only decisive game saw a very nervous David Navara miscalculate, lose a piece, and resign in just 19 moves against the French star Vachier LaGrave.

The 34 year old David Navara now has his back against the wall, as the Riga GP is a knock out system. If he does not defeat Vachier LaGrave in the next game then he will have to pack his bags and head home.

The official photographer of the Riga GP appears to be talented Niki Riga. Most of the photos used here on this blog about the Riga GP will be based on her work.