The Russian Championship had a couple of interesting results this last round and all of a sudden we have a 6 way tie for 1st with two rounds to go. In order of rating: Karjakin, Grischuk, Jakovenko, Andreikin, Alekseev and Potkin. They are all +1.

A log jam at the World Junior Championship. Turkish GM Alexander Ipatov sits atop the leader board with 6 out 7, but has nine players a half point behind including the top two rated players in the tournament, both from China: Ding Liren and Yu Yangi. Lots of time left in this one, as they play 13 rounds. FM Aman Hambleton has taken the lead among the Canadian entries. With 4.5 he is playing GM Tal Baron of Israel this round. He is right on course for an IM norm, if he can keep up the pace. There is a 4 way tie for 1st in the Girls event.

In Montreal there are two rounds to go at the Canadian Closed. GM Bator Sambuev has stoned the field so far with a score of 7/7. With a lead of a point in a half over GM Anton Kovalyov - he could wrap things up tonight. Natalia Khoudgarian has almost wrapped up the Women’s Closed. She has only a single draw against her, so far. Myriam Roy could catch her but would need to win her last two games, and have Khoudgarian lose her only remaining game in the tournament.