The annual Mtel masters is going on right now in Sofia Bulgaria. Mtel has just been included in the so called chess "grand slam" including linares, corus, and dortmund.

 

The participants are:

Topalov (the winner last year)

Cheparinov

Ivanchuk

Radjabov

Aronian

Xiangzhi

After three rounds Chucky has won all three of his games! Topalov is second (check out his win today on the black side of the french defence!), and Cheperinov is third.

 

http://www.mtelmasters.com/en/

Personally I think Topalov will win again, any opinions? Predictions?

I'd be very surprised if Topalov doesn't emerge victorious.  The fact that he's on home soil and is desperate to do well should help quite a bit.  I was really impressed with the facilities they have at the tournament.  Those soundproof glass cages are awesome.  The fans in attendance are so close to the action, I'd love to be able to attend an event like that.

So Chucky has now won 5 games in a row, with a performance rating somewhere in between 3000-4000. He's had a bit of luck along the way but most of his games have been REALLY impressive. I didnt think Chucky had it in him!

Ahh so chucky finally has his first draw of the event, against Radjabov.

chucky wins! A crushing black piece win over Cheparinov secures him victory.

 

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4641

Ivanchuk's was very funny, In the first half of the tournament he was winning all of his five games and in the second half he referred to himself as a "goalkeeper" (which in fact he was on the rest day ) trying to reach draws. Anyway, I was so amazed by his performance that I decided to do a small video series about him. If you like to check it out:

http://www.chessedelic.com

I wonder what you guys think of his playing style. I think his hallmark is deep and creative play.

Cheers!