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GM Ivan Sokolov of Netherlands won the 2008 Essent Chess Tournament, Hoogeveen. He beat everyone Black and White to win by a mile. The final tally was 5 points out of a total 6 in the Crown group, which is a 2847 rating performance. Adly and Smeets were placed second in this group. Marie Sebag finished fourth and last, but did put up a fight after a bad start. Crown Group Final Standings Sokolov 5 Adly, Smeets 2.5 Sebag 2 In the Open section, Alexandr Fier continues to lead, but now with Stewart Haslinger. Open Group Leading Standings Fier, Haslinger 6.5 Nijboer, Naumkin 6 Here's one of the games where Sokolov torments Smeets. Notice the 10 ... g5 and the relentless torture after that.

The World Women's chess championship, which is being played on a knock out basis, has started. All the eligible Georgian players have withdrawn in protest. Some other players have also backed out. Most of the favorities including Humpy advanced although one of the favorities, Marie Sebag faced an embarassing exit at the hands of lowly rated Anna Gasik. Official site: http://nalchik2008.fide.com