The difference going into the last round between the football scoring and classical scoring is very interesting. If this were classically scored, Carlsen would need only a draw to be guaranteed at least tied first place. Also, Wang Hao would need to win, and both Carlsen and Giri would have to lose, for him to even tie for first. As it stands, all three players are in more or less an equal position to shoot for first.

Crazy round today; Nakamura was gifted a victory after Bacrot had an edge and then hung a piece, and Bologan scored his first 3 points after Wang Hao horribly misplayed his defense around the 40 move mark.

Carlsen has outclassed the opposition here, in my opinion. He has has played very consistently and hasn't been in a losing position all tournament. He was under some pressure in round 5 against Giri, but was never really in danger of losing.

And speaking of Giri, with the exception of his grinding loss to Hao, he has played very well. It is great to see him back over 2700, and rising rapidly in the ranks, no doubt. He will probably be the next young player to bump an oldie out of the top-ten.

I don't think the last round will be easy for anyone.

Carlsen has to win to be sure. His only advantage is that no one can catch him if he wins.
If he draws and either Giri or Hao wins (which is very likely, because both will strive for tournament win, and none of them will play for a draw), he can't win the tournament.

So there's three possible winners, and whoever wins in the end, will deserve it, after a very tough and entertaining tournament.

I think Giri will win tomorrow and Carlsen draws.

It looks to me that with 95 percent certainty Magnus would win tomorrow (5 percent discount because Barcot is a great player himself who can suddenly beat anyone in the world). Draw between them tomorrow is most unlikely.
***Just predicting for fun*** But with Magnus, in the last rounds, it is very easy.

Carlsen will undoubtedly press for all he's worth and Etienne will not have an easy life, especially with shaken confidence. Although all these guys are incredibly tough and Carlsen shouldn't underestimate him.

All in all I must say that the current standing shows a certain weakness in the football scoring system. Carlsen clearly did better than Wang (who did absolutely great). The fact that he must win tomorrow to be sure of victory is a little unfair.

Perhaps 2,5 points for a win should be enough?

Bologan's knight from g1 was the chess equivalent of Chuck Norris.

Double round robins with 3-1-0 scoring are a bad idea. Too much opportunity for collusion...

It is not hard to imagine two players having an agreement to lose to each other in their two games, thus both getting 3 points from their two encounters.

I am NOT saying any players here did it at all. I am saying that the opportunity is easy to see.

The mixed feelings about the football scoring system come from the fact that there is no good objective way to differentiate between an insipid or pre arranged draw from a fighting draw. We want the pre arranged draws to be punished so we would like to see a win and a loss score better than 2 of Kosintseva sister draws. But, like in Biel, where everyone fought sincerely in their games (even when drawn),it feels unfair when a win and a loss is better than 2 draws. Unless there is a way to differentiate between the two scenarios, the football scoring system cannot be declared better or worse than the classical system.

Carlsen is poised to win this. Barcot's play in the latter stages has been really shaky.

Is last round earlier, cause official tells otherwise?

Carlsen is of course a clear favourite into the last round, considering Bacrot being rather shaky and Carlsen's previous record for finishing tournaments.
But both Hao and Giri have performed great, Hao a little more unstable than Giri though.

Bacrot literally handed Naka the victory in a platter

---deleted---
http://www.chessvibes.com/terms