American GM Alexander Shabalov and Cuban GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez tied for 1st place at the 2009 Continental Chess Championship.  After calculation of the tie breaks it was determined that GM Shabalov won the event.

The Continental Chess Championship qualifies 6 players to play in the 2009 World Cup.

GM Shabalov and GM Corrales Jimenez have a guaranteed spot for the World Cup.

The remaining four spots are being determined with a Round Robin Tournament between all of the players who tie from 3rd to 8th place (with 8 1/2 points) at the Continental Championship.

Among these players, there are two American Grandmasters who are still in contention to qualify for the World Cup. The tournament is being played this evening and the final results will be posted tomorrow.

CLICK HERE to WATCH THE GAMES!

The following players are participating in this exciting tie breaker event!

• GM Milos, Gilberto BRA
• GM Flores, Diego ARG
• GM Granda Zuniga, Julio E. PER
• IM Rios, Mauricio Flores CHI
• GM Friedel, Joshua E. USA
• GM Ivanov, Alexander USA

Let’s wish our players GM Friedel and GM Ivanov the best in this final qualifier for the World Cup!

Stay tuned for the results tomorrow evening…