The ACP Masters Cup Rapid 2015 commenced yesterday in Ashdod, Israel. A total of 12 Grandmasters have been divided in groups of 6 each. The top two players from each group will qualify for the Semi-Finals, with the winners advancing to the Finals.
Group A
The proceedings on the first day of Group A were dominated by the Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. Ian managed to notch up 2.5/3, followed by GMs Boris Gelfand and Samuel Sevian on 2/3. GM Kirill Georgiev, coming in as a last-minute replacement for GM B. Adhiban, had a tough day as he suffered three straight losses.
Results and Standings: Here
Group B
Group B, just like Group A, saw a sole leader emerge at the end of Day One. Amongst some strong competition, GM Vassily Ivanchuk managed to emerge as the front-runner, scoring 2/3. He is being followed closely on 1.5/3 by as many as four GMs – Eljanov, Bacrot, Rapport and Smirin.
Results and Standings: Here