Exciting Highlights from the 3 0 Thursday Tournaments: Lazavik, Yoo, and Terry Shine!
GM Denis Lazavik Dominates 3 0 Thursday with Stellar Performance
In an electrifying display of chess prowess, Grandmaster Denis Lazavik has once again proven his mettle by clinching victory in the first 3 0 Thursday tournament on June 4, 2026, following his recent triumph in Titled Tuesday. With an impressive score of 10 out of 11, Lazavik’s performance has left competitors in awe and solidified his status as a top contender in the chess world.
First Tournament: Lazavik’s Winning Streak Continues
Fresh off his Titled Tuesday win, Lazavik entered the first 3 0 tournament with confidence. He dominated the competition, winning his first eight games before securing his victory with two draws and a final win. His most significant challenge came in round seven against GM Oleksandr Bortnyk, who has a wealth of experience in the opening variation they faced. Despite the pressure, Lazavik emerged victorious, maintaining his lead throughout the tournament.
Bortnyk finished strong with 9.5 points, pushing Lazavik to maintain his high level of play in the later rounds. GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son secured third place with nine points, while IM-elect Rose Atwell claimed the women’s prize with seven points, marking her third win in just two weeks.
Second Tournament: Yoo’s Photo Finish
The second tournament of the day saw a thrilling finish as GM Christopher Yoo edged out FM Havard Haug in a nail-biting finale. Haug, a 15-year-old prodigy from Norway, missed the first round but bounced back with nine consecutive victories, including a notable win over Yoo in round eight. However, his luck ran out in the final round against GM Jonas Buhl Bjerre, allowing Yoo to capitalize on the opportunity.
Yoo finished with the best tiebreaks, claiming first place, while Bjerre and Bortnyk followed closely behind. IM Karina Ambartsumova took home the women’s prize, marking her 18th accolade in the event.
Third Tournament: Terry’s Tenth Triumph
The day concluded with IM Renato Terry winning the final 3 0 Thursday tournament for the second consecutive week, marking his tenth victory in this format. Terry’s resilience was on full display as he navigated a challenging position against GM Benjamin Bok in round seven. Despite the odds, he secured a crucial win, allowing him to finish strong against GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son in the final round.
With a total of nine points, Terry edged out Bok on tiebreaks to claim first place. GM Andy Woodward finished third, while WFM Hoang Minh Tho Do won the women’s prize, adding to her impressive collection of accolades.
A Thrilling Day of Chess
The 3 0 Thursday series continues to showcase the incredible talent of verified titled players, with a combined prize fund of $3,000 each week. As Lazavik, Yoo, and Terry shine in their respective tournaments, the chess community eagerly anticipates what the next week will bring. With each match, the excitement and intensity of the game only seem to grow, promising more thrilling encounters in the future.