GMAlexander Shabalov

Alexander Shabalov grew up in Riga, a city closely associated with the attacking traditions of Mikhail Tal. He developed a similarly combative approach, often seeking complications even when they carried risks. After becoming a grandmaster in 1991, he built a major career in American chess. He won or shared four U.S. Championships, in 1993, 2000, 2003 and 2007. He also finished first or equal first in seven U.S. Opens. International successes included sharing first at the 2002 Aeroflot Open and the 2009 American Continental Championship. In Pittsburgh, he ran the House of Chess and gave lectures to players of different ages. He entered the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in 2015.