Does anybody think that Hikaru will become the U.S.'s next “great hope” for the world championship? I personally think he is a better player than Gata Kamsky or can become better very quickly.
I don’t know, maybe I’m just biased or something.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Z
I don’t really see Hikaru as a threat for a world title. If he was going to be, he would’ve at least made it to the super GM tournaments that Carlsen, Karjakin, and Radjabov are playing in. I’m not sure Hikaru is motivated to do that, which is fine. He does pretty well right now.
I think the guy to keep an eye on is Ray Robson. I think in a few years, he’ll be the best player in the US.
well he is making it now, he will be in Corus group A this year, and probably other major tournaments. nakamura has more potential, is younger, and is improving so i agree he is USAs best shot at world championship
I think it was the '99 or 2000 NY State (Open) Championship in Saratoga Springs on Labor Day Weekend when the local newspaper was doing a big cover story on the tournament. The reporter asked me to point out players to watch, and I said to watch Hikaru, as he will be World Champion someday, and everyone can say they saw him first in Saratoga. He put that quote in the article, too.
It would be great if he did work his way toward the World title, but for now I’ll enjoy seeing him play over there in the Euro tournaments.
As of a year or two ago, I thought Gata was much better. He has a beautiful classical positional style. But Hikaru is still young, he is an overpowering tactician, and he has more “years left” than Gata does to try for the WC.