PogChamps 4 presented by Coinbase entered day three with two matches. Both matches featured Group D, which after today is looking like perhaps the scariest in the field as even both players who lost their matches showed strong signs of chess ability.
After debuting on Sunday, Crokeyz became the first Pog4 player to play in and win two matches, toppling IamCristinini. That was followed by Rubius defeating Punz. A third match originally scheduled for today, featuring MrBeast and 5uppp, was pushed back after MrBeast’s exhausting previous day.
Crokeyz Plays His Cards Right Against IamCristinini
Despite a large rating difference and 2-0 final score, this match was surprisingly close, especially the second game. Crokeyz won the first one rather easily, although IamCristinini played the early part of the game well.
The second game, however, was a roller coaster. Crokeyz won a piece but there were tactics all over the board and he suddenly hung his bishop.
That was only the beginning. Crokeyz let his time run down to two seconds while setting off one of the most dramatic sequences in Pog history.
Crokeyz ultimately wrapped up his second victory and is very likely headed to the championship bracket. But IamCristinini, who only began playing a month ago, seems to be rapidly improving with the help of coach IM Anna Rudolf.
Rubius Stashes Away Two Wins vs. Punz
IM Anna Rudolf has also been coaching Rubius and it showed in the match against Punz.
Game one was close until the first Botez Gambit of the day appeared and Punz lost his queen. Up to that point, he had played attentively and well. Instead, Rubius made a second queen of his own on his way to mate.
In the second game, Punz hung mate-in-one after just 16 moves and Rubius eventually saw it.
Rubius attributed his victory to some surprising sources.
PogChamps 4 continues tomorrow, Wednesday, September 1, with three more matches. Stay tuned!
All Games Day 3
PogChamps 4 started on August 29 and will run through September 12. You can read more information about the event here. Make sure to tune into the action on Chess.com/tv or Twitch, or on our Events platform!
PogChamps 4 is presented by Coinbase. Whether you’re looking to make your first crypto purchase or you’re an experienced trader, Coinbase has you covered. Earn crypto by learning about crypto with Coinbase Earn, power up your trading with Coinbase’s advanced features, get exclusive rewards when you spend with Coinbase Card, and much more. Learn more at Coinbase.com/Chess.
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