Golden State Warriors’ Quinten Post becomes first-ever NBA Chess Champion at inaugural Chesstival
Golden State Warriors’ Quinten Post became the first-ever NBA Chess Champion after he won the blitz tournament at the inaugural Chesstival in Los Angeles.
The Chesstival is a cross-over event hosted by Magnus Carlsen’s Freestyle Chess and American basketballer Derrick Rose.
Post claimed the title with a dominating performance, acquiring 4.5 points out a maximum of five. Rajon Rondo, who used to represent Boston Celtics, finished second with four points.
Chesstival also had a Head & Hand tournament, which saw chess grandmasters team-up with NBA stars. In this format, the GMs call which piece to be played, while the hoopsters get to pick where to move the piece.
Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams and chess legend Judit Polgar won Head & Hand tournament, with Carlsen and Rose faltering in the quarterfinal.
The Chesstival was a promotional event for the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, which starts on Wednesday.