The Mclovin Effect: LA Vibe vs. Chicago Blaze Week 3 Preview

Hey again!

After two disappointing weeks for the Vibe, Los Angeles looks to even its record out at 2-2. This task is easier said than done, as the Vibe are facing off against the deadly second place Chicago Blaze. The Blaze check into this match with a record of 2.5-0.5. Chicago has actually been a surprise this year. While they don't have the highest rated team, the Blaze have been getting positive results thanks to great teamwork. The Vibe are looking to put a stop to their "blazing" chemistry and hand Chicago its first loss. Here is an explanation of why I believe the Vibe will be able to do that. (Yes, I know I have been wrong the past two weeks, but watch me get to 50% along with LA)

Board 1: GM Melik "James Bond" Khachiyan vs. GM Dmitry Gurevich: Wow, what a matchup - two veteran GMs with extremely different playing styles duking it out! While Khachiyan is very tactical and creative, Gurevich is one of the most solid players in this country. Given the color assignment, it is quite obvious that this game is going to end in a draw. Khachiyan will get an active position, but Gurevich will hold and liquidate. To further my prediction regarding this game, it will be the first game to finish in the match, again, with the result being a draw.

Board 2: IM Florin Felecan vs. IM Andranik Matikozyan: Since this is Matikozyan's USCL debut, many of you may not know him. This low-profile IM (pictured at left) moved to the United States from Armenia ten years ago, residing in Glendale, California. Andranik is known for his love of crazy, wild positions, and can play either color. Despite this playing style, Andranik has extensive positional and endgame knowledge, leaving no obvious weaknesses in his game. In his USCL debut against the red hot Felecan, expect a sideline Sicillian, resulting in fireworks. Either player could win this game; I don't think this game will be a draw. This is why, in my opinion, this will be the crucial game of the match. Since this game is a toss-up, I will go with Andranik.

Board 3: WFM Tatev Abrahamyan vs. IM Angelo Young: Coming off a tough loss to IM Danny Rensch, Tatev looks to redeem herself this week before she heads with GM Khachiyan to the Women's Olympiad in Russia. This task will prove daunting, however, as she is matched against one of the most challenging opponents in the USCL. IM Young was a first team all-star last year, going undefeated in his USCL career until recently suffering his first loss to GM Ben Finegold of St. Louis. Given Tatev has white pieces, this game will be difficult for either player to win. Both players will fight it out to the end, but the result will end in a draw.


Board 4: NM Kostya "Mclovin" Kavutskiy vs. Trevor Magness: This is the game I was hoping for this week, as I mentioned at the end of my last entry. Two strong young forces in chess, both of whom I respect, facing off in the USCL. Before making a prediction for the game, I must explain the nickname I have given to Kostya. Kostya bears an uncanny resemblance, both physically and in personality, to the character Mclovin from the movie "Superbad." See for yourselves :). Both are pictured below, with Mclovin on the left and Kostya on the right.

While Kostya looks incredibly similar to Mclovin, he also is a close personality match: the quiet and reserved guy who is always the winner at the end. In "Superbad," Mclovin ends up getting the girl. In this chess game, Kostya will get the win for himself and for the Vibe.

So, with these predictions, the Vibe will prevail with a 3-1 win, thanks in part to the help of the Mclovin effect. At the end of the night, the Vibe will be partying hard, just like Mclovin in Superbad ;).