GM Stripunsky (NJ) vs GM Khachiyan (LA) 1-0 is the fifth Wildcard Game

GM Stripunsky has developed a strong reputation for being an incredible fighter in what many would probably guess to be dead drawn endgames, and this one was a patented example, as his nice grind, topped off with an attractive sacrifice has given an entry in the 2013 Game of the Year Contest.

Wildcard #5: GM Alex Stripunsky (NJ) vs GM Melikset Khachiyan (LA) 1-0

A definitely not typical pick with one of GM Stripunsky’s patented endgame grinds, including a very nicely calculated piece sacrifice near the end to culminate the game lands a spot in the Game of the Year Contest. Most tend to favor wild tactical middlegames to finish highly in the GOTY Contest, but one cannot overlook GM Stripunsky’s incredible grind last season which landed him third place in the 2012 GOTY Contest.