FIDE World Championship 
Armenian Vladimir Akopian levelled the World KO final match 1.5-1.5 after a lengthy torture session against Russian rival Alexander Khalifman.

What the match lacks in street credibility it makes up for in drama, and the cash alone is reason enough for the players to get determined - and nervous.

French Championship
France has adopted the experimental tournament form of two qualifying groups followed by quick elimination matches. The latest fashion produced the usual result  - increased interest from the public and the early disappearance of the number one seed. 

Former child prodigy and steady super-GM Joel Lautier had his title hopes dashed by a loss to David Marciano in a game that proved decisive for second place. Meanwhile, Darko Anic romped to first in their group, leaving Lautier in search of consolation. 

Current child prodigy Etienne Bacrot nearly cleared the event of public interest by being forced into a tie-break for the second qualification spot in the other heat. Instead he kept the crowd riveted to their seats as he came from behind twice before finally earning promotion and a shot at the title.

Xie Jun regains Women's world title
China's GM Xie Jun defeated Alisa Galliamova to step back on the throne. The match was marked most by backstage politics - Defending champion Zsuzsa Polgar was forfeited by FIDE after some baffling manoeuvring behind the scenes.

Spanish Championship
Miguel Illescas has raced ahead of rivals, but he is not out of reach. Everything seems to be going the favourite's way, but four players are just half a point back Illescas' blistering pace of 6/7. 

Tiger takes title
Sweden's newest GM, the spectacularly named Tiger Hillarp Persson, scored the best result of his career, winning the combined Nordic championship and VISA Grand Prix final in Copenhagen with a score of 10/13.

Pre-tournament favourites Simen Agdestein and Sune Berg Hansen did their best to keep pace, but could not match the Tiger, who maintained his half-point lead with a random last round win over another swashbuckling Swede, Jonny Hector.

MSO Masters
Click on the link to download many of the best games from the MSO Masters in PGN format.

1999 MSO Results
All the results, chess and otherwise, from the 1999 Mind Sports Olympiad.