On May 5, the Candidates Matches 2011 kicked off in Kazan, Russia. Vladimir Kramnik (Russia) tied his game with Teimour Radjabov (Azerbaijan).

Armenia’s Levon Aronian rivals Alexander Grischuk (Russia) in the first match. The other two matches are also under way - Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria) - Gata Kamsky (U.S.), Boris Gelfand (Israel) – Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (Azerbaijan).

The winner of the Candidates Matches 2011 will qualify to challenge the World Champion GM Viswanathan Anand in a 12-game match during the first half of 2012.