A citizen of the world with a classical education

It was indeed possible to talk about a "Chessbase generation" – the Kasparovian terminology – as far as Carlsen and Vachier-Lagrave are concerned, but the 21st century evolves so quickly that Fabiano Caruana, born two years later, is already considered part of a next school year. He followed the typical programme with a trainer and discovered the treasures of the 64 squares thanks to the influence of the computer and the benefits of an early introduction to chess. 

In other words, Caruana combines the Soviet training – having worked with renowned coaches such as Elizbar Ubilava, Anand's former second and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov's current coach, or Alexander Chernin – and the work and immersion in the computer's calculation. Grandmaster at 14, Caruana is a talent that can be compared to his two aforementioned opponents, except that he started working right off with world-class coaches. On paper, the young Italian-American living in Switzerland is definitely fearsome. 

As a matter of fact, his positional style combined with an excellent tactical vision makes him a very universal player who can adjust to any situation. After winning the C group tournament in Wijk aan Zee and the Italian championship on numerous occasions, Caruana was brought to the public eye thanks to his participation in the A tournament in Wijk aan Zee after his victory in the B group in 2009. The high point of his career was undoubtedly his victory at the Biel Festival last summer, a title he intends to keep, this time against even more seasoned opponents. 

A child prodigy as Carlsen and Vachier-Lagrave, Caruana has had a more adventurous life, as he has lived alternately in the United States, Spain, Budapest and then Lugano. The link between the new and the old world undoubtedly came from the young player's talent and his very early decision to turn professional, a step that someone like Vachier-Lagrave took only recently. With his family's support, Fabiano has shown very stable progress, which is currently not likely to stop. If he can manage to keep his title in Biel, Caruana will have dealt a remarkable blow on the world chess stage and will clearly establish himself as a future great.

A.V. 
(N.D.)