Sometimes I look through old cross tables of tournaments that I played in and find unknowns (at that time) who later became strong players. I played in the Under 2200 section of the 2001 Liberty Bell in Philadelphia (at the old Adams Mark). It was my first tournament in 5 years and I was very rusty. But in the field was a young 1700 player named Fabiano Caruano! He had a miserable tournament, losing 4 games without any wins or draws. Who would have thought?!
pretty cool when that happens. I’ve had similar experiences, but not on Fabiano’s level.
I did get to catch his game live in StL last Wednesday when he went 7 0. I bought a new board just to get his autograph, which he graciously provided. He just seems like a very nice young man.