(Georgia - born 15.10.68 - FIDE-ELO 2501)
Living in Georgia but representing a German club, Lobzhanidze is extremly active in Europe at the moment - eagerly searching all possibilities for a GM-norm.
A medical doctor by education he made remarkable progress on short time after becoming a professionell chess player, advancing from 2300 in 1996 until 2515 two years later. Later varying around 2450-2500, he in the end of 1999 picked up his first GM-norm by a 2650-performance in Swabish Gmund. In his Norwegian debut at Gausdal Troll Masters January 2000 he fought for a GM-norm the first part of the tournament, but in the end settled for a an average result.
Making use of both his physical and psychological strength, Lobzhanidze is a highly concentrated perfectionist when playing tournaments at this level. Normally trying to attack early in the middle game, but able both to turn on the defend or switch into endgame when necessary, he is a dangerous opponents for all the GMs here. Being less confident and more nervous when left short of time is maybe his main weakness, but altough his openings are many they are seldom kicking other titleholders.
