(Oslo SS, Norway - born 14.05.80 - FIDE-ELO 2407)
Well established among the best Norwegians at his age at least since age 9 Leif Erlend has been a well-known name here during the whole 1990s, and played an unknown number of international youth championship. His breakthrough as a grown up came rather suddenly within one year from the summer of 1998, and within 12 months he then picked up all the three necessary norms. The latest came in the Norwegian championship of 1999 with a performance above 2600, but with to few GMs and to low ELO-average for a norm. Despite taking 7,5 / 9 he then finished second in the championship, after losing a rapid playoff against the mysterious NM-specialist Berge Østenstad. Later playing a year as a professional Johannessen has made international results solid around 2400-2450, but he has still not been really close to a GM-norm.
Even as a young teenager remarked for his technique and positional abilities he is trying to play more aggressive now, but despite calculating faster his backbone so far remains sound and based upon a deep understanding of his positions. His excellent nerves even in time trouble can be his main strength when hunting a GM-norm here. His openings are still solid more than frightening, and somewhat forseeable compared to other titleholders.
Coming close to defeating Kasparov during a simultan in New York last year, young "Leffi" still is better to get two draws than one win against opponents above 2500.
