Funny story about Shabalov:
Normally, Shabalov is very generous with his autographs. He’ll play someone and then sign their board as a consolation prize. But in Round 1 of a Pittsburgh Chess League match and for the first time in the league’s history, a GM was paired with another GM! The room was pretty excited about this match-up. So both players sit down, shake hands and start whispering to each other. The TD goes on with the announcements and everyone starts the game, but the GMs are still looking around and whispering to each other.
Finally, Shabolov stands up and cries “Does anyone have a board?!” Neither GM brought a board with them, thinking they’d play on (and autograph) their opponent’s board! So I immediately jump up and go “I’ve got one, sir!” I dashed out to my car and grabbed the board I’ve been playing on since I was eight.
Shabolov won a pretty tough endgame in mutual time trouble and he signed the e4 square. Today, the board is framed and hanging on my wall.
ETA: Found the game.