No surprise here, Kramnik drew the last game to secure the champion's title and prize of USD 96,000.00 (after FIDE taxes). However, I was surprised that Andreikin choose to play the English Opening in a must win game. Kramnik equalised easily and was already much better when Andreikin offered a draw. A few more moves and Kramnik probably would not accept anymore as Andreikin's position was falling apart.
In the post-game interview, Andreikin said he realized his openings were not ready for this (level) of tournament and his match strategy was always to draw the classical games and go for rapids/blitz. This worked well for him to allow him to advance until the Finals. Kramnik agreed that Andreikin "....should really work on his openings"!
There were many commentators who said that this format (short classical games of two and then tie-breaks of rapid/blitz) is ridiculous for qualification to the Candidates which chooses a Challenger to the World Champion. However, I must say that this is format is quite enjoyable for spectators like me who loves the tension of rapid and blitz tie-breaks.
Showing posts with label FIDE World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FIDE World Cup. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
2013 World Chess Cup Finals
The FIDE World Cup is currently in progress in Tromso, Norway It
started as early as August 10th with 128 players. The importance of this
tournament is that the two players that reach the finals qualify for
the 2014 Candidates to select the Challenger to the World Champion in
the next cycle.
The Finals features former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik against Dimitry Andreikin. Both have qualified for the 2014 Candidates by reaching the World Cup Finals. They now decide who will take the lion's share of the prize fund, USD 120,000 for the winner and the loser still takes home a large pay check of USD 80,000.
Three classical games have been played with Kramnik winning one and the other two drawn. The fourth and last classical game will be played tonight (9:00 PM Malaysian time) and Andreikin has to win it to take the match into the tie-breaks. Even having the white pieces against a solid player like Kramnik, it will be a tough challenge. I predict the tonight's game will end with a draw and Kramnik takes the title of World Cup champion.
The Finals features former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik against Dimitry Andreikin. Both have qualified for the 2014 Candidates by reaching the World Cup Finals. They now decide who will take the lion's share of the prize fund, USD 120,000 for the winner and the loser still takes home a large pay check of USD 80,000.
Three classical games have been played with Kramnik winning one and the other two drawn. The fourth and last classical game will be played tonight (9:00 PM Malaysian time) and Andreikin has to win it to take the match into the tie-breaks. Even having the white pieces against a solid player like Kramnik, it will be a tough challenge. I predict the tonight's game will end with a draw and Kramnik takes the title of World Cup champion.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Svidler nearer to goal
Peter Svidler is one game away from winning the 2011 FIDE World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk. He won the first game and drew in games two and three to lead 2-1 over Alexander Grischuk. Now he needs just another draw in the fourth game which will be played tomorrow.
Grischuk will have to do something "extra-ordinary" (as he described it during the press conference after the game) in the fourth game which he must win to take the match to tie-breaks.
Grischuk will have to do something "extra-ordinary" (as he described it during the press conference after the game) in the fourth game which he must win to take the match to tie-breaks.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Svidler wins first game of World Cup Final
Yesterday at the FIDE World Cup Final, Peter Svidler scored the first win over Grischuk. Grischuk kind of imploded rather than Svidler winning it.
After a rather unusual Sicilian variation, Svidler was in trouble and had to sacrifice a pawn for development. However Grischuk started taking a lot of time.
As one of the commentators put it, this is hardly an unusual situation for Grischuk. He plays much better in time trouble and this has been proven time and again. Then the other commentator made a nice analogy.
After a rather unusual Sicilian variation, Svidler was in trouble and had to sacrifice a pawn for development. However Grischuk started taking a lot of time.
As one of the commentators put it, this is hardly an unusual situation for Grischuk. He plays much better in time trouble and this has been proven time and again. Then the other commentator made a nice analogy.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
FIDE World Cup Semifinals - Ivancuk falls
In an unclear attacking position, Alexander Grischuk gambled a piece in mutual time scramble. It was a big shock to see Ivancuk give away two pieces with seconds on his clock. What a heart-breaking loss. In the second game, Ivancuk needing a win to equalise the score, sacrificed a piece for a non-existent attack. Grischuk calmly accepted, played a series of queen moves after which Ivancuk could not avoid a draw.
So Grischuk goes into the final and faces Svidler. Both have qualified into next year's Candidates. The winner of this match gets USD120,000, the loser still takes away USD80,000 so the stakes are still high.
Ivancuk still have to face off against the loser of the other semi-final, Ponomariov. They will play for the third spot for next year's Candidates tournament. It is still a good payday for them. Both gets USD50,000 for reaching this stage.
Today is a rest day and tomorrow the final matches will begin.
So Grischuk goes into the final and faces Svidler. Both have qualified into next year's Candidates. The winner of this match gets USD120,000, the loser still takes away USD80,000 so the stakes are still high.
Ivancuk still have to face off against the loser of the other semi-final, Ponomariov. They will play for the third spot for next year's Candidates tournament. It is still a good payday for them. Both gets USD50,000 for reaching this stage.
Today is a rest day and tomorrow the final matches will begin.
Monday, September 12, 2011
FIDE World Cup Semi-Finals
Ivanchuk eliminated Radjabov by winning one and drawing one of the two rapid tie-breakers.
Grischuk did the same to David Navarra.
So the semi-finalists are Vassily Ivanchuk, Alexander Grischuk, Ruslan Ponomariov and Peter Svidler. The pairings are Svidler - Ponomariov and Ivanchuk - Grischuk. The winners will be decided over two games with tie-breaks in case of tie.
The winners of the semi-finals will be guaranteed a place in next year's Candidates. One more place will go one of the losers with the two losers playing a four game match to decide the last qualifier.
Ivancuk and Svidler are my favourites to win. Svidler especially has been playing some great chess so far.
Both semi-final matches will be interesting and nerve wracking for the players as well with so much at stake. Not only will the top three advance to the Candidates, but the eventual winner will pocket USD 120,000. That is some serious money.
Grischuk did the same to David Navarra.
So the semi-finalists are Vassily Ivanchuk, Alexander Grischuk, Ruslan Ponomariov and Peter Svidler. The pairings are Svidler - Ponomariov and Ivanchuk - Grischuk. The winners will be decided over two games with tie-breaks in case of tie.
The winners of the semi-finals will be guaranteed a place in next year's Candidates. One more place will go one of the losers with the two losers playing a four game match to decide the last qualifier.
Ivancuk and Svidler are my favourites to win. Svidler especially has been playing some great chess so far.
Both semi-final matches will be interesting and nerve wracking for the players as well with so much at stake. Not only will the top three advance to the Candidates, but the eventual winner will pocket USD 120,000. That is some serious money.
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