Lots of chess in London this week!
London Chess Classic
Round 1. Center Stage. Photo by Ootes
In what is already becoming an English tradition, the London Chess Classic kicked off today. Part of the Grand Chess Tour, this strong 10-player round robbin continues until the 18th. A number of side-events are being run parallel, including a very strong Open tournament. Time control in the Classic: 2 hrs for 40 moves followed by 1 hr for the rest of the game (plus 30′ per move). Time control for the Open: 90 minutes for 40 followed by 30 minutes to finish (plus 30′ per move).
The games from the Classic
Nakamura, H– So, W
Bad luck in the first round for Nakamura! No one seems to know what exactly Nakamura missed, but he was clearly worse from the opening and never had a chance. But don’t count Naka out yet: the great Tal often rebounded from such early losses.
Download games HERE.
Caruana,F – Anand,V
A hard fought draw, and not without its interesting moments. Caruana seemed to have the better chances with his Bishop pair, but the 5-time World Champion managed to get enough counterplay to keep the game alive.
Kramnik,V – Topalov,V
When ever these two gentlemen sit down to play, you know that a draw is the not the likely outcome! A great game by Kramnik today, quickly getting the initiative from the opening . The Bulgarian had no chance.
VachierLagrave – Giri
Not much to say here. Nerves in a tense, complicated struggle gave way to an early draw by repetition. However, better to just to shrug it off and make a draw than what Nakamura did on a neighbouring table!
Aronian,L – Adams,M
One of the few times Aronian played 1.e4! But as Adams has a small repetoire… The game was complex but balanced until Adams’ 33rd move, which is a terrible blunder. Normally Aronian has little luck in the first round!
