Photo by Mikael Svensson
Tan-Sindarov
With the black pieces, Sindarov chose an ambitious, but also slightly risky variation of the King’s Indian Defense. Tan played well and Sindarov had to opt for an exchange sacrifice, with dubious compensation. However, Tan lost control, but still kept trying to win when it might have wise to secure the draw that was still there. Finally, Sindarov managed to win the game with a pair of nice tactical tricks (49….e4 and 52….c4).
Erdogmus-Grandelius
In his game against Grandelius, Erdogmus opted for the Exchange Variation in the Ruy Lopez. He kept the typical structural advantage, but Grandelius got an active game as compensation. After 24….a5, things rapidly became forced, and they ended up in a double rook endgame where nobody could play for a win. The game ended in a draw through repetition.
Rapport-l’Ami
Early on in the English Opening, Rapport got a small advantage. He methodically improved his position and after a while, l’Ami could hardly move a piece. The question was whether Rapport would be able to break through, but after the clever sequence 45.f5 g5 46.g4 hxg4 47.h5, the black defenses collapsed. After that, Rapport had no problem winning the game.
Ivanchuk-Robson
In his game against Ivanchuk, Robson chose the Berlin Variation in the Ruy Lopez. The position rapidly became complete even, and despite the fact that Ivanchuk managed to win a pawn, he did not really have any real winning chances, since all pawns were on the same side of the board. Of course, he still tried to put pressure on Robson, but the American defended himself well, and after 110 moves, Ivanchuk canceled his winning attempts.