Vassily Ivanchuk Grabs Sole Lead in Bazna Kings

Alexei Shirov also wins in round six

The third Bazna Kings Tournament is taking place on 14-25th June in Bucharest and Bazna. The sixth round reflected the first day when Shirov and Ivanchuk beat Kamsky and Nisipeanu respectively, only with reversed colours. Radjabov and Gelfand signed yet another draw.

Vassily Ivanchuk emerged as sole leader after his second consecutive win. His opponent Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu looked good to solve all the opening problems and coordinate the pieces, until hidden weakness of the back rank suddenly got exposed by Ivanchuk's 24. g4. Nisipeanu then immediately resigned.

Gata Kamsky employed the ultra-solid Caro-Kann defence and Alexei Shirov replied with his favourite advance variation. Black relinquished both bishops in hope of creating counterplay on the queenside and against white's center. But Shirov first consolidated his position and then stormed with pawns on the kingside, supported by the long-range bishops. Kamsky could not save his position.

Alexei Shirov and Vassily Ivanchuk

Round 6 results:

Alexei Shirov (ESP 2745) - Gata Kamsky (USA 2720) 1-0
Vassily Ivanchuk (UKR 2746) - Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu (ROM 2675) 1-0
Boris Gelfand (ISR 2733) - Teimour Radjabov (AZE 2756) draw

Round 6 standings:

1. Vassily Ivanchuk (UKR 2746) - 4.5
2. Boris Gelfand (ISR 2733) - 4.0
3. Alexei Shirov (ESP 2745) - 3.5
4. Teimour Radjabov (AZE 2756) - 3.0
5-6. Gata Kamsky (USA 2720) and Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu (ROM 2675) - 1.5

Round 5 report

Official tournament website