The International Chess Festival “100 Years of Mikhail Botvinnik” was held on 11-20th August at the Mikhail Chigorin Chess Club in St. Petersburg, Russia. The 9-round open tournament offered the prize fund of 25.000 EUR, with top prize being 4500 EUR. The winners will qualify to the final stage of Russian Cup according to the Russian Cup 2011 regulations.

The Russian Chess Federation is organizing a number of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the 6th World Champion Mikhail Moiseyevich Botvinnik (17 August 1911 – 5 May 1995). Besides the St. Petersburg Open, a seniors’ tournament took place in Suzdal-Vladimir, while the world’s best players will meet in Moscow on 1-5th September.

166 players competed at the Mikhail Chigorin Chess Club. GM Pavel Ponkratov started furiously with five consecutive wins but then he drew the remaining four games and allowed a larger group of players to catch up on the shared first place with 7.0 points each.

GM Denis Khismatullin was eventually declared winner on best tiebreak criteria. IM Jakov Geller earned a GM norm, while Semen Dvoirys continued the good form after winning the Polugaevsky Memorial few weeks earlier.

Denis Khismatullin

Yuri Yakovich

Semen Dvoirys

Final standings:

1-7. GM Khismatullin Denis RUS 2656, GM Aleksandrov Aleksej BLR 2609, GM Ponkratov Pavel RUS 2593, GM Dvoirys Semen I. RUS 2554, IM Geller Jakov RUS 2535, GM Yakovich Yuri RUS 2539 and GM Neverov Valeriy UKR 2500 – 7.0

8-15. GM Maletin Pavel RUS 2575, GM Zvjaginsev Vadim RUS 2659, GM Epishin Vladimir RUS 2553, IM Baryshpolets Andrey UKR 2474, GM Yevseev Denis RUS 2527, GM Kuzubov Yuriy UKR 2630, GM Popov Valerij RUS 2550, GM Lintchevski Daniil RUS 2553 – 6.5

16-31. GM Yemelin Vasily RUS 2592, GM Pridorozhni Aleksei RUS 2550, GM Levin Evgeny A. RUS 2465, GM Kovchan Alexander UKR 2554, GM Sedlak Nikola SRB 2580, GM Savchenko Boris RUS 2615, FM Pankov German RUS 2387, IM Vlasenko Miroslav RUS 2371, GM Kabanov Nikolai RUS 2520, FM Bulanov Dmitri BLR 2379, IM Smikovski Ivan RUS 2541, IM Rozum Ivan RUS 2464, Predke Alexandr RUS 2450, Serov Maksim RUS 2364, WIM Ivkina Olga RUS 2294 and Tsydypov Zhamsaran RUS 2247 – 6.0 etc

Tournament website

The Russian Chess Federation is organizing a number of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the 6th World Champion Mikhail Moiseyevich Botvinnik (17 August 1911 – 5 May 1995).

Besides the grande event with the World’s top players and a strong open in St. Petersburg, a seniors’ tournament was held from 15th to 19th August in Suzdal-Vladimir Oblast. Legendary players from Botvinnik era competed in the round robin rapid tournament with the time control of 25min + 10 sec/move.

Former World Champion Boris Spassky was set to make an appearance but eventually GM Oleg Chernikov took his place.

Viktor Korchnoi maintained the lead throughout the event and took a clear first place with 7.0 points. A point behind is Evgeni Vasiukov who grabbed the second place after a furious finish.

Chief arbiter was GM Yuri Averbakh. The prize fund is 14200 EUR.

Final standings:

1. GM Viktor Korchnoi SUI 2553 – 7.0

2. GM Evgeni Vasiukov RUS 2455 – 6.0

3. GM Lajos Portisch HUN 2523 – 5.0

4-5. GM Borislav Ivkov SRB 2416 and GM Igor Zaitsev RUS 2408 – 4.5

6-8. GM Wolfgang Uhlmann GER 2379, IM Aleksander Nikitin RUS 2430 and GM Oleg Chernikov RUS 2402 – 4.0

9. IM Anatoly Bykhovsky RUS 2354 – 3.5

10. GM Mark Taimanov RUS 2386 – 2.5

Viktor Korchnoi

The 12th Obert Internacional d’Escacs de Figueres Miquel Mas, organized by C.E.Figueres, was held from 11th to 18th August in Figueres, Spain. The tournament is part of the 8th Catalan International Chess Circuit.

87 players participated in the 9-round Open. The 22-years old Indian IM Vishnu Prasanna and Georgian GM Levan Aroshidze shared the first place with 7.5 points each, but Vishnu was declared winner on better tiebreak score and takes home the trophy and 1200 EUR prize.

Official website

Final standings:

1. IM Vishnu Prasanna V IND 2340 – 7.5

2. GM Aroshidze Levan GEO 2539 – 7.5

3. GM Alvarez Pedraza Aramis CUB 2551 – 7

4. IM Adrian Claude FRA 2291 – 6.5

5. GM Martinez Duanny Lelys Stanley CUB 2455 – 6.5

6. GM Oms Pallisse Josep ESP 2489 – 6.5

7. IM Anikaev Yuri N RUS 2438 – 6.5

8. FM Lillo Castay Victor ESP 2281 – 6.5

9. Tillet Louis-Juan FRA 2204 – 6.5

10. FM Houriez Clement FRA 2328 – 6

11. FM Cuadras Avellana Jorge ESP 2304 – 6

12. FM Deleyn Gunter BEL 2222 – 6

13. IM Lorenzo De La Riva Lazaro ESP 2391 – 6

14. MK Casanellas Ruano Lluis MC ESP 2190 – 6

15. MK Sabria Batlle Pol MC ESP 2209 – 6

16. Triadu Cassa Jordi ESP 2083 – 6

17. Vinardell Cruanas Sergi ESP 2061 – 6

18. FM Spielmann Alain FRA 2266 – 5.5

19. MK Pruja Ramirez De Cartagena Marc MC ESP 2269 – 5.5

20. Temprano Mateos Luis Jose ESP 2010 – 5.5

21. Lillo Ferrer Jose Maria ESP 2151 – 5.5

22. Gonzalez Manchon Juan Miguel ESP 2069 – 5.5

23. Balague Camps Marc ESP 2119 – 5.5

24. Parramon Ros Francesc ESP 2042 – 5.5

25. Balague Canadell Jordi ESP 2063 – 5.5

26. Pinsach Gelabert Alexandre ESP 1896 – 5

27. Trigo Urquijo Sergio ESP 2248 – 5

28. Perez Calahorra Ricardo ESP 2181 – 5

29. Campo Echevarria Juan Francisc ESP 2112 – 5

30. Colls Bosch Emili ESP 2015 – 5

31. Vidal Zamora Alex ESP 2112 – 5

32. Toste Nieto Alexandre ESP 1964 – 5

33. Serra Canals Oriol ESP 1659 – 5

34. Colomer Camarasa Jordi ESP 1947 – 5

35. Oberhofer Peter GER 0 – 5

36. Guzman Maglaya Noli ESP 1977 – 5

37. MK Gonzalez Vericat Sergio MC ESP 2229 – 4.5

38. Ragueneau Yann Klemens FRA 1414 – 4.5

39. Lazaro Porta Angel ESP 1970 – 4.5

40. Viñas Serra Jaume ESP 1860 – 4.5

41. Buch Prades Joan ESP 1965 – 4.5

42. Loubet Jean-Pierre FRA 1713 – 4.5

43. Padrosa Baro Carles ESP 1829 – 4.5

44. Bosch Sola Enric ESP 1820 – 4.5

45. Reixach Ministral Eduard ESP 0 – 4.5

46. Medina Masdeu Rasen ESP 1794 – 4.5

47. Diaz Comas Jordi ESP 1923 – 4.5

48. Rivera Hernandez Josep Joan ESP 0 – 4.5

49. Gonzalez Pabollet Jesus Maria ESP 1933 – 4.5

50. Martin Fernandez Santiago ESP 1867 – 4

51. Falgueras Marti Carles ESP 2009 – 4

52. Puig Carres Josep ESP 1838 – 4

53. Oberhofer Cedric GER 0 – 4

54. Gimenez Aguirre Ismael Alejo ESP 1712 – 4

55. Parals Marce Luis ESP 2077 – 4

56. Gil Clariana Jordi ESP 1828 – 4

57. Ruiz Muñoz Jose Carlos ESP 1812 – 4

58. Pruja Ramirez De C. Eduardo ESP 1735 – 4

59. Romero Isado Jose Luis ESP 1693 – 3.5

60. Garcia Castany Jose ESP 1438 – 3.5

61. Vidal Zamora Cristina ESP 1693 – 3.5

62. Saez Coma Alejandro ESP 1576 – 3.5

63. Perez Mondejar Adler ESP 1348 – 3.5

64. Fleta Marin Sergio ESP 1675 – 3.5

65. Vilanova Olmedo Ignaci ESP 1762 – 3.5

66. Garcia Richard FRA 1763 – 3.5

67. Cantenys Pages Carles ESP 1570 – 3.5

68. Adrian Louise FRA 1365 – 3

69. Salomon Emmanuel Yves ESP 0 – 3

70. Serra Fabrega Andreu ESP 0 – 3

71. Andres Sebastian Luis ESP 1530 – 3

72. Asensio Graells Ricard ESP 1510 – 3

73. Idoate Arrazurria Ricardo ESP 1573 – 3

74. Marull Duch Miquel ESP 0 – 3

75. Granados Aguilera Cristian ESP 0 – 3

76. Calvo Anthony FRA 0 – 2.5

77. Alcaraz Martinez Leandro ESP 0 – 2.5

78. Febrero Perez Lluis ESP 1658 – 2.5

79. Rodriguez Rejano Jose Jesus ESP 0 – 2.5

80. Vega Benitez Oscar ESP 0 – 2.5

81. Lopez Charles FRA 1395 – 2

82. Boussely Jack FRA 1541 – 2

83. Camprubi Guijarro Albert ESP 0 – 2

84. Torrent Lagresa Josep M. ESP 1662 – 1.5

85. Zandfelds Yngve FRA 0 – 1

86. Alcazar Pascual Lluis ESP 2009 – 1

87. Rodriguez Rejano Marcos ESP 0 – 1

After a tumultuous battle on the top boards, Arad Open 2011 ended with the victory of the main favourite – Hungarian GM Imre Balog. In the final round Balog defeated GM Andrei Murariu in 109 moves, reaching 7.5 points, while his pursuers GM Marius Manolache and IM Dan Bogdan agreed to a short draw.

Following a loss in the second round, Balog had a spectacular comeback, with six victories and one draw with FM Anton Teodor, who finished on 2nd place. The 3rd position was occupied by the Romanian FM Tamas-Kristof Balla.

The first tie-break criteria chosen in the lottery was the number of wins, with advantage for Anton and Balla, while the other players with 7 points finished outside the podium – 4th place GM Marius Manolache, 5th place GM Petar Drenchev (Bulgaria) and 6th place IM Dan Bogdan.

The tournament winners with the organizer Alin-Vivian Campeanu

The ex-leader of the tournament, IM Lucian-Costin Miron, finished on 7th place, being the first between the nine players with 6.5 points. Among them are also the talented 16-years old junior Radu-Marian Doros, the beautiful WFM Silvia-Raluca Sgircea and the last year winner GM Vlad-Cristian Jianu.

It was an elegant award ceremony at the Cultural Palace of Arad, honoured by Levente Bognar, Deputy Mayor of the city, personally invited by the organizer IO Alin-Vivian Campeanu.

The tournament website www.aradopen.com provides photos and daily chronicles with interviews, all in a modern presentation.

Final standings:

1 GM Balog Imre HUN 2539 – 7.5

2 FM Anton Teodor ROU 2355 – 7

3 FM Balla Tamas-Kristof ROU 2406 – 7

4 GM Drenchev Petar BUL 2523 – 7

5 GM Manolache Marius ROU 2533 – 7

6 IM Bogdan Dan ROU 2362 – 7

7 IM Miron Lucian-Costin ROU 2506 – 6.5

8 GM Murariu Andrei ROU 2499 – 6.5

9 NM Doros Radu-Marian ROU 2338 – 6.5

10 I Ungureanu Sandu ROU 2050 – 6.5

11 IM Florescu Codrut-Constantin ROU 2266 – 6.5

12 GM Jianu Vlad-Cristian ROU 2518 – 6.5

13 FM Petre Nad-Titus ROU 2354 – 6.5

14 FM Dobre Claudiu-Cristian ROU 2353 – 6.5

15 WFM Sgircea Silvia-Raluca ROU 2224 – 6.5

16 CM Garbea Bogdan ROU 2258 – 6

17 I Neagu Mihai-Cosmin ROU 1891 – 6

18 FM Daianu Cristian-Clement ROU 2235 – 6

19 CM Chifor Ovidiu-Emanuel ROU 2268 – 6

20 FM Chereches Marius HUN 2280 – 6

21 CM Bida Mihai-Eugen ROU 2109 – 6

22 CM Kelly Ladislau-Endre ROU 2245 – 6

23 CM Miroiu George-Catalin ROU 2299 – 6

24 CM Siclovan Cristian-Daniel ROU 2116 – 6

25 CM Tomici Stefan ROU 2118 – 6

26 CM Turcu Iulian ROU 2198 – 6

27 FM Frink Ferenc HUN 2300 – 6

28 CM Pop Alexandru ROU 2116 – 5.5

29 FM Rusan Paul-Cristian ROU 2254 – 5.5

30 WFM Uta Adeline-Ramona ROU 2099 – 5.5

31 I Lupascu Matei-Alexandru ROU 1954 – 5.5

32 CM Bartha Andrei ROU 2025 – 5.5

33 I Parasca Claudiu ROU 1924 – 5.5

34 I Toma Radu-Cristian ROU 2025 – 5.5

35 Sadilek Peter AUT 2233 – 5.5

36 I Pavel Sebastian-Ionut ROU 1921 – 5.5

37 I Manole Stefan ROU 1981 – 5.5

38 I Marinescu Stefan ROU 1964 – 5.5

39 IM Mozes Ervin ROU 2248 – 5.5

40 Kutnik Alexandru-Francisc ROU 2248 – 5.5

41 Reinwald Patrick AUT 2125 – 5.5

42 WNM Adoamnei Roxana ROU 1981 – 5.5

43 I Cosmulescu Alexandru-Paul ROU 1915 – 5.5

44 IM Ardeleanu Alin ROU 2394 – 5.5

45 NM Veneteanu Ion-Cristian ROU 2216 – 5.5

46 Brasoy Aksel NOR 2004 – 5.5

47 I Ratiu Cristian ROU 1977 – 5

48 WCM Vasile Teodora ROU 1971 – 5

49 FM Costin Petrica ROU 2077 – 5

50 WCM Gelip Ioana ROU 1989 – 5

51 Hever Janos HUN 1749 – 5

52 CM Stanciu Alexandru-Ovidiu ROU 2369 – 5

53 CM Irodenka Robert-Ovidiu ROU 2157 – 5

54 CM Muller Wilhelm ROU 2011 – 5

55 I Lucan Marius-Gabriel ROU 1882 – 5

56 Herman Ciprian-Ioan ROU 1201 – 5

57 WCM Mathe Katalin ROU 2031 – 5

58 CM Stoicescu Horia ROU 1882 – 5

59 I Muresan Ciprian-Simon-Florin ROU 1967 – 5

60 Csomos Janos HUN 1855 – 5

61 IM Smith Bryan G USA 2503 – 4.5

62 I Baciu Alexandru ROU 1619 – 4.5

63 Yaacov Avi ISR 2185 – 4.5

64 I Bugari Domnosie-Alin ROU 1898 – 4.5

65 FM Ardelean Rusalim-Pavel ROU 1863 – 4.5

66 I Vrencian Lehel ROU 1818 – 4.5

67 I Uta Apolon-Ilarion ROU 1938 – 4.5

68 I Brosman Alexandru ROU 1931 – 4.5

69 I Zubcu Vlad-George ROU 1615 – 4.5

70 Kun Joan GER 1845 – 4.5

71 I Doros Doru-Lucian ROU 1776 – 4.5

72 I Ambru Dan-Calin ROU 1888 – 4.5

73 NM Zlatariu Marin ROU 1853 – 4.5

74 Moldovan Rares ROU 1638 – 4.5

75 I Neaga Horia-Dumitru-Iustin ROU 1794 – 4.5

76 I Tat Alin-Sebastian ROU 1783 – 4.5

77 CM Pachia Mihai ROU 2070 – 4.5

78 CM Fugulyan Grigore ROU 1950 – 4.5

79 Gordon Evgeny ISR 2103 – 4.5

80 WCM Anton Roxana-Ana ROU 1836 – 4.5

81 I Deac Bogdan-Daniel ROU 1733 – 4.5

82 I Costachi Mihnea ROU 1922 – 4.5

83 Balla Tibor HUN 2055 – 4.5

84 I Ciungan Diana-Alexandra ROU 1653 – 4.5

85 I Dumitrica Sorin-Radu ROU 1867 – 4.5

86 I Ghita Vlad-Bogdan ROU 1697 – 4

87 Berta Sandor HUN 1856 – 4

88 I Condurat Florin-Marian ROU 1765 – 4

89 Ghiura Alexandru ROU 1201 – 4

90 I Corchis Ion ROU 1965 – 4

91 I Ionita Gheorghe ROU 1740 – 4

92 I Szilveszter Sandor ROU 1695 – 4

93 CM Tudor Ioan ROU 1811 – 4

94 I Mester Dorin ROU 1840 – 4

95 Terek Gyula HUN 1815 – 4

96 I Olinici Emanuel ROU 1674 – 4

97 I Corolea Diana-Gabriela ROU 1600 – 4

98 Soki Patrick ROU 1201 – 4

99 I Uta Ilie ROU 1809 – 4

100 I David Bogdan-Emanuel ROU 1684 – 4

101 I Manghiuc Bogdan-Adrian ROU 1722 – 4

102 I Tol Ioan ROU 1620 – 4

103 I Szijarto Norbert-Ludwig ROU 1610 – 4

104 II Pitorac Cosmin-Iulian ROU 1679 – 4

105 I Barbuleanu Serban-Ioan ROU 1827 – 4

106 I Paun Constantin ROU 1878 – 4

107 WCM Dragulescu Narcisa-Lavinia ROU 2007 – 4

108 I Ciorica Mihai-Vlad ROU 1507 – 4

109 I Alb Flavius-Robert ROU 1694 – 4

110 II Horvath Stefan ROU 1214 – 4

111 NM Miron Ionel ROU 2118 – 3.5

112 Munaretto Giovanni ITA 1680 – 3.5

113 I Ghitoiu-Stelzner Luigi-Rafael ROU 1732 – 3.5

114 I Crisan Cornel ROU 1838 – 3.5

115 II Matei Raul-Cornel ROU 1369 – 3.5

116 Bichiceanu Dan-Radu ROU 1201 – 3.5

117 Magda Daniel ROU 1201 – 3.5

118 II Obsusta Stefan ROU 1654 – 3.5

119 I Barbul Ionel ROU 1774 – 3.5

120 I Dragoi Tudor ROU 1810 – 3.5

121 I Sandru Nicolae ROU 1910 – 3

122 II Tutuian Valentin ROU 1596 – 3

123 III Ciorica Ovidiu-Nicolaie ROU 1276 – 3

124 CM Samu Sorin-Mihai ROU 2178 – 3

125 III Andras Cristina-Maria ROU 1201 – 3

126 Boaru Anca ROU 1201 – 3

127 Chesintan Gheorghe ROU 1201 – 3

128 Farkas Lorinc HUN 1977 – 3

129 II Voda Teodor ROU 1543 – 3

130 II Matis Robert-Florin ROU 1467 – 3

131 III Alexin Daniel-Milan ROU 1222 – 3

132 Paraschiv Vasile ROU 1201 – 3

133 Kozak Danut ROU 1203 – 3

134 CM Pop Valer ROU 1958 – 3

135 III Grec Petru ROU 1237 – 3

136 II Popescu Mihai-Cristian ROU 1399 – 3

137 Balint Stefan ROU 1201 – 2.5

138 II Astalos Iosif-Stefan ROU 1218 – 2.5

139 Bartic Roxana-Nicoleta ROU 1201 – 2.5

140 WNM Mihai Eleonora-Antonia ROU 1460 – 2.5

141 Foltic-Costea Florin ROU 1201 – 2.5

142 III Perte Robert ROU 1220 – 2.5

143 Vinczan Catalin-Cosmin ROU 1201 – 2.5

144 Chis Noel-Craciun ROU 1528 – 2

145 Hirsu Adrian ROU 1201 – 2

146 Balaceanu Florian ROU 1201 – 2

147 III Busa Eugen-Dumitru ROU 1260 – 2

148 I Rujan Rodel-Marinel ROU 1848 – 2

149 Sumandan Dominic-Patrick ROU 1201 – 1.5

150 III Roman Maria-Daniela ROU 1211 – 1.5

GM Hovhannisyan Robert (Armenia) and WGM Girya Olga (Russia) led the strong pack of juniors after the twelfth and penultimate round of the SDAT-RAMCO 50th World Junior & 29th Junior Girls Chess Championships 2011, at Chennai, here today.

In the Open section, Grandmaster Hovhannisyan Robert (Armenia) defeated American medal prospect GM Ray Robson in the top board, moving to 10 points, with just a round to go. Half a point behind stayed Polish Grandmaster Swiercz Dariusz at 9.5 points. The fight for the bronze medal and third spot will rest with Ter Sahakyan Samvel (Armenia), Vladislav Kovalev (Belarus), Vasif Durarbeyli (Azerbaijan) and Sahaj Grover (India) at 8.5 points.

Top board game between WGM Padmini Rout versus WGM Cori T Deysi inaugurated by Mr Charudatta Jadhav, Vice President, World Chess Federation for the Blind, (L to R) B Murugavel, Vice President, TNSCA, FIDE Arbiter M Senthilvel, K Muralimohan, Championship Director, WJCC 2011, R Anantharam, Chief Arbiter

GM Ter-Sahakyan Samvel (Armenia) facing GM Swiercz Dariusz (Poland)

The top board game between Hovhannisyan Robert (Armenia) and Ray Robson (USA) was a true Spanish bull fight. It turned out to be an exciting Sicilian game, with both the Grandmasters playing for a win. Robson made his intentions clear with a rook for knight sacrifice on the 17th move. Not to be out done Hovhannisyan returned material in no time, taking the game into a rook and bishops ending. Further, rooks were off the board by move 26 and the five pawn island of the Armenian looked trifle suspectful.

But, Hovhannisyan showed more enterprise, as he advanced his “c” pawn to the discomfort of Robson. The game further ventured into a study like ending with two menacing black pawns advancing to the seventh rank. Accurate reply by Hovhannisyan forced Robson to resign on the 46th move. Hovhannisyan’s fighting victory makes him a clear title favorite, thanks to a full point lead over second placed Swiercz Dariusz of Poland.

In the Girls section, Russian Girya Olga (10.5) will start the title favorite in the final round, holding a crucial half a point lead ahead of Peruvian Cori T Deysi. With Gold and Silver medals being shared among the duo, the struggle is going to be for the bronze medal. At 8.5 points top seed Paikidze Nazi (Georgia) will be eyeing the third spot with a final round victory on tomorrow.

Challenging Paikidze for the medal would be Romanian Irina Bulmaga, who remains at 8.5 points. The girls at the 8.0 point group, would need to win their games first, and wait for favorable results in other boards for a shot at the bronze medal.

WFM Hannes Diana (Germany) facing Arunima Kalra (India)

GM Salgado Lopez Ivan (Spain) facing IM Anwesh Upadhyaya (India)

IM Krejci Jan (Czech Republic)

Earlier, Indian medal hope Padmini Rout drew her top board game against tournament leader Cori T Deysi. In the Open section, Indian challenge suffered a setback as Grandmaster Adhiban Baskaran, playing at 8.5 points, went down to fellow Indian Sahaj Grover.

Take a look at the large photo gallery, courtesy of Peter Long.

More about the WJCC: World Junior Chess Championship 2011 / Participants boys / Participants girls / Official website

Round 12 Results (Open, Indians unless specified):

Hovhannisyan Robert (ARM) 10 beat Robson Ray (USA) 8, Ter-Sahakyan Samvel (ARM) 8.5 lost to Swiercz Dariusz (POL) 9.5, Kovalev Vladislav (BLR) 8.5 drew with Durarbeyli Vasif (AZE) 8.5, Adhiban B (8) lost to Grover Sahaj (8.5), Sethuraman S P (8) drew with Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (8), Rasulov Vugar Ural Oglu (AZE) 7.5 lost to Sjugirov Sanan (RUS) 8, Salgado Lopez Ivan (ESP) 8 beat Anwesh Upadhyaya (7), Shyam Sundar M (7) lost to Shimanov Aleksandr (RUS) 8, Roganovic Milos (SRB) 7.5 drew with Grandelius Nils (SWE) 7.5

Round 12 Results (Girls, Indians unless specified):

Padmini Rout (8) drew with Cori T Deysi (PER) 10, Girya Olga (RUS) 10.5 beat Tsatsalashvili Keti (GEO) 7.5, Paikidze Nazi (GEO) 8.5 beat Dogodkina Julia (RUS) 7.5, Nakhbayeva Guliskhan (KAZ) 7 lost to Bulmaga Irina (ROU) 8.5, Agrest Inna (SWE) 7 lost to Ozturk Kubra (TUR) 8, Martinez Ayelen (ARG) 7 lost to Savina Anastasia (RUS) 7.5, Kulkarni Bhakti (7.5) beat Kulon Klaudia (POL) 6.5, Vo Thi Kim Phung (VIE) 6.5 lost to Mammadova Gulnar Marfat Qizi (AZE) 7.5

R R Vasudevan

Press Officer

World Junior Chess Championships 2011

With comfortable wins WGMs Cori T Deysi (Peru) and Girya Olga (Russia) built a huge two point lead, in the Girls section, after the eleventh round of the SDAT-RAMCO 50th World Junior & 29th Junior Girls Chess Championships 2011, at Chennai, here today. The leading duo were followed by Padmini Rout (India), Nazi Paikidze, Keti Tsatsalasvili (both Georgia), Bulmaga Irina (Romania) and Dogodkina Julia (Russia) at 7.5 points.

In the Open section, Armenian Grandmaster Hovhannisyan Robert drew his game against Polish GM Swiercz Dariusz and maintained his lead with 9.0 points. Ter-Sahakyan Samvel (Armenia) and Swiercz Dariusz (Poland) follow the leader with 8.5 points. Sharing the fourth spot at 8.0 points were Kovalev Vladislav (Belarus), Durarbeyli Vasif (Azerbaijan), Ray Robson (USA) and Adhiban Baskaran (India). With two rounds to go, the games are bound to intense, as the big medals are at stake.

WGM Cori T Deysi (Peru) playing WIM Agrest Inna (Sweden)

In an interesting game at the third board, the struggle for supremacy between GMs Ray Robson (USA) and S P Sethuraman (India) went all the way. The Sicilian game saw early exchange of queens, indicating peace may be at the cards in short notice. But that was not to be, as Robson offered a knight on the 17th turn.

Refusing to take the bait, Sethuraman pressed for victory, gaining a pawn in the process. But the ensuing rook and bishop ending was executed with accuracy by the youngster from USA, and peace was signed after 71 moves and more than five hours of play. Earlier, the top two boards ended in draws, keeping the lead position unchanged.

GM Norm holder Vidit Santosh Gujrathi showed that he is fine nick, as he overcame Grandmaster Sasa Martinovic of Croatia in 45 moves. Indian medal hopes rest with GM Adhiban Baskaran at 8.0 points in the Open section, while WGM Padmini Rout has an outside chance to match her bronze medal result from the world junior 2010.

IM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (India) facing GM Martinovic Sasa (Croatia)

GM Sanan Sjugirov (Russia)

Take a look at the large photo gallery, courtesy of Peter Long.

More about the WJCC: World Junior Chess Championship 2011 / Participants boys / Participants girls / Official website

Round 11 Results (Open, Indians unless specified):

Swiercz Dariusz (POL) 8.5 drew with Hovhannisyan Robert (ARM) 9, Ter-Sahakyan Samvel (ARM) 8.5 drew with Adhiban Baskaran (8), Robson Ray (USA) 8 drew with Sethuraman S P (7.5), Durarbeyli Vasif (AZE) 8 beat Roganovic Milos (SRB) 7, Krejci Jan (CZE) 7 lost to Kovalev Vladislav (BLR) 8, Girish A Koushik (7) lost to Rasulov Vugar Ural Oglu (AZE) 7.5, Rombaldoni Axel (ITA) 7 drew with Sjugirov Sanan (RUS) 7, Krysa Leandro (ARG) 7 drew with Shimanov Aleksandr (RUS) 7, Grandelius Nils (SWE) 7 drew with Urkedal Frode (NOR) 7, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (7.5) beat Martinovic Sasa (CRO) 6.5, Shyam Nikil P (6.5) drew with Matlakov Maxim (RUS) 6.5

Round 11 Results (Girls, Indians unless specified):

Cori T Deysi (PER) 9.5 beat Agrest Inna (SWE) 7, Ozturk Kubra (TUR) 7 lost to Girya Olga (RUS) 9.5, Dogodkina Julia (RUS) 7.5 drew with Bulmaga Irina (ROU) 7.5, Mammadova Gulnar Marfat Qizi (AZE) 6.5 lost to Paikidze Nazi (GEO) 7.5, Padmini Rout (7.5) beat Semenova Elena (RUS) 6.5, Tsatsalashvili Keti (GEO) 7.5 beat Hoang Thi Nhu Y (VIE) 6.5, Kulon Klaudia (POL) 6.5 drew with Savina Anastasia (RUS) 6.5, Fataliyeva Ulviyya Hasil Qizi (AZE) 6.5 drew with Kulkarni Bhakti (6.5), Michelle Catherina P (6) lost to Nakhbayeva Guliskhan (KAZ) 7

R R Vasudevan

Press Officer

World Junior Chess Championships 2011

The Armenian Grandmaster duo Hovhannisyan Robert and Ter-Sahakyan Samvel, drew their top board game in the SDAT-RAMCO 50th World Junior & 29th Junior Girls Chess Championships 2011, at Chennai, here today. The draw helped Hovhannisyan Robert to keep his half a point lead at 8.5 points, followed by fellow Armenian Ter-Sahakyan Samvel and Swiercz Dariusz (Poland) at 8.0 points. Sharing the fourth spot were GMs Adhiban Baskaran (India) and Ray Robson (USA) at 7.5 points.

Woman Grandmaster from Peru Cori Tello Deysi maintained her stay on top, holding Ozturk Kubra of Turkey to a draw. The Peruvian girl pressed for victory and stretched herself as the game went into a knight versus three pawns ending. Kubra defended accurately, as the marathon game concluded after 75 moves.

Russian Girya Olga joing Cori Deysi on top scoring over Mammadova Gulnar Marfat Qizi of Azerbaijan. Cori Deysi and Girya Olga lead the table with 8.5 points and are followed by Ozturk Kubra (Turkey), Bulmaga Irina (Romania) and Dogodkina Julia (Russia) at 7.0 points. A seizable 1.5 lead with three rounds to go, makes the leading duo a strong title contender.

GM Hovhannisyan Robert facing fellow Armenian GM Ter-Sahakyan Samvel

GM Swiercz Dariusz (Poland) facing FM Girish A Koushik (India)

WIM Ozturk Kubra (Turkey)

In the second board, Swiercz Dariusz of Poland inflicted Indian FM Girish A Koushik his second consecutive defeat. Also facing continuous defeat was Italian Axel Rombaldoni who went down to Indian Grandmaster Adhiban Baskaran. The Catalan opening was featured between Adhiban and Rombaldoni, and an early queen sortie by the Italian appeared a bit unusual. A misplaced knight on the corner of the board added to Romabaldoni’s woes.

Adhiban pounced on the lack of development, sacrificing a knight on the 20th move. Capturing the knight was a taboo, and Rombaldoni lost his exchange, even as his position was compromised. The Italian called it quits five moves later, as he could not prevent the decisive seventh rank entry of white pieces.

IM Axel Rombaldoni (Italy)

WGM Keti Tsatsalshvili (Georgia)

Chief Arbiter R Antharam confirmed the following nine game Norms viz., Grandmaster Norm for Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (India), and International Master Norms to Janev Tihomir of Bulgaria and Vladislav Kovalev of Belarus. Among girls, Kulon Klaudia of Poland gained a 9 game WIM Norm. Israel Grandmaster Tamir Nabaty withdrew on health grounds, after the conclusion of the tenth round.

Take a look at the large photo gallery, courtesy of Peter Long.

More about the WJCC: World Junior Chess Championship 2011 / Participants boys / Participants girls / Official website

GM Ray Robson (USA)

Pratyusha Bodda (India)

Degrande Marigje (Belgium)

Round 10 Results (Open, Indians unless specified):

Hovhannisyan Robert (ARM) 8.5 drew with Ter-Sahakyan Samvel (ARM) 8, Swiercz Dariusz (POL) 8 beat Girish A Koushik (7), Martinovic Sasa (CRO) 6.5 lost to Robson Ray (USA) 7.5, Adhiban Baskaran (7.5) beat IM Rombaldoni Axel (ITA) 6.5, Shimanov Aleksandr (RUS) 6.5 drew with Durarbeyli Vasif (AZE) 7, Salgado Lopez Ivan (ESP) 6 lost to Roganovic Milos (SRB) 7, Grover Sahaj (6.5) drew with GM Grandelius Nils (SWE) 6.5, Salem A R Saleh (UAE) 6 lost to Sethuraman S P (7), Rasulov Vugar Ural Oglu (AZE) 6.5 drew with Krysa Leandro (ARG) 6.5, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (6.5) drew with Huschenbeth Niclas (GER) 6.5, Narayanan S L (6) lost to Krejci Jan (CZE) 7, Sjugirov Sanan (RUS) 6.5 beat Firat Burak (TUR) 5.5, Shyam Sundar M (6) drew with Barbosa Evandro Amorim (BRA) 6

Round 10 Results (Girls, Indians unless specified):

Ozturk Kubra (TUR) 7 drew with Cori T Deysi (PER) 8.5, Girya Olga (RUS) 8.5 beat Mammadova Gulnar Marfat Qizi(AZE) 6.5, Bulmaga Irina (ROU) 7 beat Semenova Elena (RUS) 6.5, Hoang Thi Nhu Y (VIE) 6.5 drew with Padmini Rout (6.5), Dogodkina Julia (RUS) 7 beat Kulon Klaudia (POL) 6, Agrest Inna (SWE) 7 beat Michelle Catherina P (6), Paikidze Nazi (GEO) 6.5 beat Kazimova Narmin Nizami Qizi (AZE) 5.5, Savina Anastasia (RUS) 6 drew with Lkhamsuren Uuganbayar (MGL) 6, Nakhbayeva Guliskhan (KAZ) 6 beat Chandika Divyasree (5.5), Kulkarni Bhakti (6) beat Nandhidhaa P V (5), Saranya J (5.5) lost to Tsatsalashvili Keti (GEO) 6.5

R R Vasudevan

Press Officer

World Junior Chess Championships 2011

The dream run of Girish Koushik continued as he defeated Swedish Grandmaster Grandelius Nils in the eighth round of the SDAT-RAMCO 50th World Junior & 29th Junior Girls Chess Championships 2011, at Hotel Vijay Park, Chennai, here today. Girish scoring his fourth successive win against a Grandmaster, now shares the lead with Hovhannisyan Robert (Armenia) at 7.0 points. In the process, Girish Koushik achieved his maiden Grandmaster Norm and will now set his eyes on the crown.

Overnight leader, Italian International Master Axel Rombaldoni lost his first game of the event to Armenian GM Hovhannisyan Robert. The Sicilian game saw the Italian conceding an early space advantage to Hovhannisyan. By move 22 Rombaldoni was a pawn down, with a shaky position to defend. Steady exchange of pieces, saw the Armenian improving the position. The resultant rook and bishop ending, with two pawns downs and one more about to fall, saw Italian throwing in the towel. The game lasted 34 moves. Rombaldoni despite the defeat, achieves a 9-game GM Norm. Rombaldoni now shares the third spot at 6.5 points, along with Ter-Sahakyan Samvel (Armenia).

GM Hovhannisyan Robert Armenia shaking hands with IM Axel Rombaldoni Axel of Italy before the start of the game

GM Grandelius Nils (Sweden)

It was the day of Girish Koushik, for the young lad, defeated his fourth Grandmaster in a row accounting Swede Grandelius Nils in 36 moves. An early exchange sacrifice in the Grunfeld game by Grandelius, took the game to unclear territory. With both the players pushing for victory, the Swedish Grandmaster erred at a crucial juncture capturing the pawn on “c3″ with his knight, failing to see a mate in six. Girish pounced on the chance, and was about to execute the mate when Grandelius gave up.

In the girls section, WGMs Cori T Deysi (Peru) and Girya Olga (Russia) share the lead with 7.0 points, scoring over Mammadova Gulnar Marfat Qizi (Azerbaijan) and Kulon Klaudia (Poland) respectively. The third spot is shared by Bulmaga Irina (Romania) and Elena Semenova (Russia) at 6.0 points.

Indian challenge lead by WGM Padmini Rout (5.5) looked up, as the Orissa girl scored a quick victory over over Dogodkina Julia (Russia). Further down, Woman FIDE Master Bhakti Kulkarni was held to a draw by fellow Indian Chandika Divyasree. Joining the duo at 5.0 points were Indian youngsters Ivana Maria Furtado and P Michelle Catherina.

WIM Bulmaga Irina (Romania)

WGM Paikidze Nazi (Georgia)

Take a look at the large photo gallery, courtesy of Peter Long.

More about the WJCC: World Junior Chess Championship 2011 / Participants boys / Participants girls / Official website

Round 8 Results (Open, Indians unless specified):

Hovhannisyan Robert(ARM) 7 beat Rombaldoni Axel (ITA) 6.5, Girish A Koushik (7) beat Grandelius Nils (SWE) 5.5, Matlakov Maxim (RUS) 5 lost to Ter-Sahakyan Samvel (ARM) 6.5, Nabaty Tamir (ISR) 5 lost to Durarbeyli Vasif (AZE) 6, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (5.5) drew with Robson Ray (USA) 5.5, Rasulov Vugar Ural Oglu (AZE) 5 lost to Swiercz Dariusz (POL) 6, Adhiban B (6) beat Piorun Kacper (POL) 5, Sjugirov Sanan (RUS) 5 drew with Kovalev Vladislav (BLR) 5, Gireman Ja (4.5) lost to Martinovic Sasa (CRO) 5.5, Pap Gyula (HUN) 5 drew with Swayams Mishra (5), Anwesh Upadhyaya (5) drew with Krejci Jan (CZE) 5, Salem A R Saleh (UAE) 5 drew with Firat Burak (TUR) 5, Nitin S (4.5) lost to Shyam Sundar M (5.5), Urkedal Frode (NOR) 5.5 beat Janev Tihomir (BUL) 4.5, Priyadharshan K (4) lost to Shimanov Aleksandr (RUS) 5, Kunal M (5) beat Goganov Aleksey (RUS) 4, S L Narayanan (5) beat G A Stany (4)

Round 8 Results (Girls, Indians unless specified):

Mammadova Gulnar Marfat Qizi (AZE) 5.5 lost to Cori T Deysi (PER) 7, Girya Olga (Russia) 7 beat Kulon Klaudia (POL) 5.5, Paikidze Nazi (GEO) 6 drew with Bulmaga Irina (ROU) 6.5, Padmini Rout (5.5) beat Dogodkina Julia (RUS) 5, Kulkarni Bhakti (5) drew with Chandika Divyasree (5), Saranya J (4.5) lost to Kazimova Narmin Nizami Qizi (AZE) 5.5, Ozturk Kubra (TUR) 5.5 beat Romero Echeverria Abigail (ECU) 4.5, Nandhidhaa P V (4.5) lost to Lkhamsuren Uuganbayar (MGL) 5.5, Nakhbayeva Guliskhan (KAZ) 4.5 drew with Pon N Krithika (4.5), Bharathi R (4) lost to Hoang Thi Nhu Y (VIE) 5, Terao Juliana Sayumi (BRA) 5 beat Hema Priya N (4)

R R Vasudevan

Press Officer

World Junior Chess Championships 2011

Girish A Koushik (6.0) made the big news as he defeated second seed Russian Sanan Sjugirov, to record a hat-trick of wins against a Grandmaster, in the seventh round of the SDAT-RAMCO 50th World Junior & 29th Junior Girls Chess Championships 2011, at Hotel Vijay Park, Chennai, here today.

The win, along with a rating performance of ELO 2684 took Girish to the second spot, at half a point behind tournament leader Axel Rombaldini of Italy.

Italian International Master Rombaldoni who shed his first half a point in the tournament against Armenian Grandmaster Ter-Sahakyan Samvel, still maintained his lead with 6.5 points from seven rounds. India’s Girish Koushik along with Armenian Grandmaster Robert Hovhannisyan share the second spot with 6.0 points.

International Master Axel Rombaldoni (Italy)

Girish A Koushik (India) – records a hat-trick of wins against Grandmasters

Girish – Sanan took to Open Ruy Lopez that saw the Indian out maneuvering the more experienced Russian. In a complex middle game, Girish moved the rook and bishop with dexterity, keeping the Russian at bay. As the game ventured into an ending, the Indian boy used his king actively and was able to corner the white king in the last rank. Even as he applied pressure and weaved a pattern that could result in a mating net, Sanan, overlooked the loss of piece in a double attack and resigned on the 53rd turn.

Following Girish, Maharashtra lad Vidit Santosh Gujrathi defeated higher rated Russian Grandmaster Aleksandr Shimanov delivering the second big upset of the day. Vidit played a miniature masterpiece, as he defeated Shimanov in 23 moves.

The Russian faced the Ragozin defence ignored fast developing black pieces at his own peril. A delectable combination that began with white’s capture of black bishop with his knight, saw Vidit gain the upperhand. Caught in the familiar pattern of smothered mate, Shimanov allowed Vidit to finish the game with elan. A knight sacrifice, the capture of which was a taboo, saw the game end in double quick time.

GM Alexandr Shimanov (Russia) playing IM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (India)

In the girls section, the lead remained unchanged with Woman Grandmaster Olga Girya holding Woman International Master Bulmaga Irina to a draw. The marathon game lasted five hours and 69 moves, but Olga hung on gamely, and snatched a crucial half point. The draw keeps the Russian on the top of the table together with Woman Grandmaster Cori T Deysi from Peru at 6.0 points.

Indian girls were all huddled in the 4.5 points viz., Padmini Rout, Bhakti Kulkarni, J Saranya, Chandika Divyasree, P V Nandhidhaa and would be needing a big push in performance to move to the top of the table in the second half.

WGM Girya Olga (Russia)

Take a look at the large photo gallery, courtesy of Peter Long.

More about the WJCC: World Junior Chess Championship 2011 / Participants boys / Participants girls / Official website

Round 7 Results (Open, Indians unless specified):

Rombaldoni Axel(ITA) 6.5 drew with Ter-Sahakyan Samvel(ARM) 5.5, Huschenbeth Niclas (GER) 5 lost to Hovhannisyan Robert(ARM) 6, Sjugirov Sanan (RUS) 4.5 lost to Girish A Koushik (6), Robson Ray (USA) 5 drew with Rasulov Vugar Ural Oglu (AZE) 5, Swiercz Dariusz (POL) 5 drew with Piorun Kacper(POL) 5, Grandelius Nils (SWE) 5.5 beat Swayams Mishra (4.5), Lalith Babu M R (4) lost to Matlakov Maxim (RUS) 5, Goganov Aleksey (RUS) 4 lost to Salgado Lopez Ivan (ESP) 5, Shimanov Aleksandr (RUS) 4 lost to Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (5), Stany G A (4) lost to Nabaty Tamir (ISR) 5, Shyam Nikil P (4) lost to Adhiban B (5), Martinovic Sasa (CRO) 4.5 drew with Anwesh Upadhyaya (4.5), Durarbeyli Vasif (AZE) 5 beat Getz Nicolai (NOR) 4

Round 7 Results (Girls, Indians unless specified):

Bulmaga Irina (ROU) 5.5 drew with Girya Olga (RUS) 6, Cori T Deysi (PER) 6 beat Saranya J (4.5), Mammadova Gulnar Marfat Qizi (AZE) 5.5 beat Semenova Elena (RUS) 5, Kulon Klaudia (POL) 5.5 beat Kazimova Narmin Nizami Qizi (AZE) 4.5, Paikidze Nazi(GEO) 5 beat Vo Thi Kim Phung (VIE) 4, Agrest Inna (SWE) 5 beat Savina Anastasia (RUS) 4, Tokhirjanova Hulkar (UZB) 4.5 drew with Ozturk Kubra (TUR) 4.5, Dogodkina Julia (RUS) 5 beat Nakhbayeva Guliskhan (KAZ) 4, Padmini Rout (4.5) beat Fataliyeva Ulviyya Hasil Qizi (AZE) 3.5, Tsatsalashvili Keti(GEO) 3.5 lost to Nandhidhaa P V (4.5)

R R Vasudevan

Press Officer

World Junior Chess Championships 2011