Gelfand Wins Tal Chess 2013

World champion Viswanathan Anand ended his campaign with an easy draw against Sergey Karjaikin of Russia in the ninth and final round of Tal Memorial Chess tournament that concluded here.

Boris Gelfand of Israel, who had lost to Anand in the last World championship match, deservingly won the tournament after signing peace with Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in the final round.

Gelfand finished with six points in all and remained a half point ahead of World number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway who ended on 5.5 points following a last round draw against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan.

Mamedyarov and Dmitry Andreikin of Russia and Fabiano Caruana of Italy finished tied third on five points, a half point ahead of Hikaru Nakamura of United States who succumbed to his third straight loss in the tournament after losing the final game against Alexander Morozevich of Russia.

Karjakin finished seventh on four points while Anand and Morozevich are tied for the eighth spot on 3.5 points each. Kramnik ended a disappointing last on just three points.

The last round was devoid of much excitement for obvious reasons. Kramnik just wanted to finish the tournament and did not do much with white against Gelfand who secured an easy draw.

With black, Anand too did not have to sweat much against Karjakin out of a Sicilian Najdorf that was drawn early.

Carlsen wanted to catch up with Gelfand at the top but he was lucky in fact to come out unscathed against Mamedyarov who played an enterprising game with white. Carlsen had to solve some tactical problems in the middle game and technical problems in the endgame to split the point.

Nakamura had beaten Anand in the sixth round but his luck apparently deserted him thereafter. In the seventh round he had lost to Gelfand, in the eighth Carlsen had proved stronger while in the final round Alexander Morozevich scored his first victory in the tournament at the expense of the American.

For Anand the bad showing here is going to reflect on his rating. With 2774 points after the outing here, Anand finds himself on seventh spot in world rankings.

For the records, Anand lost three games, won one and drew the remaining five. Kramnik was in similar shoes and lost three and drew six.

Caruana seems to be drawing closer to the 2800 rating mark with every tournament. The Italian is the new world number three in live ratings behind Carlsen and Levon Aronian of Armenia. (PTI)

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Magnus Carlsen Wins 7th Mikhail Tal Chess Memorial 2012

It seems chess goddess Caissa is particularly kind to world chess #1 Norway's Magnus Carlsen as not only did the talented genius pull off a crucial last-round victory, but the overnight leader Italy's Fabiano Caruana lost as well giving Magnus Carlsen the 7th Mikhail Tal Memorial Chess Tournament title late in Moscow on Monday. A fantastic victory for the Mozart of Chess - in all probability the would-be world chess champion one day - Magnus Carlsen!

7th Mikhail Tal Chess Memorial 2012 winners
(from left) Teimour Radjabov, third;
Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, second.

Fabiano Caruana got taken in by Levon Aronian's home prep. Carlsen left nothing to chance by convincingly beating Luke McShane for a clear first. Teimour Radjabov drew against Hikaru Nakamura and had to settle for third behind Fabiano Caruana on tiebreak. Caruana actually needed only a draw to manage shared first at least.

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 8: Fabiano Caruana Takes Lead

Italy's Fabiano Caruana shot into the lead with a nice win over Russia's Vladimir Kramnik in the eight round at the Tal Chess Memorial on Sunday. Kramnik not only lost a pawn, but in self-destruct mode, committed an endgame blunder as well. What has been amazing at the tournament is that leader from the beginning, Alexander Morozevich has suddenly lost three games in a row. Vladimir Kramnik, who joined Morozevich in the lead, has lost two games in a row.

This is how they cheer chess players in Moscow...

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 7: Both Overnight Leaders Morozevich, Kramnik Lose

The seventh round at the 7th Tal Memorial saw two upsets - both the joint overnight leaders losing their games! Not only did Alexander Morozevich lost his second game in a row to last seed Evgeny Tomashevsky, but joint leader and former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik lost to Luke McShane as well. This allowed five players now in joint lead.

The pawns must be fed on tea or coffee regularly

So, that's the strategy...

Must be careful about strategy stealers

For Heaven's Sake Don't Move the Queen

Results:

1. Radjabov - Caruana draw

2. Aronian - Grischuk draw

3. Nakamura - Carlsen draw

4. Tomashevsky - Morozevich 1-0

5. McShane - Kramnik 1-0

Standings:1-5. Morozevich, Carlsen, Radjabov, Kramnik, Caruana - 4

6. Nakamura - 3.5

7-9. Grischuk, Aronian, McShane - 3

10. Tomashevsky - 2,5

The Tal Chess Memorial is being held at the Pashkov House in Moscow with 10 of the world's top players from June 8-18. You can watch the games live at the official website from India time 7.30 pm. Rest days were June 11 and 15. The time control is 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, 50 minutes for the next 20 moves, and 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. Draw offers are not allowed until after the first time control. The prize fund is 100,000 euros.  (Photos by Eteri Kublashvili official website of the Russian Chess Federation.)

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Tal Chess Round 6: Morozevich-Nakamura Game 0-1

Morozevich: Attack Lost

The 7th Tal Chess Memorial in Moscow has some of the strongest chess players in attendance. The round robin event, is taking place from June 8-18 at the Pashkov House. On Thursday, in Round 6, leader Alexander Morozevich lost his first game of the event to Hikaru Nakamura, the current US Chess Champion. However, Morozevich continues to maintain the lead in the tournament along with Vladimir Kramnik who scored a win over Evgeny Tomashevsky to catch up. You can check the Morozevich-Nakamura game in our Chess King applet in the expanded post.

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 6: Kramnik Catches up With Morozevich for Joint Lead

Hikaru Nakamura
US Chess Champion 2012
Photo: Eteri Kublashvili

Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik caught up with leader Alexander Morozevich at the 7th Mikhail Tal Chess memorial in the sixth round with a second victory back-to-back. Hikaru Nakamura beat Alexander Morozevich as the latter got into time trouble. Kramnik beat Evgeny Tomashevsky. Meanwhile, Fabiano Caruana also beat Luke McShane. The other two games were drawn: Carlsen - Aronian and Grischuk - Radjabov.

Results of Round 6

1. Caruana - McShane 1-0

2. Kramnik - Tomashevsky 1-0

3. Morozevich - Nakamura 0-1

4. Carlsen - Aronian draw

5. Grischuk - Radjabov draw

Standings after Round 6

1-2. Kramnik, Morozevich - 4

3-5. Carlsen, Caruana, Radjabov - 3.5

6. Nakamura 3

7-8. Aronian, Grischuk - 2.5

9. McShane - 2

10.Tomashevsky - 1.5

Friday is a rest day at the Tal Chess Memorial

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Tal Chess Round 4: Viktorija Cmilyte Explains Win Over Hou Yifan

Here is the chess game in which Lithuania's Viktorija Cmilyte beat reigning women's world chess champion Hou Yifan in Kazan at the ongoing women's chess grand prix during round 4. Thursday was a rest day at the tournament. Elina Danielian of Armenia is leading the event after four rounds. 

Hou Yifan - Viktorija Cmilyte

Live transmission - both of the games and the playing hall - is available daily from India time 4.30 pm at the official website. Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is hosting the FIDE Women's Grand Prix, part of a series of elite events organised by FIDE and Global Chess from June 9-23. There will be six tournaments over two years in various countries around the world. The winner of each tournament takes home 6,500 Euros, the total prize fund is 40,000 Euros. The overall winner will get a further 15,000 Euros at the end of the series. India's Koneru Humpy is also playing well at the tournament and is placed second with 2.5 points after four rounds.

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 5: Morozevich in Sole Lead; Teimour Tries Scotch and Loses to Carlsen

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen

Alexander Morozevich - In Sole Lead

The fifth day of game play at the 7th Tal Chess Memorial currently being played at the Pashkov House in Moscow saw two decisive games. Alexander Morozevich capitalised on Aronian's piece sacrifice for several pawns as the latter drifted into a loss. Magnus Carlsen continued with his out-for-a-win attack and won over overnight joint leader Teimour Radjabov. The other games were a draw, but not without efforts by all players. The 7th edition of the Tal Chess Memorial includes 10 players vying for the title over a round-robin format from June 8 to 18. Rest days are June 11 and 15. Time control: 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, 50 minutes for the next 20 moves, and 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. Games can be viewed live online at the official website. The prize fund is 100,000 Euros.

Round 5: Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Alexander Grischuk-Fabiano Caruana 1/2-1/2
Teimour Radjabov-Magnus Carlsen 0-1
Levon Aronian-Alexander. Morozevich 0-1
Hikaru Nakamura-Vladimir Kramnik 1/2-1/2
Evgeny Tomashevsky-Luke McShane 1/2-1/2

Standings after Round 5
1. Morozevich - 4

2-4. Carlsen, Radjabov, Kramnik - 3

5. Caruana - 2,5

6-9. Grischuk, Aronian, Nakamura, McShane - 2

10. Tomashevsky - 1,5

You can view the Carlsen-Radjabov game in our Chess King applet by expanding this post. (Photos by Eteri Kublashvili/Official website.)

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Carlsen Crazy Chess Game Against Grischuk - Tal Chess Memorial Round 4

Magnus Carlsen - the world No. 1 - can be the talk of the chess world even when he plays a draw. That's the most fascinating aspect of this genius chess player. Playing at the Tal Chess Memorial in Round 4 in Moscow on Tuesday, Magnus Carlsen went all out to fetch a win against Alexander Grischuk. However, the Russian Grandmaster was up to the challenge. A great fireworks game that must be viewed. The game ended in a draw, but not without new chess ideas and lots of excitement. You must watch it in our Chess King game applet.

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 4: Radjabov, Morozevich Hold on to Lead

The draws in the fourth round of the 7th Tal Memorial don't tell the whole story. Magnus Carlsen  with three draws in the previous rounds - went all out to try crazy stuff against Alexander Grischuk. The game ended in a draw after some amazing ideas from the World No. 1. 

 

Morozevich and Radjabov - the overnight leaders - chose to play out a draw. Fabiano Caruana got a win over Evgeny Tomashevsky. 

The 7th Tal Chess Memorial is a 10-player round robin taking place in the beautiful Pashkov House in Moscow from June 8-18. The next rest day will be on June 15. Time control: 100 minutes to complete 40 moves and 50 minutes for 20 moves, followed by 15 minutes for the rest of the moves. There is a 30-second increment from the first move. You can watch the games live on the official website. Draw offers are not allowed before the first time control. The Tal Chess Memorial prize fund is 100,000 euros.

 

Round 4: Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Fabiano Caruana - Evgeny Tomashevsky 1-0
Luke McShane - Hikaru Nakamura 1/2-1/2
Vladimir Kramnik - Levon Aronian 1/2-1/2
Alexander Morozevich - Teimour Radjabov 1/2-1/2
Magnus Carlsen - Alexander Grischuk 1/2-1/2

Round four standings1-2. Morozevich, Radjabov – 3

3. Kramnik – 2.5

4-6. Aronian, Carlsen, Caruana – 2

7-9. Grischuk, McShane, Nakamura - 1.5

10. Tomashevsky – 1 

(Photos: Eteri Kublashvili/Russian Chess Federation.)

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 3: Radjabov, Morozevich Lead; Aronian loses to Tomashevsky

The 7th Tal Chess memorial Round 3 saw World No. 2 use a dangerous line against last seed Evgeny Tomashevsky. But, as World Chess Championship challenger Boris Gelfand would say, ratings are nothing. Tomashevsky took the call and beat Levon Aronian. Meanwhile, Alexander Morozevich beat Alexander Grischuk to move up with Teimour Radjabov in joint lead. All games saw exciting play with none of the grandmasters hesitating to experiment or try a sacrifice!

Caruana-Carlsen

Hikaru Nakamura

Round 3 results:

Carlsen – Caruana draw
Grischuk – Morozevich 0-1
Radjabov – Kramnik draw
Aronian – McShane 0-1
Nakamura – Tomashevsky draw

Round 3 standings:
1-2. Morozevich, Radjabov – 2,5

3. Kramnik – 2

4-5. Aronian, Carlsen – 1,5

6-10. Grischuk, Caruanа, McShane, Nakamura, Tomashevsky – 1

Round 4 pairings (June 12th): Morozevich – Radjabov, Carlsen – Grischuk, Kramnik – Aronian, McShane – Nakamura and Caruana – Tomashevsky. Monday is the rest day.

You can watch the live broadcast of the 7th Tal Chess Memorial Live at the official website from India time 4.30 pm onwards.

(Photos by Eteri Kublashvili)

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 2 - Radjabov Leads; Caruana, Nakamura play 107-move Draw in Seven Hours!

Beautiful Pashkov House in Moscow

The Tal Chess Memorial second round saw fighting games all around even though there were three draws and only two decisive games. Teimour Radjabov pulled off his second victory in as many rounds by beating Luke McShane with the Black pieces. Former World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik also beat Alexander Grischuk. World Chess No. 1 Magnus Carlsen survived against Alexander Morozevich and managed to draw. Two other games that ended in tough draws included Evgeny Tomashevsky-Levon Aronian and Fabiano Caruana-Hikaru Nakamura. In fact, Caruana and Nakamura played for a full seven hours flat for a 107 moves squeezing out the last bit of chess to a fulfilling draw.

Results of Round 2

Kramnik – Grischuk 1-0
McShane – Radjabov 0-1
Caruana – Nakamura draw
Morozevich – Carlsen draw
Tomashevsky – Aronian draw

Standings after Round 2

1. Radjabov 2; 

2-4. Morozevich, Kramnik, Aronian 1,5; 

5-6. Carlsen, Grischuk 1; 

7-9. Nakamura, Tomashevsky, Caruana 0,5; 

10. McShane 0.

Round 3 pairings: 

Carlsen – Caruana, 

Grischuk – Morozevich, 

Radjabov – Kramnik, 

Aronian – McShane 

Nakamura – Tomashevsky.

The 7th Tal Chess Memorial is a 10-player round robin chess tournament that is taking place at the beautiful Pashkov House in Moscow from June 8 to 18. The prize fund is 100,000 euros. There will be two rest days on June 11 and 15. The time control offers 100 minutes for 40 moves, 50 minutes for extra 20 moves, and 15 minutes for finishing the game. There is a 30-second increment for every move from the starting of the game. Games start at India time 4.30 pm and you can watch them on the official website. Photos/text by Eteri Kublashvili (Tal Chess Memorial Official Website)

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Tal Chess Video - Carlsen, Nepomniachtchi Ignoring Pretty Girls?

Here is a video from the 7th Mikhail Tal Chess Memorial that began in Moscow on June 7. The event had a unique method of drawing lots for deciding pairings for the first round. A special blitz chess event was held to decide the first-round pairings. Alexander Morozevich won the blitz event on tiebreak ahead of Magnus Carlsen. Here is a video of the first day by Eugene Potemkin.





Do you think chess stars Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi ignored the pretty girls?

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Tal Chess Memorial Round 1 - How Aronian Beat Nakamura

The 7th Tal Chess Memorial began at Pashkov House in Moscow with four of the five chess games ending in decisive results! Alexander Morozevich beat Fabiano Caruana, Alexander Grischuk beat Luke McShane, Teimour Radjabov beat Evgeny Tomashevsky, and Levon Aronian beat Hikaru Nakamura! The only game that was drawn was played out between Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik. 

The Tal Chess Memorial is being held from June 7 to 18. Game days are 8-10, 12-14 and June 16-18 with breaks being on June 11 and 15. The live video broadcasts starts every day at India time 4.30 pm. The time control is as follows: 100 minutes for the first 40 moves of the game and 50 minutes for 20 moves with 15 minutes before the end of the game with an increment of 30 seconds for every move beginning from the first move. 

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