Vassily Ivanchuk: I can still become World Champion
Vassily Ivanchuk’s stunning win in Gibraltar reminded us all of his enormous chess talent, while his recent long interview with the Ukrainian Zaxid.net addressed the missing piece of the jigsaw – why is it that a genius like Ivanchuk has failed to mount a serious World Championship challenge?
Birth of a Supernova: Vasiliev reports from Wijk aan Zee
Hikaru Nakamura’s tournament victory was described as “the birth of a supernova” by Yury Vasiliev in two final reports from the Tata Steel 2011 Tournament. The Russian journalist was on the ground in Wijk aan Zee to provide photo reports and comments from players and observers throughout the event.
Shipov’s live commentary on Tata Steel Chess 2011, Rd 8
Sergey Shipov introduced today’s game by saying we needed a Terminator to deal with Hikaru Nakamura’s run-away tournament lead. His opponent, Magnus Carlsen, proved up to the task, winning in devastating style after a tense middlegame phase in which it was never fully clear where exactly Nakamura went wrong.
Shipov’s live commentary on Tata Steel Chess 2011, Rd 7
Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand didn’t exactly set the world on fire in round 7. Their crossing of the tournament’s “equator” saw becalmed seas, despite Magnus’ “random opening generator” picking e4, and Vishy choosing the Sicilian, “a great opening for an adventure novel” (all the quotes are Shipov’s!).
Shipov’s live commentary on Tata Steel Chess 2011, Rd 1
While a relatively quick 28-move draw might not sound thrilling, the first-round encounter between Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian at the Tata Steel tournament was actually razor-sharp until the final moments. Sergey Shipov was on hand to explain what took place.
Kasparov’s verdict on Carlsen’s withdrawal
Ever since Magnus Carlsen’s shock withdrawal from the Candidates Matches it’s been suggested that Garry Kasparov was behind the decision. In a recent interview, however, Kasparov blew that theory out of the water and expressed his disapproval of his former student’s actions.
Radjabov decides not to tilt at FIDE windmills
One of the last obstacles to the Candidates Matches going ahead in May this year in Kazan appears to have gone, with Teimour Radjabov deciding not to dispute the decision to replace Magnus Carlsen with Alexander Grischuk. He made the announcement in an interview with Teimour Tushiev for Extratime.az.
Vladimir Kramnik on 2010
Evgeny Surov’s interview with Vladimir Kramnik after the recent London Chess Classic provided not only an insight into Kramnik’s thought processes during that event, but also a review of 2010 as a whole and an indication of his hopes for the coming year.
Nepomniachtchi back in the race
With his win on tie-breaks in the Russian Championship, Ian Nepomniachtchi, born in the same year as Magnus Carlsen and Sergey Karjakin and now 2732.8 on the live rating list, confirmed he’s back in contention for the highest honours in chess.
Shipov’s live commentary on Tata Steel Chess 2011, Rd 10
By mishanp on January 26, 2011
Quick tip for anyone playing White against Ian Nepomniachtchi: when down on time in an equal position don’t even dream of refusing a draw by repetition! Wang Hao tried it, then Anish Giri (remember Gandalf?) and today Magnus Carlsen was the latest victim. Sergey Shipov described a wonderful game.
Posted in Live commentary, Russian | Tagged Carlsen, Crestbook, Nepomniachtchi, Shipov, Tata Steel 2011 | 5 Responses