2011 Tata Steel Chess (Wijk ann Zee)
A very exciting tournament is shaping up in Wijk aan Zee. Sponsored by Tata Steel conglomerate has begun with a power-packed lineup including the top four players. Tata Steel is an Indian multinational conglomerate consisting of a number of industries. Those following the tournament from the early days will remember it as the Hoorgovens, a Dutch steel company that would later merge with British steel to form the Corus Group. When Tata steel purchased Corus in 2007, the tournament took on the name of Indian conglomerate.
This tournament will mark the first time in history that three 2800 players are competing with Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, Levon Aronian heading the field. Vladimir Kramnik rounds out the top four in a field replete with young stars. Hikaru Nakamura will look to make an impression with his new #10 ranking and we can expect some fighting chess in Wijk aan Zee!! The other groups will have some interesting battles as well. The Chess Drum will provide limited coverage, but full coverage can be found at the official site and onsite coverage at ChessVibes.com.
January 14th-30th, 2011 (Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands) |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#
|
Name
|
Title
|
Federation
|
Flag
|
Rating
|
| 1 | Carlsen, Magnus | GM | Norway |
 |
2814 |
| 2 | Anand, Viswanathan | GM | India |
 |
2810 |
| 3 | Aronian, Levon | GM | Armenia |
 |
2805 |
| 4 | Kramnik, Vladimir | GM | Russia |
 |
2791 |
| 5 | Grischuk, Alexander | GM | Russia |
|
2773 |
| 6 | Nakamura, Hikaru | GM | USA |
 |
2751 |
| 7 | Ponomariov, Ruslan | GM | Ukraine |
 |
2744 |
| 8 | Nepomniachtichi, Ian | GM | Russia |
|
2733 |
| 9 | Wang Hao | GM | China |
 |
2731 |
| 10 | Shirov, Alexei | GM | Spain |
 |
2722 |
| 11 | Vachier-Lagrave, M | GM | France |
 |
2715 |
| 12 | Giri, Anish | GM | Netherlands |
 |
2686 |
| 13 | Smeets, Jan | GM | Netherlands |
|
2662 | 14 | L’Ami, Erwin | GM | Netherlands |
|
2628 |
|
#
|
Name
|
Title
|
Federation
|
Flag
|
Rating
|
| 1 | Wojtasek, Radek | GM | Poland |
 |
2726 |
| 2 | Navara, David | GM | Czech Republic |
 |
2708 |
| 3 | Fressinet, Laurent | GM | France |
|
2707 |
| 4 | Efimenko, Zahar | GM | Ukraine |
|
2701 |
| 5 | So, Wesley | GM | Philippines |
 |
2673 |
| 6 | Sargissian, Gabriel | GM | Armenia |
|
2667 |
| 7 | Liem, Le Quang | GM | Vietnam |
 |
2664 |
| 8 | McShane, Luke | GM | England |
 |
2664 |
| 9 | Ganguly, Surya | GM | India |
|
2651 |
| 10 | Li Chao | GM | China |
|
2649 |
| 11 | Hammar, Jon Ludvig | GM | Norway |
|
2647 |
| 12 | Tkachiev, Vladislav | GM | France |
|
2636 |
| 13 | Nijboer, Friso | GM | Netherlands |
|
2584 | 14 | Spoelman, Wouter | GM | Netherlands |
|
2547 |
|
#
|
Name
|
Title
|
Federation
|
Flag
|
Rating
|
| 1 | Kazhgaleyev, Murtas | GM | Kazakhstan |
 |
2637 |
| 2 | Ivanisevic, Ivan | GM | Serbia |
 |
2630 |
| 3 | Bluvshtein, Mark | GM | Canada |
 |
2590 |
| 4 | Vocaturo, Daniele | GM | Italy |
 |
2570 |
| 5 | Swiercz, Dariusz | GM | Poland |
|
2540 |
| 6 | Nzyhnyk, Ilya | IM | Ukraine |
|
2530 |
| 7 | Lahno, Katherina | GM | Ukraine |
|
2518 |
| 8 | Pruijssers, Roeland | IM | Netherlands |
|
2484 |
| 9 | Bok, Benjamin | IM | Netherlands |
|
2453 |
| 10 | van Kampen, Robin | IM | Netherlands |
|
2443 |
| 11 | Siebrecht, Sebastian | GM | Germany |
 |
2439 |
| 12 | van der Werf, Mark | GM | Netherlands |
|
2439 |
| 13 | de Jong, Jan Williem | IM | Netherlands |
|
2437 | 14 | Sachdev, Tania | IM | India |
|
2391 |
Group A
R. Ponomariov – V. Anand 0-1
E. l’Ami – A. Giri ½-½
J. Smeets – A. Shirov 1-0
M. Carlsen – L. Aronian ½-½
H. Nakamura – A. Grischuk 1-0
M. Vachier-Lagrave – W. Hao ½-½
I. Nepomniachtchi – V. Kramnik ½-½
Ruslan Ponomariov couldn’t hold the World Champion.
All Photos by Chessvibes.com.
Group B
V. Tkachiev – L. Fressinet ½-½
F. Nijboer – L. Chao ½-½
L. McShane – W. Spoelman 1-0
R. Wojtaszek – D. Navara 0-1
L. Liem – W. So ½-½
G. Sargissian – S. Ganguly 1-0
J. Hammer – Z. Efimenko 0-1
The Asian sensations battle to a draw.
Group C
M. van der Werf – B. Bok ½-½
S. Siebrecht – R. Pruijssers ½-½
I. Ivanisevic – T. Sachdev 0-1
K. Lahno – M. Bluvshtein ½-½
D. Swiercz – J.W. de Jong 1-0
I. Nyzhnyk – M. Kazhgaleyev 1-0
R. van Kampen – D. Vocaturo 0-1
Perhaps Tania Sachdev’s win over the top seed may force chess fans
to take more notice of her play than her appearance.
Group A
V. Anand – V. Kramnik, ½-½
W. Hao – I. Nepomniachtchi, 0-1
A. Grischuk – M. Vachier-Lagrave, ½-½
L. Aronian – H. Nakamura, ½-½
A. Shirov – M. Carlsen, ½-½
A. Giri – J. Smeets, ½-½
R. Ponomariov – E. L’Ami, ½-½
The sea of blue turned into dark, turbulent waters for Wang Hao.
Photo by Fred Lucas.
Standings (Group A)
1st-4th: V. Anand, H. Nakamura, I. Nepomniachtchi, J. Smeets 1½; 5th-10th: L. Aronian, M. Carlsen, A. Giri, V. Kramnik, E. L’Ami, M. Vachier-Lagrave 1; 11th-14th: A. Grischuk, W. Hao, R. Ponomariov, A. Shirov
Group B
L. Fressinet – Z. Efimenko, ½-½
S. Ganguly – J. Hammer, 1-0
W. So – G. Sargissian, ½-½
D. Navara – L. Liem, ½-½
W. Spoelman – R. Wojtaszek, ½-½
L. Chao – L. McShane, 0-1
V. Tkachiev – F. Nijboer, ½-½
Standings (Group B)
1st: L. McShane 2; 2nd-4th: Z. Efimenko, D. Navara, G. Sargissian 1½; 5th-10th: L. Fressinet, S. Ganguly, L. Liem, F. Nijboer, W. So, V. Tkachiev 1; 11th-13th: L. Chao, W. Spoelman, R. Wojtaszek ½; 14th: J. Hammer 0
Group C
B. Bok – D. Vocaturo, ½-½
M. Kazhgaleyev – R. van Kampen, 1-0
J.W. de Jong – I. Nyzhnyk, ½-½
M. Bluvshtein – D. Swiercz, 1-0
T. Sachdev – K. Lahno, 0-1
R. Pruijssers – I. Ivanisevic, ½-½
M. van der Werf – S. Siebrecht, 0-1
Standings (Group C)
1st-5th: M. Bluvshtein, K. Lahno, I. Nyzhnyk, S. Siebrecht, D. Vocaturo 1½; 6th-10th: B. Bok, M. Kazhgaleyev, R. Pruijssers, T. Sachdev, D. Swiercz 1; 11th-13th: J.W. de Jong, I. Ivanisevic, M. van der Werf ½; 14th: R. van Kampen 0
FLASH! Anish Giri topples Magnus Carlsen in 22 moves with black!
Group A
E. L’Ami – V. Anand, ½-½
J. Smeets – R. Ponomariov, 0-1
M. Carlsen – A. Giri, 0-1
H. Nakamura – A. Shirov, 1-0
M. Vachier-Lagrave – L. Aronian, ½-½
I. Nepomniachtchi – A. Grischuk, ½-½
V. Kramnik – W. Hao, ½-½
Giri’s demolition of Carlsen raises plenty of questions…
…both about him and about Carlsen.
Photo by Fred Lucas.
Standings (Group A)
1st: H. Nakamura, 2½; 2nd-10th: V. Anand, A. Giri, I. Nepomniachtchi, 2; E. L’Ami, L. Aronian, V. Kramnik, R. Ponomariov, M. Vachier-Lagrave, J. Smeets 1½; 11th-13th: A. Grischuk, W. Hao, M. Carlsen, 1; 14th: A. Shirov, ½
Group B
F. Nijboer – L. Fressinet, ½-½
L. McShane – V. Tkachiev, 1-0
R. Wojtaszek – L. Chao, 1-0
L. Liem – W. Spoelman, 0-1
G. Sargissian – D. Navara, ½-½
J. Hammer – W. So, ½-½
Z. Efimenko – S. Ganguly ½-½
Standings (Group B)
1st: L. McShane 3; 2nd-4th: D. Navara, Z. Efimenko, G. Sargissian 2; 5th-10th: R. Wojtaszek, L. Fressinet, W. So, S. Ganguly, F. Nijboer, W. Spoelman, 1½; 11th-13th: L. Liem, V. Tkachiev 1; 14th: L. Chao, J. Hammer, ½
Group C
S. Siebrecht – B. Bok, ½-½
I. Ivanisevic – M. van der Werf, ½-½
K. Lahno – R. Pruijssers, 1-0
D. Swiercz – T. Sachdev, 0-1
I. Nyzhnyk – M. Bluvshtein, ½-½
R. van Kampen – J.W. de Jong, 1-0
D. Vocaturo – M. Kazhgaleyev, 1-0
GM-elect Ilya Nyzhnyk
Photo by Fred Lucas.
Standings (Group C)
1st-2nd: D. Vocaturo, K. Lahno, 2½; 3rd-6th: M. Bluvshtein, I. Nyzhnyk, S. Siebrecht, T. Sachdev, 2; 7th: B. Bok, 1½; 8th-13th: M. Kazhgaleyev, I. Ivanisevic, D. Swiercz, R. Pruijssers, R. van Kampen, M. van der Werf, 1; 14th: J.W. de Jong, ½
Video by Chessvibes.com.
Group A
V. Anand – W. Hao, 1-0
A. Grischuk – V. Kramnik, ½-½
L. Aronian – I. Nepomniachtchi, 1-0
A. Shirov – M. Vachier-Lagrave, 0-1
A. Giri – H. Nakamura, ½-½
R. Ponomariov – M. Carlsen, ½-½
E. L’Ami – J. Smeets, ½-½
Aronian making pleasantries before game with Nepomniachtchi. The result had a far different tone. Photos by Chessvibes.com.
Standings (Group A)
1st-2nd: V. Anand, H. Nakamura, 3; 3rd-5th: L. Aronian, A. Giri, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 2½; 6th-10th: V. Kramnik, E. L’Ami, I. Nepomniachtchi, R. Ponomariov, J. Smeets, 2; 11th-12th: M. Carlsen, A. Grischuk, 2½; 13th: W. Hao, 1; 14th: A. Shirov, ½
Group B
L. Fressinet – S. Ganguly, 1-0
W. So – Z. Efimenko, ½-½
D. Navara – J. Hammer, ½-½
W. Spoelman – G. Sargissian, ½-½
L. Chao – L. Liem, 1-0
V. Tkachiev – R. Wojtaszek, ½-½
F. Nijboer – L. McShane, ½-½
Standings (Group B)
1st: L. McShane 3½; 2nd-5th: Z. Efimenko, L. Fressinet, D. Navara, G. Sargissian 2½; 6th-9th: F. Nijboer, W. So, W. Spoelman, R. Wojtaszek, 2; 10th-12th: L. Chao, S. Ganguly, V. Tkachiev 1½; 13th-14th: J. Hammer, L. Liem, 1
Group C
B. Bok – M. Kazhgaleyev, 1-0
J.W. de Jong – D. Vocaturo, 0-1
M. Bluvshtein – R. van Kampen, 1-0
T. Sachdev – I. Nyzhnyk, 0-1
R. Pruijssers – D. Swiercz, 0-1
M. van der Werf – K. Lahno, 1-0
S. Siebrecht – I. Ivanisevic, ½-½
Action in Group C!
Standings (Group C)
1st-2nd: D. Vocaturo, 3½; 2nd-3rd: M. Bluvshtein, I. Nyzhnyk, 3; 4th-6th: B. Bok, K. Lahno, S. Siebrecht, 2½; 7th-9th: T. Sachdev, D. Swiercz, M. van der Werf, 2; 10th: I. Ivanisevic, 1½; 11th-13th: M. Kazhgaleyev, R. Pruijssers, R. van Kampen, 1; 14th: J.W. de Jong, ½
World Championship shows his dashing win
against China’s Wang Hao.
Video by Chessvibes.com.
Fascinating.
Group A
J. Smeets – V. Anand, 0-1
M. Carlsen – E. l’Ami, 1-0
H. Nakamura – R. Ponomariov, ½-½
M. Vachier-Lagrave – A. Giri, ½-½
I. Nepomniachtchi – A. Shirov, ½-½
V. Kramnik – L. Aronian, ½-½
W. Hao – A. Grischuk, 1-0
Carlsen got the full point when L’Ami blundered in a drawn position.
Photo by Chessvibes.com.
Standings (Group A)
1st: V. Anand, 4; 2nd: H. Nakamura, 3½; 3rd-5th: L. Aronian, A. Giri, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 3; 6th-9th: M. Carlsen, V. Kramnik, I. Nepomniachtchi, R. Ponomariov, 2½; 10th-12th: W. Hao, E. L’Ami, J. Smeets, 2; 13th: A. Grischuk, 1½; 14th: A. Shirov, 1
Group B
L. McShane – L. Fressinet, ½-½
R. Wojtaszek – F. Nijboer, 1-0
L. Liem – V. Tkachiev, ½-½
G. Sargissian – L. Chao, ½-½
J. Hammer – W. Spoelman, 1-0
Z. Efimenko – D. Navara, 1-0
S. Ganguly – W. So, 0-1
Standings (Group B)
1st: L. McShane, 4; 2nd: Z. Efimenko, 3½; 3rd-6th: L. Fressinet, G. Sargissian, W. So, R. Wojtaszek, 3; 7th: D. Navara, 2½; 8th-12th: L. Chao, J. Hammer, F. Nijboer, W. Spoelman, V. Tkachiev, 2; 13th-14th: S. Ganguly, L. Liem, 1½
Group C
I. Ivanisevic – B. Bok, 1-0
K. Lahno – S. Siebrecht, 1-0
D. Swiercz – M. van der Werf, 0-1
I. Nyzhnyk – R. Pruijssers, 1-0
R. van Kampen – T. Sachdev, ½-½
D. Vocaturo – M. Bluvshtein, 1-0
M. Kazhgaleyev – J.W. de Jong, 1-0
This is a nice photo… such a beautiful chess set! 😉
Photo by Frits Agterdenbos of ChessVista.
Standings (Group C)
1st: D. Vocaturo, 4½; 2nd: I. Nyzhnyk, 4; 3rd: K. Lahno, 3½; 4th-5th: M. Bluvshtein, M. van der Werf, 3; 6th-9th: B. Bok, I. Ivanisevic, T. Sachdev, S. Siebrecht, 2½; 10th: M. Kazhgaleyev, D. Swiercz, 2; 12th: R. van Kampen, 1½; 13th: R. Pruijssers, 1; 14th: J.W. de Jong, ½
Interesting that L’Ami tried to get a “super rook” against Carlsen… a rare occurrence. In the Netherlands they call it a “dolle toren” or “crazy rook”. It reminds me of the old video game “Doom” when the attacker goes into “immortal mode”.
On 65…Ne3+ 66. Bxe3, black plays 66…Rd2+! 67.Kc1 (67.Kxd2 is stalemate). However, white can wiggle away after 67…Rd1+ 68.Kb2 Rd2+ 69.Kc3 Rd3+ 70.Kc4 (On 70…Rc3+ 71.Kd4 Rd3+ 72.Ke4). White is clearly winning, but black manages to get a drawn position. However, the Dutchman blunders by finding the worse move on the board!!
After 93…Kf3?? 94.Nh4+ black will lose his rook. Wow!
Group A
V. Anand – A. Grischuk, ½-½
L. Aronian – W. Hao, ½-½
A. Shirov – V. Kramnik, 0-1
A. Giri – I. Nepomniachtchi, 0-1
R. Ponomariov – M. Vachier-Lagrave, ½-½
E. l’Ami – H. Nakamura, 0-1
J. Smeets – M. Carlsen, 0-1
Standings (Group A)
1st-2nd: V. Anand, H. Nakamura, 4½; 3rd-7th: L. Aronian, M. Carlsen, V. Kramnik, I. Nepomniachtchi, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 3½; 8th-9th: A. Giri, R. Ponomariov, 3; 10th: W. Hao, 2½; 11th-13th: A. Grischuk, E. L’Ami, J. Smeets, 2; 14th: A. Shirov, 1
Group B
L. Fressinet – W. So, 0-1
D. Navara – S. Ganguly, 1-0
W. Spoelman – Z. Efimenko, 0-1
L. Chao – J. Hammer, 1-0
V. Tkachiev – G. Sargissian, ½-½
F. Nijboer – L. Liem, 0-1
L. McShane – R. Wojtaszek, 1-0
Standings (Group B)
1st: L. McShane, 5; 2nd: Z. Efimenko, 4½; 3rd: W. So, 4; 4th-5th: D. Navara, G. Sargissian, 3½; 6th-8th: L. Chao, L. Fressinet, R. Wojtaszek, 3; 9th-10th: L. Liem, V. Tkachiev, 2½; 11th-13th: J. Hammer, F. Nijboer, W. Spoelman, 2; 14th: S. Ganguly, 1½
Group C
B. Bok – J.W. de Jong, 0-1
M. Bluvshtein – M. Kazhgaleyev, 0-1
T. Sachdev – D. Vocaturo, 1-0
R. Pruijssers – R. van Kampen, ½-½
M. van der Werf – I. Nyzhnyk, ½-½
S. Siebrecht – D. Swiercz, 0-1
I. Ivanisevic – K. Lahno, ½-½
Standings (Group C)
1st-2nd: I. Nyzhnyk, D. Vocaturo, 4½; 3rd: K. Lahno, 4; 4th-5th: T. Sachdev, M. van der Werf, 3½; 6th-9th: M. Bluvshtein, I. Ivanisevic, M. Kazhgaleyev, D. Swiercz, 3; 10th-11th: B. Bok, S. Siebrecht, 2½; 12th: R. van Kampen, 2; 13th-14th: J.W. de Jong, R. Pruijssers 1½
Nepomniachtchi shows his win against Giri
Video by ChessVibes.com.
Group A
M. Carlsen – V. Anand, ½-½
H. Nakamura – J. Smeets, 1-0
M. Vachier-Lagrave – E. l’Ami, ½-½
I. Nepomniachtchi – R. Ponomariov, ½-½
V. Kramnik – A. Giri, 1-0
W. Hao – A. Shirov, ½-½
A. Grischuk – L. Aronian, 0-1
Standings (Group A)
1st: H. Nakamura, 5½; 2nd: V. Anand, 5; 3rd-4th: L. Aronian, V. Kramnik, 4½; 5th-7th: M. Carlsen, I. Nepomniachtchi, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 4; 8th: R. Ponomariov, 3½; 9th-10th: A. Giri, W. Hao, 3; 11th: E. L’Ami, 12th-13th: A. Grischuk, J. Smeets, 2; 14th: A. Shirov, 1½
Group B
R. Wojtaszek – L. Fressinet, 1-0
L. Liem – L. McShane, 1-0
G. Sargissian – F. Nijboer, 1-0
J. Hammer – V. Tkachiev, 0-1
Z. Efimenko – L. Chao, ½-½
S. Ganguly – W. Spoelman, 1-0
W. So – D. Navara, 1-0
GM Wesley So on a rampage!
Photo by Frits Agterdenbos, ChessVista.
Standings (Group B)
1st-3rd: W. So, L. McShane, Z. Efimenko, 5; 4th: G. Sargissian, 4½; 5th: R. Wojtaszek, 4; 6th-9th: L. Liem, D. Navara, L. Chao, V. Tkachiev, 3½; 10th: L. Fressinet, 3; 11th: Ganguly, 2½; 12th-14th: W. Spoelman, F. Nijboer, J. Hammer, 2
Group C
K. Lahno – B. Bok, 1-0
D. Swiercz – I. Ivanisevic, ½-½
I. Nyzhnyk – S. Siebrecht, 1-0
R. van Kampen – M. van der Werf, 1-0
D. Vocaturo – R. Pruijssers, 1-0
M. Kazhgaleyev – T. Sachdev, 1-0
J.W. de Jong – M. Bluvshtein, 0-1
Standings (Group C)
1st-2nd: I. Nyzhnyk, D. Vocaturo, 5½; 3rd: K. Lahno, 5; 4th-5th: M. Bluvshtein, M. Kazhgaleyev, 4; 6th-9th: M. van der Werf, T. Sachdev, I. Ivanisevic, D. Swiercz, 3½; 10th: R. van Kampen, 3; 11th-12th: B. Bok, S. Siebrecht, 2½; 13th-14th: J.W. de Jong, R. Pruijssers 1½
Group A
V. Anand – L. Aronian, ½-½
A. Shirov – A. Grischuk, 1-0
A. Giri – W. Hao, 1-0
R. Ponomariov – V. Kramnik, ½-½
E. l’Ami – I. Nepomniachtchi, ½-½
J. Smeets – M. Vachier-Lagrave, 0-1
M. Carlsen – H. Nakamura, 1-0
EPIC BATTLE!
Nakamura on the move as Carlsen watches.
Photo by Frits Agterdenbos, ChessVista.
Also annotated games by GM Elshan Moradiabadi of Iran.
https://www.thechessdrum.net/palview5/tata2011-8.htm
Standings (Group A)
1st-2nd: V. Anand, H. Nakamura, 5½; 3rd-6th: L. Aronian, M. Carlsen, V. Kramnik, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 5; 7th: I. Nepomniachtchi, 4½; 8th-9th: R. Ponomariov, A. Giri, 4; 10th-11th: E. L’Ami, W. Hao, 3; 12th: A. Shirov, 2½; 13th-14th: A. Grischuk, J. Smeets, 2
Group B
L. Fressinet – D. Navara, ½-½
W. Spoelman – W. So, 0-1
L. Chao – S. Ganguly, ½-½
V. Tkachiev – Z. Efimenko, 1-0
F. Nijboer – J. Hammer, ½-½
L. McShane – G. Sargissian, ½-½
R. Wojtaszek – L. Liem, 1-0
Standings (Group B)
1st: W. So, 6; 2nd: L. McShane, 5½; 3rd-5th: R. Wojtaszek, Z. Efimenko, G. Sargissian, 5; 6th: V. Tkachiev, 4½; 7th-8th: D. Navara, L. Chao, 4; 9th-10th: L. Fressinet, L. Liem, 3½; 11th: Ganguly, 3; 12th-13th: J. Hammer, F. Nijboer, 2; 14th: W. Spoelman, 2
Group C
B. Bok – M. Bluvshtein, 1-0
T. Sachdev – J.W. de Jong, 1-0
R. Pruijssers – M. Kazhgaleyev, ½-½
M. van der Werf – D. Vocaturo, 0-1
S. Siebrecht – R. van Kampen, 1-0
I. Ivanisevic – I. Nyzhnyk, 1-0
K. Lahno – D. Swiercz, ½-½
Standings (Group C)
1st: D. Vocaturo, 6½; 2nd-3rd: I. Nyzhnyk, K. Lahno, 5½; 4th-6th: M. Kazhgaleyev, I. Ivanisevic, T. Sachdev, 4½; 7th-8th: M. Bluvshtein, D. Swiercz, 4; 9th-11th: B. Bok, S. Siebrecht, M. van der Werf, 3½; 12th: R. van Kampen, 3; 13th: R. Pruijssers, 2; 14th: J.W. de Jong, 1½
Videos by ChessBase.com.
Videos by ChessVibes.com.
Group A
H. Nakamura – V. Anand ½-½
M. Vachier-Lagrave – M. Carlsen ½-½
I. Nepomniachtchi – J. Smeets 0-1
V. Kramnik – E. l’Ami 1-0
W. Hao – R. Ponomariov 1-0
A. Grischuk – A. Giri ½-½
L. Aronian – A. Shirov 1-0
Battle of Leaders! Nakamura-Anand was a draw and they got a bit of company at the top. Photo by ChessVibes.com.
Standings (Group A)
1st-4th: V. Anand, H. Nakamura, L. Aronian, V. Kramnik, 6; 5th-6th: M. Carlsen, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 5½; 7th-8th: A. Giri, I. Nepomniachtchi, 4½; 9th-10th: W. Hao, R. Ponomariov, 4; 11th-12th: E. L’Ami, J. Smeets, 3; 13th-14th: A. Grischuk, A. Shirov, 2½
Group B
L. Liem – L. Fressinet 1-0
G. Sargissian – R. Wojtaszek 1-0
J. Hammer – L. McShane ½-½
Z. Efimenko – F. Nijboer ½-½
S. Ganguly – V. Tkachiev 0-1
W. So – L. Chao 0-1
D. Navara – W. Spoelman 1-0
Standings (Group B)
1st-3rd: L. McShane, G. Sargissian, W. So, 6; 4th-5th: Z. Efimenko, V. Tkachiev, 5½; 6th-8th: L. Chao, D. Navara, R. Wojtaszek, 5; 9th: L. Liem, 4½; 10th: L. Fressinet, 3½; 11th-13th: Ganguly, J. Hammer, F. Nijboer, 3; 14th: W. Spoelman, 2
Group C
D. Swiercz – B. Bok 0-1
I. Nyzhnyk – K. Lahno ½-½
R. van Kampen – I. Ivanisevic ½-½
D. Vocaturo – S. Siebrecht 1-0
M. Kazhgaleyev – M. van der Werf 1-0
J.W. de Jong – R. Pruijssers ½-½
M. Bluvshtein – T. Sachdev 1-0
Standings (Group C)
1st: D. Vocaturo, 7½; 2nd-3rd: I. Nyzhnyk, K. Lahno, 6; 4th: M. Kazhgaleyev, 5½; 5th-6th: M. Bluvshtein, I. Ivanisevic, 5; 7th-8th: B. Bok, T. Sachdev, 4½; 9th: D. Swiercz, 4; 10th-12th: S. Siebrecht, M. van der Werf, R. van Kampen, 3½; 13th: R. Pruijssers, 2½; 14th: J.W. de Jong, 2
Group A
V. Anand – A. Shirov 1-0
A. Giri – L. Aronian ½-½
R. Ponomariov – A. Grischuk 1-0
E. l’Ami – Wang Hao 0-1
J. Smeets – V. Kramnik ½-½
M. Carlsen – I. Nepomniachtchi 0-1
H. Nakamura – M. Vachier-Lagrave 1-0
Standings (Group A)
1st-2nd: V. Anand, H. Nakamura, 7; 3rd-4th: L. Aronian, V. Kramnik, 6½; 5th-7th: M. Carlsen, I. Nepomniachtchi, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 5½; 8th-10th: A. Giri, W. Hao, R. Ponomariov, 5; 11th: J. Smeets, 3½; 12th: E. L’Ami, 3; 13th-14th: A. Grischuk, A. Shirov, 2½
Group B
L. Fressinet – W. Spoelman 0-1
Li Chao – D. Navara 0-1
V. Tkachiev – W. So ½-½
F. Nijboer – S. Ganguly 0-1
L. McShane – Z. Efimenko 0-1
R. Wojtaszek – J. Hammer ½-½
L. Liem – G. Sargissian 1-0
Standings (Group B)
1st-2nd: Z. Efimenko, W. So, 6½; 3rd-6th: D. Navara, L. McShane, G. Sargissian, V. Tkachiev, 6; 7th-8th: R. Wojtaszek, L. Liem, 5½; 9th: L. Chao, 5; 10th: Ganguly, 4; 11th-12th: L. Fressinet, J. Hammer, 3½; 13th-14th: F. Nijboer, W. Spoelman, 3
Group C
B. Bok – T. Sachdev ½-½
R. Pruijssers – M. Bluvshtein 1-0
M. van der Werf – J.W. de Jong 0-1
S. Siebrecht – M. Kazhgaleyev 1-0
I. Ivanisevic – D. Vocaturo 1-0
K. Lahno – R. van Kampen ½-½
D. Swiercz – I. Nyzhnyk 1-0
Standings (Group C)
1st: D. Vocaturo, 7½; 2nd: K. Lahno, 6½; 3rd-4th: I. Ivanisevic, I. Nyzhnyk, 5th: M. Kazhgaleyev, 5½; 6th-9th: B. Bok, T. Sachdev, M. Bluvshtein, D. Swiercz, 5; 10th: S. Siebrecht, 4½; 11th: R. van Kampen, 4; 12th-13th: M. van der Werf, R. Pruijssers, 3½; 14th: J.W. de Jong, 3
Nakamura is worthy of the same level of consideration as any of the other top 10 chess players in the world. He has demonstrated that he can do battle with the best of them. He seems to have had no problem shaking off his ill-fated loss to Carlsen as he continued to play first-rate chess from that point on. That says a lot, Go Naka!
There still seems to be this idea that Nakamura is not accepted as an elite. Much of this is due the reputation he got on the ICC. However, his play speaks for itself and the good thing is he will get better.
Daaim,
If Naka plays more solid openings as he has tried to do in the recent past his place in the “elite” will be cemented for some time due to his natural ability and fighting personality. If he has not really done so as yet (I’d really be surprised if he hasn’t but you never know with the players of the “computer” generation!) one course of action open to him is to study the games of Petrosian very, very deeply.
This will give him a different appreciation of chess and make him very hard to defeat while his aggressive nature will give him chances to play for wins.
Due, inter alia, to Naka’s style, youth, the intense competition among the “youngsters” (Carlsen, Nepom et al) and the battle between them and the “oldsters” (eg Anand, Topa and Kramnik) I don’t believe that his fans will have to worry that if he consumes and digests the games of the 9th world champion his play will become “boring”. Indeed, although “Iron” Tigran had the propensity to draw a lot of games, many of his encounters have been exciting stuff when he was drawn into battle. The same observation can be made about Kramnik (see eg his WC match vs Topa and his recent demolition jobs on people like Shirov).
All in all, although we are in the computer age, the future of the chess battle remains very exciting as can be seen from the numerous decisive games in the various sections in Wijk.
I’m excited about all the talent that is emerging… and Carlsen is not the one I’m thinking about. I believe with Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Wesley So, Le Quang Liem, there will be a bright future. Nakamura and Carlsen will be rivals fighting off the rising talent. Carlsen recent pattern is disturbing. He doesn’t seem to be focused on chess and is losing momentum. I communicate with Nakamura and he is motivated. He will soon improve his opening and eventually will enlist the services of a stronger second.
Video by Europe-Echecs.com.
Group A
M. Vachier-Lagrave – V. Anand ½-½
I. Nepomniachtchi – H. Nakamura 0-1
V. Kramnik – M. Carlsen 0-1
Wang Hao – J. Smeets ½-½
A. Grischuk – E. l’Ami ½-½
L. Aronian – R. Ponomariov ½-½
A. Shirov – A. Giri ½-½
Kramnik-Carlsen ended badly for the Russian who couldn’t hold the ending. Carlsen gave some advice that probably isn’t the most practical when he said Kramnik offers a draw then one should play on! Photo by Frits Agterdenbos of ChessVista.
Standings (Group A)
1st: H. Nakamura, 8; 2nd: V. Anand, 7½; 3rd: L. Aronian, 7; 4th-5th: M. Carlsen, V. Kramnik, 6½; 6th: M. Vachier-Lagrave, 6; 7th-10th: A. Giri, I. Nepomniachtchi, R. Ponomariov, W. Hao, 5½; 11th: J. Smeets, 4; 12th: E. L’Ami, 3½; 13th-14th: A. Grischuk, A. Shirov, 3
Group B
G. Sargissian – L. Fressinet ½-½
J. Hammer – L. Liem 0-1
Z. Efimenko – R. Wojtaszek ½-½
S. Ganguly – L. McShane 0-1
W. So – F. Nijboer ½-½
D. Navara – V. Tkachiev 1-0
W. Spoelman – Li Chao 1-0
Standings (Group B)
1st-4th: Z. Efimenko, D. Navara, L. McShane, W. So, 7; 5th: L. Liem, G. Sargissian, 6½; 7th-8th: V. Tkachiev, R. Wojtaszek, 6; 9th: L. Chao, 5; 10th-12th: L. Fressinet, Ganguly, W. Spoelman, 4; 13th-14th: J. Hammer, F. Nijboer, 3½
Group C
I. Nyzhnyk – B. Bok 1-0
R. van Kampen – D. Swiercz 0-1
D. Vocaturo – K. Lahno 1-0
M. Kazhgaleyev – I. Ivanisevic ½-½
J.W. de Jong – S. Siebrecht 1-0
M. Bluvshtein – M. van der Werf ½-½
T. Sachdev – R. Pruijssers ½-½
Standings (Group C)
1st: D. Vocaturo, 8½; 2nd: I. Nyzhnyk, 7; 3rd-4th: I. Ivanisevic, K. Lahno, 6½; 5th-6th: M. Kazhgaleyev, D. Swiercz, 6; 7th-8th: M. Bluvshtein, T. Sachdev, 5½; 9th: B. Bok, 5; 10th: S. Siebrecht, 4½; 11th-14th: J.W. de Jong, R. Pruijssers, M. van der Werf, R. van Kampen, 4
Such an exciting tournament ! Hoping Nakamura wins this.
@Ian Wilkinson- I never really thought about studying Petrosian due to the large amount of draws he had and most players talk about the attacking players like Tal or Alekhine, but the advice you gave sure makes a lot of sense. I’ll have to go over a few of his games.
Shirov is another player known for attacking play, but it looks like he has had fire thrown on HIS board in the event so far.
Thanks for the tip………….
Video by Europe-Echecs.com.
The 2011 Tata Steel tournament has been a rousing success. The excitement is not over as none of the three sections have been decided. Today’s battles made way for an exciting finish as the three winners will be decided on the last day of the tournament.
Group A
V. Anand – A. Giri ½-½
R. Ponomariov – A. Shirov ½-½
E. l’Ami – L. Aronian ½-½
J. Smeets – A. Grischuk 0-1
M. Carlsen – Wang Hao 1-0
H. Nakamura – V. Kramnik ½-½
M. Vachier-Lagrave – I. Nepomniachtchi 1-0
Carlsen is surging and is now only a point back of leader Nakamura. After beating Kramnik, he crushed Wang Hao with a brutal Neanderthal clubbing. Photo by Frits Agterdenbos, ChessVista.
Standings (Group A)
1st: H. Nakamura, 8½; 2nd: V. Anand, 8; 3rd-4th: M. Carlsen, L. Aronian, 7½; 5th-6th: V. Kramnik, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 7; 7th-8th: R. Ponomariov, A. Giri, 6; 9th-10th: I. Nepomniachtchi, W. Hao, 5½; 11th-13th: A. Grischuk, J. Smeets, E. L’Ami, 4; 14th: A. Shirov, 3½
Group B
L. Fressinet – Li Chao 1-0
V. Tkachiev – W. Spoelman 1-0
F. Nijboer – D. Navara 0-1
L. McShane – W. So 1-0
R. Wojtaszek – S. Ganguly 0-1
L. Liem – Z. Efimenko ½-½
G. Sargissian – J. Hammer ½-½
Standings (Group B)
1st-2nd: D. Navara, L. McShane, 8; 3rd: Z. Efimenko, 7½; 4th-7th: W. So, G. Sargissian, L. Liem, V. Tkachiev, 7; 8th: R. Wojtaszek, 6; 9th-11th: L. Fressinet, Ganguly, L. Chao, 5; 12th-13th: J. Hammer, W. Spoelman, 4; 14th: F. Nijboer, 3½
Group C
B. Bok – R. Pruijssers 1-0
M. van der Werf – T. Sachdev 0-1
S. Siebrecht – M. Bluvshtein 0-1
I. Ivanisevic – J.W. de Jong 1-0
K. Lahno – M. Kazhgaleyev ½-½
D. Swiercz – D. Vocaturo 1-0
I. Nyzhnyk – R. van Kampen 1-0
There would be no campaign for Italy’s Daniele Vocaturo as he lost to Dariusz Swiercz of Poland. He will play second-place Ilya Nyzhnyk for the crown tomorrow. Photo by Frits Agterdenbos, ChessVista.
Standings (Group C)
1st: D. Vocaturo, 8½; 2nd: I. Nyzhnyk, 8; 3rd: I. Ivanisevic, 7½; 4th-5th: D. Swiercz, K. Lahno, 7; 6th-8th: M. Kazhgaleyev, M. Bluvshtein, T. Sachdev, 6½; 9th: B. Bok, 6; 10th: S. Siebrecht, 4½; 11th-14th: J.W. de Jong, R. Pruijssers, M. van der Werf, R. van Kampen, 4
Video by Europe-Echecs.com.
FLASH!! Hikaru Nakamura wins the 2011 Tata Steel tournament after drawing with Wang Hao of China. Nakamura ended on 9/13 for +5. David Navara and Luke McShane tie for 1st with 8½/13 in the B Group while Daniele Vocaturo wins Group C with 9/13.
https://www.thechessdrum.net/blog/2011/01/30/nakamura-wins-2011-tata-steel/
Group A
I. Nepomniachtchi – V. Anand ½-½
V. Kramnik – M. Vachier-Lagrave ½-½
Wang Hao – H. Nakamura ½-½
A. Grischuk – M. Carlsen ½-½
L. Aronian – J. Smeets ½-½
A. Shirov – E. l’Ami ½-½
A. Giri – R. Ponomariov ½-½
Anand (right) tried by was not able to break the Russian champion’s fortress.
Photo by Frits Agterdenbos of ChessVista.
Standings (Group A)
1st: H. Nakamura, 9; 2nd: V. Anand, 8½; 3rd-4th: M. Carlsen, L. Aronian, 8; 5th-6th: V. Kramnik, M. Vachier-Lagrave, 7½; 7th-8th: R. Ponomariov, A. Giri, 6½; 9th-10th: I. Nepomniachtchi, W. Hao, 6; 11th-13th: A. Grischuk, J. Smeets, E. L’Ami, 4½; 14th: A. Shirov, 4
Group B
J. Hammer – L. Fressinet 0-1
Z. Efimenko – G. Sargissian ½-½
S. Ganguly – L. Liem ½-½
W. So – R. Wojtaszek ½-½
D. Navara – L. McShane ½-½
W. Spoelman – F. Nijboer 1-0
Li Chao – V. Tkachiev 1-0
Standings (Group B)
1st-2nd: D. Navara, L. McShane, 8½; 3rd: Z. Efimenko, 8; 4th-6th: W. So, G. Sargissian, L. Liem, V., 7½; 7th: Tkachiev, 7; 8th: R. Wojtaszek, 6½; 9th-10th: L. Fressinet, L. Chao, 6; 11th: Ganguly, 5½; 12th: W. Spoelman, 5; 13th: J. Hammer, 4; 14th: F. Nijboer, 3½
Group C
R. van Kampen – B. Bok ½-½
D. Vocaturo – I. Nyzhnyk ½-½
M. Kazhgaleyev – D. Swiercz ½-½
J.W. de Jong – K. Lahno 0-1
M. Bluvshtein – I. Ivanisevic 1-0
T. Sachdev – S. Siebrecht 0-1
R. Pruijssers – M. van der Werf 0-1
Standings (Group C)
1st: D. Vocaturo, 9; 2nd: I. Nyzhnyk, 8½; 3rd: K. Lahno, 8; 4th-6th: I. Ivanisevic, M. Bluvshtein, D. Swiercz, 7½; 7th: M. Kazhgaleyev, 7; 8th-9th: T. Sachdev, B. Bok, 6½; 10th: S. Siebrecht, 5½; 11th: M. van der Werf, 5; 12th: R. van Kampen, 4½; 13th-14th: J.W. de Jong, R. Pruijssers, 4
Videos by ChessVibes.com.