The KO format of World Cup lends itself to upsets. A mini-match of two games at normal controls is followed by progressively shorter controls in tiebreakers. This places a premium on nerves.
One of the more successful if cynical strategies is to make two quick agreed draws in the “normals” and go to tiebreakers. This means two “rest days” between each crunch match. It also reduces the need for preparation.
Big name casualties by round II include Peter Leko beaten by Samuel Shankland, Alexei Shirov downed by Vladimir Potkin, Rustam Kasimdzanov beaten by Gata Kamsky, Sergei Movsesian who lost to Judit Polgar, etc. Out of India's three representatives, Harikrishna and Negi both lost in Rd II, to Jakovenko and Radjabov respectively. Abhijeet Gupta is through to round III with a win against Shankland.
The new rating list shows no change in the top top three with Carlsen (2823) ahead of Anand (2817) and Aronyan (2807). At no:4, Kramnik (2791) switches with Karjakin (2772) who goes to no:5. For the first time, the top 100 have an average rating of 2700.
The Botvinnik Memorial Rapid this weekend features a great field with experimental formats. The top feature is a double RR with Carlsen, Anand, Aronyan and Kramnik while Humpy, Tatiana Kosintseva, Cmilyte and Danielan play a women's double RR.
The control is 25 mins+ 10 seconds increment. At the 25 minute mark, clocks will be paused, and each player in turn will podcast his/her thoughts while the others listen to music to drown out comments! This insider analysis could be fascinating. There will also be a mixed blitz double when male-female teams pair off to play alternate moves without consultation.
The Diagram, WHITE TO PLAY (Shirov Vs Potkin, Game 2, WC 2011) is a tough struggle that ends tragi-comically. Shirov was down 0-1 and needed a win.
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White tried 17.cxd5 Qc2+ 18.Qxc2 Nxc2 19.Bb6! Nxa1 20.dxe6 fxe6 . The alternative 20.-- Bxe6 21. Bxe6 fxe6 22. Rxa1 Rc8 23. Re1 Rc4 24. Nfd4 Bc5 25. Nxc5 Nxc5 26. Bxc5 Rxc5 is also equal and unbalanced.
21.Rxa1 Rc8 22.Nbd4 Bc5 23.Bxc5 Nxc5 24.b4 Nd3 25.Rd1 Nb2. White's small material deficit is compensated by more active pieces and targets like e6,b7, g7. 26.Rb1 Nd3 27.Bxe6 Bxe6 28.Nxe6 Rc2+ 29.Kh3 g6 30.Nc5 Nf2+ Obviously 30.--Nxc5? 31. bxc5 Rxc5 Rxb7 is exactly what white wants. 31.Kh4 b6 32.Nxa6 0-0.
At first glance, white's better but he could get mated. His only try is 33. Nd4 (holding f5) Rxa2 34. Nc7 when it stays about equal and there's everything to play for. Instead 33.e6?? Rf5 (0-1). A line like 34. g4 Rxf4 35. Ne5 Re4 is convincing.