Kramnik vs Andreikin
The FIDE World Cup final phase got underway in Tromso (Norway) even before we go to press.
In the end of grueling 18- day knockout matches, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, the No. 3 seed, and 23-year-old Dmitry Andreikin will mix it up in a four-game all-Russian affair.
Both players are on top of their games entering the final strongest tournament of the year. Playing with accuracy that marked his prime, the 38-year-old Kramnik roared into the World Cup final with an easy 2.5-1.5 rout of Frenchman Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the semifinal.
Andreikin, seeded 21st and rising fast, had to work much longer to shake off compatriot Evgeny Tomashevsky, 2.5-1.5. Now the stage is set for Kramnik-Andreikin. There were reports that at some stage in Andreikin’s development, Kramnik was his adviser and trainer.
Will pupil surpass teacher? That’s the 64-square question which will be answered after four games.
Now let us have an amusing game from the semifinals. Black miscalculates in middle game tactics, and White is quick to spot the flaw.
FIDE World Cup 2013
Semifinals
W) D. Andreikin (RUS) B) E. Tomashevsky (RUS) Slav Defense
1. d4 d5
2. Nf3 Nf3
3. c4 c6 4. Nc3 a6 This variation may be described as contemporary because of its recent popularity. It seems, however, that White’s task is more difficult than it is after the conventional 4...dxc4. 5. c5 Bf5 Black’s last is the usual move, but 5...b6 is also a good alternative. For instance 6. cxb6 Qxb6 7. Qc2 g6 8. e3 Bf5 with close to equality. 6. Bf4 Nbd7 7. e3 g6 8. Qb3 Qc8 9. h3 Bg7 10. Be2 0-0 11. 0-0 Ne4
12. Rac1 Re8
13. Nxe4 Bxe4 14. Ng5 Nf6 15. Be5 h6 16. Bxf6 exf6 17. Nxe4 Bxe4 18. Bf3 Re7 19. h4 f5 20. g3 Qe6 21. Kg2 g5
Black embarks on a risky venture. 21...h5 seems safer. 22. hxg5 hxg5 23. Qd3 f4 24. exf4 gxf4 25. g4 Qg6 26. Rcd1 a5
26...Qxd3 seems more to the point as it ensures equality. 27. Rh1 Rae8 28. Rh5 Re1?!
Black starts to go astray. Again exchanging queens with 28...Qxd3 is better. After the text, White enjoys maximum prospects. 29. Rxe1 Rxe1 30. Qd2 Re8 31. Qxf4 Qf6 Only now Black realizes that his position is vulnerable with queens on the board, but it is too late as White has already achieved a dangerous initiative. 32. Rf5 Qxd4 33. Qc7 Rf8 34. Qxb7 Qxc5 35. Qd7 Qc2 36. g5 Bd4 37. Bh5 Qe3ch 38. Rf3 Kg7 39. Qxc6 Qh7? This loses quickly. But Black’s game is difficult anyway. For instance 39...Rh8 40. Qc7 Rf8 41. Qxa5 Re8 42. Qc7 Re7 43. Qd6 Bxb2 44. a4 and White should win with correct play. 40. Qxd5 Qxh5 Or 40... Bxb2 41. g6 Qh6 42. Rxf7ch and White wins. 41. Qxd4ch Kg8 42. Rh3 1:0 Solution to last week’s puzzle: (White = Kh4, Rb5, Ne5, Pf4; Black = Ka1, Nd4, Pf2, Pf5) 1. Ra5ch Kb1 2. Nf3 Nxf3 ch 3. Kg3 f1Q$. Ra1 ch Kxa1 Stalemate