Sergey Ionov GM Sergey Ionov,
annotates the games of 1/8 final


FIDE World championship,
1/8 final, december 3 2001.


In the game Adams-Svidler Peter has not wanted to discuss with Adams in the popular now branch of Naidorf , and, instead of usual for himself 6.... e5 has selected rare continuation 6... Nc6 7.f3 d5. After a series of exchanges Adams has applied a novelty 12. Qd2. In the position, turned out after the sixteenth move of White, he keeps some pressure, but Black is close to the equation
Risky Svidler's move 16.... f5 has allowed for White after strong manoeuvre 17. Q╔1 Qc7 (17.... Q╔1 18. R he1 Kf7 19. Bc1 and Bb2) 18.Bd4 Bd6 19.f4 to win the pawn. Black it is necessary hard struggle for a drawn game.

Nevertheless Black it was possible to organize a defense due to weakness of passedpawn ╔5 and difficulties in realizations of the pawn majority on Q-side. In the critical moment, after the White's move Bd1 with the purpose to compel exchange active Black rook, Peter with the help of g6-g5 It was possible to organize counterplay on the K-side, which Adams has found sufficient and, soon has offered a drawn game by himself.

In the game Ponomariov - Morozevich Black has selected firm variation in the French defence. On 11th move White has applied a novelty connected to the logical plan of replacement the black bishop from the d5-square. Carried out by Ponomariov break on the 17th move d4-d5, has emphasized weakness of construction of Black, the uneasy defence is necessary him.
The brisk skirmish at the centre has resulted to the win the pawn by White. It circumstance, and also opened position of the Black king and the presence of the weak ═6-pawn, made the chances of Morozevich on a drawn game very problematic.

After loss the pawn the businesses of Black practically were hopeless also White confidently has finished the game up to the victory.