And so, I am glad to greet everybody who is interested by events from Linares. Today is my turn to annotate the games. What is possible to expect to us today? Undoubtedly, Kasparov will try to consolidate his leader position. Whether will manage Ivanchuk to solve opening problems and to puzzle the contender? In the game Shirov - Ponomariov the big fight is expected. Result is unpredictable. In the stayed pair Vallejo - Adams hardly Black will test the problems. But what adjust on struggle at youth? It is necessary to wait not long. Kasparov - Ivanchuk 1/2 It is difficult to say, as far as the decision of Ivanchuk, which risked "to go in the steps" of Kramnik (last show - match in Moscow) is justified . Certainly, Kasparov is well prepared for struggle in this position. It is possible to tell - Vassily " causes fire on himself ". After 12.0-0 we can expect the "trench " struggle. After Black has selected Rb8 (alternative Nd7), Garry unexpectedly has decided to play having exchanged the Queens. I don't know, as far as such decision is proved, because to defence after that easier. At the same time decisions of a similar sort, as a rule, are fulfilled beforehand, and, undoubtedly, Black has to solve certain difficulties. There is a "viscous" maneuverable struggle. Position of Black is strong, on the part of White the attentiveness is required that not to miss the counter-play. Nobody wanted to take the risk. A regular draw. Shirov - Ponomariov 1/2 We see in next time - Queen's gambit accepted in Ponomariov performance. The position of White - preferable, but is required " rigid game ". After 16th move of Black it is necessary for White to demonstrate the plan of strengthening of the position. While Black has a clear plan of counter-play. After 20.Ne5 Black has not solved all problems yet. After 27... Qd5 the chances are equal. Continuing 29. Re7 White has a draw. But whether will arrange Shirov such result? A draw in the equal Queen's ending which allows us to hope for an intrigue at the finish. Will the youngest Champion manage to make a competition to Gary Kasparov? Vallejo Pons - Adams 1/2 Slow English - harbinger of the " viscous" maneuverable struggle, in which Adams is a good expert. Though the position of White is more pleasant, and I can't beleive that Vallejo will be able to break the Black's position. After 15.f4 we can expect and here the "trench " struggle too. After 18... Rad8 not bad to replace the Knight on d3 (on a route d4-c2-b4-d3), but what is farther? Move 19.g4 is rather aggressive, and therefore is very risky. As far as such activity is proved? Though the basic law says: "that who has an advantage in centre should attack ", I doubt in validity of such activity. Vallejo plays widely and hazardously. On the 30-th move he has undertaken an operation connected with the sacrifice of pawn. All thoughts are aimed on the king. The attack looks rather strong, to play White simply, threats are rather unpleasant. The most exciting duel nevertheless finished in a draw. Perhaps according to a law this double round of the 1st and 2nd stages was assigned with such a peaceful way. Although in the course of such a duel White had all chances for a success. Good-bye till the next meetings. Good luck! |
