Adams - Kasparov Kasparov aspires to vary the schemes in Sicilian, having chosen e6 in reply to Naidorf with Be3. Adams has answered rare Qf3 instead of habitual f3, though hardly it is news for Kasparov. By the 8th move h5 he interferes to development of the initiative of White on K-side (g4 etc.) It was possible for Kasparov to arrange the forces harmoniously and after 15th move his chances look a little more preferable. A sole problem for him is forward position of h5-pawn, which under a sight of white pieces. Kasparov on the 17th move began a forced operation, which has resulted in numerous exchanges and to complex ending. After 24.b4 Adams could win the pawn 26. ┼╔4, but after Rh5 light-squared bishop of Black is very strong. He has prefered to take another pawn on b6, but also after that Black had sufficient counter-chances (for example. 28. a5 Rb5 29. c3 Rd3). Adams has chosen continuation conducting to recurrence of moves and drawn game. Ivanchuk - Anand In this game White has prefered Catalan instead of probable Queen's gambit accepted. Then Ivanchuk has selected 6. Qc2 instead of usual 0-0, then followed c5, which according theory leads to the equal play. Position after 14th move of White met in the game Romanishin - Sneider, Ukraine, 1989. After sharp play Ivanchuk could win the Queen for Rook, Knight and pawn, but the weakness of 2nd horizontal gives for Black real counter-play. Both contenders refer in opinion, that activity of black pieces compensates material shortage and, not wishing to risk, they agreed for a drawn game. Ponomariov - Vallejo Pons Vallejo again has selected Paulsen variation, which brought him affliction in the game with Ivanchuk. The position after the 8th move of Black already met in practice of Ponomariov. On this times has followed 9. Qe2 (in the game Ponomariov - Dao, World ch. 2000 was 9. Re1 with further Qh5). Further White has undertaken the plan connected to weakening of Black pawns of Q-side Bd2, a4, Nd5 and c3. His position looks more preferable. Ponomariov quickly enough has taken an advantage. He has won the pawn and, having extinguished activity of black pieces, has achieved the sure victory. After this round Ponomariov has overtaken Kasparov that makes their personal duel more interesting. |
