Shirov-Kasparov 0-1 Sveshnikov variation in Sicilian defence. Last time rather rare Black permits a piece sacrifice on b5 since it considered that White has a very strong attack. 17.fe4 - it seems that White has not an entire compensation for a sacrificed piece. Black rather unpleasently attacks on the kingside meanwhile White still has not created any threats on the queenside. Now Black threatens with Bh3 or Bg4 followed by Bf3 and a strong pressure on the g2-point. Maybe White should play f4-f5. Will the score became 12:0 (in resulted games) in Kasparov's favor? White recovered the diagonal c8-h3 but Black transfer the Bishop on b7 with the same aim further to attack point g2. Black are ready to move e4-e3 in a certain moment. 20.Ne3 - Black has opened the diagonal a8-h1 and now probably are going to transfer the Knight throw b8 on d7 and the Bishop will go to h6 attacking the Knight. 24...Rc6 - nevertheless Kasparov managed so to attack g2-point that have saved an extra-piece and obtained a winning position. Once more he proved that he is the strongest in the world, confidentely winning the tournament in Linares. Ponomariov-Anand 1/2 Marshal Attack in Ruy Lopez. Possible Anand plays this opening first time and most likely this is connected with his tournament position and he decided to use the last chance to take the second place. He sacrificed a piece, developed an attack but it seems that the game will be drawn with perpetual check. Adams-Ivanchuk 1/2 The Sicilian Defence. Black has played a "hedgehog" structure, where he has a slightly constrained but a firm position. 15.Rad1 - now White strives to go e4-e5 and after the exchange on e5 to attack e6-pawn. In this case White will have the advantage. Black should wish to capture the points e5 and c5 then he will stand not bad. 27.Ra4 - Vassily failed to solve the problems and as a result of some complications remained without a pawn. Now he has to fight hard for a draw and this is ecpecially not easy with Adams who is known as a "man-spider". 41. Kf6 - Vassily nevertheless managed to repulse and in this position the draw is obvious since the very unhappy white King's position. He can't go to h4 for Rh2X mate. If White goes g3=g4 then after the exchange on g4 he has not aby chances to win because of the pawn is utmost. As it was expected Gary Kasparov became the winner. But nobody awaited that the second place will take the debutant of the tournament Ruslan Ponomariov. And if he would has a success in the game vs Kasparov he could even take the 1st place. But the 2nd place is also for him is an undoubted success. Ponomariov proved that his success at the FIDE World Championship was not accidental. A surprise was only the unhappy Shirov's performance, who took the last place. |
