January, 17, 2002 9...Bc4 - a rare move, the ususal continuation is 9...Bd5, with a farm but slightly worse position. 10.Bc4 Nc4 11.0-0 - according to the theory more dangerous for Black is considered 11.Qb3 Nb6 12.e6 fe6 13.Qe6 Nd4 14.Qe4 with a strong initiative for White. Perhaps Ponomariov has something for it, but I don't understand why Ivanchuk chose 11.0-0 Now Black has in my opinion a good position. After 20.Qe4 - Ivanchuk has a serious advantage, it seems that Ponomariov provided an unsuccessful maneouvre a7-a5-a4 and Ra8-a5. White as before threaten by an undermining d4-d5. Since this threaten Black can't play Qd7-e8. 20...g6 - now it's an interesting move for example 21.h4 28. Bh6 - Ivanchuk is close to a victory. 31...Rf7 - it seems that Ivanchuk has "plowed". A difficult calculation, it is hard to evaluate. Maybe the position is even in Black's favour. 32.Rc1 Rf4 33.Nf4 Re5 31...Rf7 Now 32.Rc1 Rf4 33.Nf4 Re5 34.Qc4 Qf7(34...Kh835.Nd3)35.Qf7 Kf7 36.Nd3 with White's advantage. It's true that there are technical problems, taking into account Ivanchuk's time trouble. 54...Rf4 Ivanchuk let out all, it will be a draw. In spite of a faceless Ponomariov's play in this game, he has obviously better nerves and a literate expenditure for time. This could play a decisive role in future. |
