Ukrainian GM Neverov Valeriy upset

FM Raja Rithvik R produced a spirited performance to defeat GM Neverov Valeriy in the fifth round of the Rs 35 lakh prize money 11th Mumbai Mayor’s International Chess Tournament 2018, sponsored by LIC and hosted by Mount Litera International School, Bandra Kurla Complex.

FM Raja Ritvik (ELO 2296) started with Kings Knight opening which got converted into vade defence. On the 19th move instead of exchanging the pawns, Valeriy blocked the position on the queen’s side. Taking advantage of this Ritvik attacked from the king side. On the 30th move, Valeriy tried to force a draw by repeating the position on board. After exchanging the queen, Ritvik got an active bishop in the end game. At a crucial juncture in the game, Ritvik looked like he had a clear winning position but he was not able to go for the kill. Ritvik got another shot at victory on the 73rd move when Valeriy lost focus and faltered, this time Ritvik kept his composure and ultimately finished the game in the 76th move.  

Meanwhile, Arjun continued his fine form in the tournament as he held top seed Kravtsiv Martyn (ELO 2662, UKR) to a draw.  The game started in the French Defence, with both the players matching each other move for move. After a lot of back and forth, both players were at their wit’s end and eventually decided to settle for a draw after 42 moves.

On the second board, GM Tran Tuan Minh (ELO 2514, VIE) who started with Queens Indian Defence against GM Rozum Evan ( ELO 2581, RUS) could not find any openings against the strong defence of Rozum. They went back and forth trying all possible moves and both players had to be content with a draw after the 73rd move.