The 14th Karpov Poikovsky tournament is taking place from August 27th to September 6th in Poikovsky, which is in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Russia.

Poikovsky, originally an oil drilling village, today has a population of 20,000

The name of the town comes from the Poika river. It is situated in the Nefteyugansk region which is between the rivers Ob' and Irtysh. The region is about a three hour drive away from Khanty-Mansiysk, the host of the 2010 Chess Olympiad.

14th Karpov Poikovsky final

The Karpov Poikovsky tournament has concluded and Pavel Eljanov was able to retain his lead with a draw against Viktor Laznicka while Motylev was unable to win his game. This gives the Ukrainian the tournament victory with half a point lead.

Also important for the leaderboard was the fact that Cheparinov was able to win his last round game against Sutovsky, which meant that the latter had to content himself with a huge tie for fourth rather than tying for second. The game was absolutely spectacular:

Alexander Onischuk is probably the most interesting player at the Karpov Poikovsky tournament. An accomplished player who now represents America, he is also now a chess coach for one of the strongest teams in the American collegiate circuit: the Texas Tech Knights. After the event was over an interview was conducted in honor of his birthday and his achievements:

Reporter: Hello, Alexander. We congratulate you on your recent birthday. As a gradnmaster of this level, chess is all that there is in life. Tell us how you started this hobby, and what it means to you to have the title of grandmaster.

Alexander Onischuk: I began to play chess in my childhood. You have to start early, no later than 10 years old. I am a graduate of the Soviet chess schools and grew up with the Karpov-Kasparov games. The GM title was unattainable, it was a big goal. When I became grandmaster it was a great event, it is of course the highest rank. When I did so there were not so many of them, maybe one hundred in the world.

Repoter: You are a permanent member of the Poikovsky tournament. Over the fourteen years the tournament has certainly improved in their professional experience and the rating of the competitors. How strong would you say this tournament is?

A.O.: The tournament has become stronger. These 13 years, it's basically an era. Computers came in and changed chess. This tournament, it is getting stronger, it is keeping pace with the passing of time and this tournament was always strong. For me, it is not only a place where you can play and relax, but also learn. In a tournament in which you play strong opponents - that is the best school you can imagine.

Reporter: You came second in the World Junior championship and were the American champion in 2006. What do you think of chess in the USA, is it stronger in your opinon in Russia or somewhere accross the ocean?

A.O.: I've been living in America for twelve years. After the fight between Fischer and the Soviet Union, chess had a boom which has kept it popular until now. Unlike Russia, where chess kids are taught early. Chess is taught as an amateur sport, but in Russia it is professionally delivered. Of course, if you compare the two teams Russia is stronger. As in any sport, anything can happen, but no country can match Russia.

Reporter: The issue of the series of superestitions: Do you prefer white or black, and do you have any rituals for good luck?

A.O.: White and black is a professional matter. The advantage is for white and any chess player would pick them. As far as superstitions, I try to keep a routine to repeat success. A game at the same time helps, and keeping up the day's schedule.

Reporter: Thank you Alexander.

You can see the full interview here (in Russian).

Onischuk finished the tournament with 50%, a little better than his rating would have predicted

Jakovenko unfortunately missed many chances in this tournament, and had to content himself with 4.5/9

Eljanov will have a tough match against Viktor Laznicka in the last round, and he will need to win to guarantee himself first place.

Replay games from round nine

Select games from the dropdown menu above the board

Standings after eight rounds

Schedule

Links Official tournament site All games in PGN The games will be broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 12 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs.