Vokhidov and Madaminov remain as co-leaders

Shamsiddin Vokhidov and Mukhiddin Madaminov continue to share the lead at the UzChess Cup in Tashkent with one round to go. The two Uzbek representatives, ranked eighth and tenth respectively in the ten-player field, both drew their games with the white pieces on Sunday.

Madaminov had the more eventful game of the two leaders, as he obtained some chances to press for a win against Arjun Erigaisi in an endgame with rook against bishop.

The game eventually ended drawn, leaving the early tournament surprise leader still tied for first place. Vokhidov, meanwhile, signed a 29-move draw against Vidit Gujrathi to remain level with his compatriot.

Master your Technique Vol.3 - Practical Techniques you must know

In this volume, we dive into core aspects of chess technique. Smyslov taught the principle of tactical hierarchy, “checks, double attacks, and unprotected pieces”, and Mikhalchishin demonstrates how this method of calculation is vital.
After mastering positional play in Volume 1 and learning how to convert small advantages in Volume 2 of the Master Your Technique series, GM Mikhalchishin now presents Essential Techniques, covering topics from playing on the flank versus the center to maintaining tactical vigilance. In this volume, we dive into core aspects of chess technique. Smyslov taught the principle of tactical hierarchy, “checks, double attacks, and unprotected pieces”, and Mikhalchishin demonstrates how this method of calculation is vital. He shows how top players apply it, but also how even grandmasters sometimes miss critical resources, highlighting the necessity of developing a strong “tactical sense.” This approach encompasses tactical vigilance and scanning for sacrifices, but is also highly relevant to the second part of the course, which focuses on more strategic elements such as the use of heavy pieces and endgame technique.
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Free Video Sample: Mating Net: Ne7+ Qxh7 Rh5+

The remaining three games were decisive. Ian Nepomniachtchi defeated Hans Niemann, while Shakhriyar Mamedyarov got the better of Nodirbek Yakubboev. Both winners moved to within half a point of the co-leaders, giving them a chance to fight for tournament victory in Monday's ninth and final round.

Nepomniachtchi later confessed that the line he used to defeat Niemann had been prepared for the 2021 World Championship match against Carlsen. The Russian GM ended the game with 1 hour and 22 minutes on his clock!

Master Class Vol.20 - Bent Larsen

In this video course experts examine the games of Bent Larsen. Let them show you which openings Larsen chose, where his strength in middlegames were, how he outplayed his opponents in the endgame & you’ll get a glimpse of his tactical abilities!
Bent Larsen (1935–2010) was the greatest chess player in Danish history, and for a time, the second-strongest player in the Western world behind Bobby Fischer. Between 1954 and 1971, he won the Danish Championship six times, and achieved numerous international tournament victories throughout his career. 
Free video sample: Introduction to Bent Larsen by Peter Heine Nielsen
Free video sample: Introduction to the Opening Section

The other decisive result came in unusual circumstances, as Nikolas Theodorou defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The Uzbek grandmaster was forced to resign in a completely equal endgame after falling foul of the touch-move rule, as he touched his king while his rook was en prise on f2.

Fritz 21

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The final round will see both leaders playing with the black pieces. Vokhidov will face Abdusattorov, while Madaminov will meet Niemann. The closest pursuers, Mamedyarov and Nepomniachtchi, are set to face each other, which keeps several scenarios open going into the last day.

Round 8 results

Standings after round 8

All games

Links

• Official website
• Javokhir Sindarov: "The quarantine changed my life"