The second seed grabs the title
Our experts show, using the games of Botvinnik, how to employ specific openings successfully, which model strategies are present in specific structures, how to find tactical solutions and rules for how to bring endings to a successful conclusion
The International Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial, held from June 22 to 30 in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, concluded with a commanding victory by Alexey Sarana in the Masters tournament. Sarana, representing Serbia, emerged as the sole winner, scoring 7 points. He was the only player to reach this mark, while five others shared second place with 6½ points each. The tournament attracted a strong international field, with Sarana fulfilling his role as one of the favourites, following his seeding behind Chinese grandmaster Wang Hao.
Sarana's journey to victory began with a draw in the opening round. However, he quickly found his stride, securing four consecutive victories to build a strong foundation. Heading into the second half of the tournament, Sarana led with 4½ points. In the final four rounds, his performance remained steady, with another win and a draw securing the title. Despite Wang Hao's five wins and three draws, the Chinese grandmaster was unable to catch up after a difficult start, which included an opening round loss.
Five players, including Aryan Chopra and Zhamsaran Tsydypov, finished tied for second place, each with 6½ points. Chopra's superior tiebreak score earned him second place ahead of Tsydypov in third.
The Masters tournament featured 21 grandmasters, with a guaranteed prize fund of 78,000 USD, with the winner taking home 18,000 USD. The event's title pays tribute to Vladimir Dvorkovich, a Russian chess arbiter and official, and the father of current FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
This year's tournament reaffirmed Sarana's skill in handling endgame positions. Notably, in round five, he overcame GM Elham Amar of Norway in a rook endgame with an extra pawn.
In round eight, he outplayed sixth seed Sanan Sjugirov in a knight endgame, despite both sides having five pawns each.
These performances showcased Sarana's ability to convert slight advantages into victories and sealed his position as the deserved champion of the Aktobe Open.
Final standings
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1 |
2 |
|
GM |
Sarana, Alexey |
|
|
2686 |
7 |
43 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
8 |
|
GM |
Aryan, Chopra |
|
|
2620 |
6,5 |
44,5 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
18 |
|
GM |
Tsydypov, Zhamsaran |
|
|
2514 |
6,5 |
42,5 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
12 |
|
GM |
Iniyan, Pa |
|
|
2573 |
6,5 |
42,5 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
20 |
|
GM |
Kazhgaleyev, Murtas |
|
|
2500 |
6,5 |
41 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
1 |
|
GM |
Wang, Hao |
|
|
2701 |
6,5 |
40,5 |
0 |
5 |
7 |
16 |
|
GM |
Xue, Haowen |
|
|
2518 |
6 |
44 |
0 |
3 |
8 |
3 |
|
GM |
Sargsyan, Shant |
|
|
2669 |
6 |
42,5 |
0 |
4 |
9 |
6 |
|
GM |
Sjugirov, Sanan |
|
|
2635 |
5,5 |
45,5 |
0 |
4 |
10 |
4 |
|
GM |
Cheparinov, Ivan |
|
|
2641 |
5,5 |
43,5 |
0 |
2 |
11 |
15 |
|
GM |
Bocharov, Dmitry |
|
|
2522 |
5,5 |
42 |
0 |
5 |
12 |
14 |
|
GM |
Nogerbek, Kazybek |
|
|
2538 |
5,5 |
42 |
0 |
3 |
13 |
49 |
|
IM |
Amilal, Munkhdalai |
|
|
2385 |
5,5 |
41,5 |
0 |
3 |
14 |
23 |
|
IM |
Ilamparthi, A R |
|
|
2490 |
5,5 |
39 |
0 |
3 |
15 |
10 |
|
GM |
Yilmaz, Mustafa |
|
|
2586 |
5,5 |
38 |
0 |
4 |
16 |
58 |
|
WIM |
Khamdamova, Afruza |
w |
|
2326 |
5,5 |
37,5 |
0 |
4 |
17 |
28 |
|
IM |
Davtyan, Artur |
|
|
2472 |
5 |
45,5 |
0 |
3 |
18 |
24 |
|
IM |
Urazayev, Arystanbek |
|
|
2490 |
5 |
45 |
0 |
2 |
19 |
35 |
|
FM |
Rostovtsev, Dmitry |
|
|
2429 |
5 |
42,5 |
0 |
4 |
20 |
32 |
|
|
Utegaliyev, Azamat |
|
|
2445 |
5 |
42,5 |
0 |
3 |
21 |
9 |
|
GM |
Amar, Elham |
|
|
2589 |
5 |
42,5 |
0 |
3 |
22 |
37 |
|
IM |
Goutham, Krishna H |
|
|
2427 |
5 |
42,5 |
0 |
2 |
23 |
13 |
|
GM |
Aditya, Mittal |
|
|
2563 |
5 |
41 |
0 |
3 |
24 |
17 |
|
GM |
Suleymenov, Alisher |
|
|
2515 |
5 |
40,5 |
0 |
3 |
25 |
40 |
|
IM |
Korchmar, Vasiliy |
|
|
2417 |
5 |
39,5 |
0 |
4 |
...68 players
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