
The friendly match between Alexei Shirov and Daniil Dubov has been a massacre in favor of the Latvian as he takes a 4.5-0.5 lead with one game to go. The match is ensured a full six games whatever the results and two blitz games in the event of a draw, but there has been little need of that to satisfy the audience's bloodlust.
Game three brought no reprieve for Dubov...
One could point out the more experienced and higher rating of Shirov over Dubov, but the truth is that would be only part of the story. The two players have extremely contrasting styles, with Shirov famous for his dynamic and tactical play, while Dubov has been described by Sergey Shipov, his trainer, as having a style more remniscent of Petrosian than anyone. The question then beckons: why is the ultra-positional player plunging headfirst into the Botvinnik system of the Semi-Slav with both colors? The Botvinnik has long been the darling of elite GMs, the ultimate challenge in complications and opening preparation, which hardly seems like the ideal choice if you want to impose quiet methodical maneuvering, and contain Shirov's nuclear brand of chess.
... as Shirov has had all the answers in the end.
That said, the games have been entertaining to say the least, and are well worth playing through. Use the drop-down menu to select the game.
The start of game five
Game:
|
Rtg |
01
|
02
|
03
|
04
|
05
|
06
|
Score
|
Daniil Dubov | 2636 |
½
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0.5
|
|
Alexei Shirov | 2695 |
½
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
4.5
|
Pictures by Alexander Weinstein
LinksThe games are being 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. |