Korobov leads Superbet Rapid and Blitz in Bucharest

Rapid, Day 2-3

Korobov scored two wins from three games on the second day of the Superbet rapid tournament: He won against Vishy Anand in round four, drew against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in round five, then grabbed the lead with a win with Black against Wesley So in round six.

The Ukrainian rapid specialist maintained his edge on Friday by adding three more points (three draws worth 1 point each), to finish the rapid portion of the tournament with a 12/18 for a 2 point margin heading into the blitz.

Final standings

The rapid tournament uses double-point scoring with 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw

Anton Korobov on the way to the playing hall | Photo: Grand Chess Tour / Lennart Ootes

When getting out of the car before the start of round four, judging from this photo, Korobov seemed to have some coordination problems, but they had quickly dissipated in his game against Anand. Korobov staged a brutal attack out of the opening, which he saw through to mate.

Then, in round six against Wesley So, Korobov showed his tactical skills, but this time on the defensive. So had built up a strong attack, but did not find the best continuation and allowed Korobov to launch a counterstrike.

The Sicilian Rossolimo for White

The Rossolimo Variation 3.Bb5 is considered to be one of the strongest replies to 2…Nc6 in the Sicilian Defence. The fact that the move has been played by practically all the top players proves its popularity and strength. But the most interesting aspect of playing 3.Bb5 is that we force sharp, attacking players who love to have the initiative to forget about the Open Sicilian and to adjust themselves to a new world, one full of positional ideas, manoeuvres and nuances.

With this somewhat lucky win Korobov took over the sole championship lead. Anish Giri, who started as the leader in Day 2, fell back to second after beating Le Quang Liem in round four, losing against Vladislav Artemiev in round five and drawing against Anand in round six.

Anish Giri | Foto: © Grand Chess Tour / Lennart Ootes

Anand bounced back from his loss to Korobov with a win against his old rival Levon Aronian.

Master Class Vol. 12: Viswanathan Anand

This DVD allows you to learn from the example of one of the best players in the history of chess and from the explanations of the authors how to successfully organise your games strategically, and how to keep your opponent permanently under pressure.

Old rivals: Levon Aronian and Vishy Anand | Photo: Grand Chess Tour / Lennart Ootes

Interested young spectators | Photo: Grand Chess Tour / Lennart Ootes

Three draws on Day 3 were good enough for Korobov to extend his lead over Anish Giri heading into the Blitz portion of the tournament. However, a bit of luck was needed, because in the direct encounter with Giri, in round eight, something clearly went wrong for the Ukrainian.

In this complicated position 24.♖f4 was the only clearly winning move. Giri's 24.♖g1 allowed Korobov strong counterplay with 24...♝d1.

Giri was able to hold his second place in the standings, but ultimately had to share this with Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Levon Aronian. The Dutchman managed only two draws on the last day of the Rapid tournament and lost his game against Mamedyarov:

A lifetime repertoire: Play the Nimzo Indian

This DVD provides everything you need to know to be able to play one of the most classical openings with Black, the Nimzo-Indian, arising after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Nearly every World Championship and top tournament features the Nimzo-Indian.

Mamedyarov prepares to catch Giri | Photo: Grand Chess Tour / Justin Kellar

Wesley So, who was crowned "Fischer Random World Champion" a few days ago, finished the rapid in last place. So gave up 2 points against Levon Aronian — the Armenians benefited from a misjudgment by So:

Opening package: 1.b3 and Black Secrets in the Modern Italian

Wesley So published two new opening DVDs: 1.b3, the so called Nimzo-Larsen-Attack, for White and his black secrets in the modern Italian. Get them in a package and save money!

So not enjoying Bucharest so far! | Photo: Grand Chess Tour / Justin Kellar

Both Viswanathan Anand and Fabiano Caruana, suffered setbacks on the third day and had to accept two defeats each. 

Navigating the Ruy Lopez Vol.1-3

The Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest openings which continues to enjoy high popularity from club level to the absolute world top. In this video series, American super GM Fabiano Caruana, talking to IM Oliver Reeh, presents a complete repertoire for White.

Once again that leaves the overall standings heading into the blitz as follows:

Standings via Grand Chess Tour live webcast

Day 3 commentary

GMs Alejandro Ramirez, Cristian Chirila, Maurice Ashley, and WGM Jen Shahade

All rapid games

Saturday and Sunday are the two blitz days, with nine rounds (5 + 3) on the program, beginning at the usual time: 13:00 UTC (14:00 CET, 8:00 AM EST).

Links

• Official site
• Report on Round 1: Anish Giri takes the early lead