Jermuk R9: Kasimdzhanov catches the leaders

Fifth FIDE Grand Prix in Jermuk, Armenia

This event is taking place from August 8th-24th 2009. It is a Category 19 tournament, with eleven of the 14 players rated over 2700. The event is a memorial to former world champion Tigran Petrosian, who held the title from 1963–1969 and would have turned 80 on June 17th this year.

Round nine

New day, same story. With a second consecutive round of six draws from seven games, the players seem to be falling into a pattern typical of these high level events. Fortunately, of course, every round has had a least one bloodied victim. Karjakin-Inarkiev saw the Russian miss an opportunity for another win, playing 68...Qe5, where 68...Rd3 led to eventual mate. Where Inarkiev failed, however, Kasimdzhanov succeeded, winning a 42-move encounter in the Anti-Meran Variations against Cheparinov.

Chparinov and Kasimdzhanov being interviewed after their game by IM Lilit Mkrtchian

Peter Leko continues to be unbeatable, forcing a 28-move draw against Kamsky to hold onto the lead for the ninth round in succession.

You talking to me? Kamsky and Leko debate their game in the press conference

No other game produced any truly substantive chances for decisive finishes. As a result, the leading pack grows again, with Leko and Ivanchuk welcoming Kasimdzhanov back into the fold.

Jermuk – a bridge spanning one of the many mountain ravines

Kamsky vs Leko with a backdrop of the hilly Jermuk countyside

Dmitry Jakovenko with a slightly different but equally spectacular view in the background

Haven't we seen this before? Boris Gelfand in a familiar pose here in game nine

Sergey Karjakin at work in his round nine game against Ernesto Inarkiev

How do I do it? With pure, raw talent, Et! – Bacrot and Kasmidzanov after round nine

Armenian idols Lilit and Lev: we are taking up a collection to get some much needed
vowels for the charming Ms Mkrtchian

Armenian ladies with big ratings: WGM Nelly Aginian, 2322, IM Lilit Mkrtchian, 2467,
and WIM Siranush Andriasian, 2240

Local hero: Levon Aronian being mobbed by young fans after the round

Local beauty: Peter Leko's wife Sofi is originally from Armenia

I'll show you how it's done! Peter Leko performs in front of a clutch of Russian grandmasters

Like this, Peter? Evgeny Alekseev in action

Trick shot: Dmitry Jakovenko can spin and slice!

World-class photographer with world-class GM: Aram Karakhanyan with Lev Aronian

All pictures by Arman Karakhanyan, courtesy of FIDE

Current standings

FIDE Grand Prix Jermuk 2009 – Schedule and results

The games start at 15:00h Armenian time (12:00 noon CEST, 11:00h London, 6 a.m. New York and 3 a.m. California). Full live coverage, including discussion and analysis with thousands of other visitors, is available on Playchess.

Links Full information on the FIDE site All ChessBase reports on the Jermuk GP All games in PGN The 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 the free PGN reader ChessBase Light, which gives you immediate access. You can also use the program to read, replay and analyse PGN games. New and enhanced: CB Light 2009!