World Cup Finals: Svidler wins, Ivanchuk takes bronze
9/19/2011 – Peter Svidler drew his final game against Alexander Grischuk, securing it with a nice knight sacrifice. This gave him a 2.5-1.5 win over Alexander Grischuk and the title of World Cup winner. In the match for third place Vassily Ivanchuk drew for a similar final score against Ruslan Ponomariov. Svidler, Grischuk and Ivanchuk have qualified for the next stage of the World Championship. Full illustrated report.
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The tournament is taking place in the Ugorian Chess Academy in the very heart of Khanty-Mansiysk, which has hosted three previous World Cups: 2005, 2007, and 2009. The 128 participants hail from 46 different countries, and are playing for a total prize fund of US $1.6 million. In addition the first three finisher get tickets to the Candidates tournament in the next World Championship cycle.
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Finals game four
The final game was a Sicilian, and Grischuk chose to continue the opening discussion in the popular Najdorf Variation, which was started in the second game. But Svidler was content with a draw in this game, so he made a less challenging third move, giving a check from b5 with a bishop. This variation is notorious for its drawing tendencies, and if Grischuk wanted to fight for more, he had to avoid exchanges, thus ceding White a lot of space. However, Svidler showed little ambition in the opening, and allowed Black to get an easy game.
The final game of the Final: Alexander Grischuk faces Peter Svidler
After the game Svidler said that he is a bit ashamed for his cautious play earlier on. However, Peter rehabilitated himself on the 26th move with is knight sacrifice for two pawns. Grischuk worked hard to parry the threats, but allowed mass exchanges and had to accept a draw,
Grischuk and Svidler in the press conference (with translator Bambusha Nominkhanova)
Svidler: "I have played in Khanty-Mansiysk many times. My results were not always satisfactory, but I never had any complaints about the organization. Everything here is perfect. It was a pleasure to play in a large hall in the Academy, and I liked the live streaming video and grandmaster commentary."
Almost made it! Alexander Girschuk failed at the very last hurdle
Grischuk: "I also liked the organization, although lately, when most of the players left, it became a bit lonely. I have an idea: maybe the Governor Cup (which takes a week during the World Cup) should last for three weeks? This would give the World Cup finalists some company."
Peter Svidler kibitzes the game Vassily Ivanchuk vs Ruslan Ponomariov
Vassily Ivanchuk in the press conference (together with Kermen Goryaeva
and Maria Fominykh
Vassily explains what was going on in his mind during the game
Ivanchuk: "Khanty-Mansiysk is a wonderful city, and I am happy to spend here a lot of time. I think other participants are sharing my view. I wish this city and Ugra region a lot of success."
Results of the finals
| Name | G1 |
G2 |
G3 |
G4 |
Tot |
| Grischuk, Alexander (RUS) | 0 |
½ |
½ |
½ |
1.5 |
| Svidler, Peter (RUS) | 1 |
½ |
½ |
½ |
2.5 |
| Ivanchuk, Vassily (UKR) | ½ |
1 |
½ |
½ |
1.5 |
| Ponomariov, Ruslan (UKR) | ½ |
0 |
½ |
½ |
2.5 |
Remaining schedule of the World Chess Cup 2011
| Date | Day | Time | Rounds |
| 20.09.2011 | Tuesday | 11:00 | Closing ceremony |
| 21.09.2011 | Wednesday | Departure |
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 11 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs. |
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