The second leg of the Women’s FIDE Grand Prix is officially launched
The second leg of the Women’s FIDE Grand Prix is officially launched. Monaco is hosting the best women chess players in the world for the next two weeks. Following the European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championships which ended last weekend, Monaco is ready to stage another great event on the chess calendar. The second leg of the Women’s FIDE Grand Prix takes place December 2-15 at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Twelve of the best women players in the world participate in this prestigious round-robin tournament. There is a lot at stake. Besides a hefty prize fund, the participants of Grand Prix Series are fighting for two top places in order to qualify for the Candidates Tournament and get a chance to face the reigning World Champion in a final match in 2021. The Yacht Club de Monaco also hosted a glittering ceremony that opened the event tonight. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his delight with the collaboration of the International Chess Federation and the Mediterranean Principality in the organization of an official tournament in Monaco: “This is the continuation of the brilliant history of chess events in the Principality”. The opening ceremony was attended by numerous important guests, such as Joël Bouzou, President of Peace and Sport and adviser of His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. He noted that “Monaco holds sport at a very high place, as it conveys the idea of neutrality. A chess game starts and unfolds with absolutely equal chances, and chess players are therefore fantastic ambassadors for peace”. Jean-Michel Rapaire, resourceful and tireless president of the Monaco Chess Club thanked all who contributed to making this tournament possible. “The event is under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, and I am particularly grateful for this honor.” The Yacht Club de Monaco is built in the shape of a majestic ship – certainly a suitable place for a chess tournament of this magnitude. This historic venue is used to host sports and cultural events so we can be sure of the highest level of organization. The first round starts on December 3rd at 3 pm. Pairings for the first round: Harika Dronavalli – Nana DzagnidzeElisabeth Paehtz – Zhao XuePia Cramling – Alexandra KosteniukAleksandra Goryachkina – Kateryna LagnoValentina Gunina – Humpy KoneruMariya Muzychuk – Anna Muzychuk The games can be followed live with expert commentary on the tournament website & FIDE YouTube channel. Text: Yannick PelletierPhotos: Karol Bartnik
Grand Chess Tour Finals Day 1: Two eventful draws
The semi-finals of 2019 Grand Chess Tour Finals kicked off in Hammersmith London. Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren are competing against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Levon Aronian respectively in a series of classical, rapid and blitz matches to determine the two finalists. Whilst both classical games ended in a draw, there was no lack of action on the board. Tomorrow, the two pairs will meet again with the opposite colors before moving on to the rapid and blitz portion. Magnus Carlsen vs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave: ½ – ½ The fascinating Sicilian Najdorf ended in a hard-fought draw in 32 moves. Magnus Carlsen deviated in the opening with an unusual combination of ideas, taking the game into unknown territory from move 7. With the kings castled on the opposite sides, Carlsen was attempting to build an attack on the kingside, while Maxime Vachier-Lagrave was mobilizing his pieces on the queenside. During his interview with Maurice Ashley, Levon Aronian predicted that “feathers would fly” and they did when the center opened up and Vachier-Lagrave sacrificed a piece for an attack. But as is the case with all perfectly played games, this battle ended in a draw after Carlsen realized that avoiding a repetition would result in a disaster. After the game, the Frenchman promised another fighting encounter tomorrow. Levon Aronian vs Ding Liren: ½ – ½ Levon Aronian explained that he had a poor night of sleep due to jet lag following the Tata Steel Rapid and Blitz and simply wanted a quiet game. He essayed a sideline with 6.g3 in the Semi Tarrasch variation, which his opponent was well prepared for. Once Aronian spotted a tactical sequence where he sacrificed his rook for a perpetual, the game ended in a draw. Ding Liren was satisfied with the draw with Blacks, while Aronian was not disappointed wasting his white pieces, reasoning that as in the World Cup, he will get his chances. Photo: Grand Chess Tour Official site