Aimchess Rapid Finals: Jan-Krzysztof Duda wins the first set

by Shahid Ahmed - 21/10/2022

The FIDE World Cup 2021 winner, Jan-Krzysztof Duda defeated Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in the first set of Aimchess Rapid 2022 Finals. Duda started the day with a draw, then he won the next game. The third game was an exciting draw. The Poland no.1 once again won the fourth game. Both wins were scored convincingly where the World no.19's precise play induced mistakes by the World no.13. Mamedyarov still has a chance to fight back in the second set of finals. Who will win the Aimchess Rapid - Duda or Mamedyarov? The winner will be decided tonight as the Finals continue from 9:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Can Duda win his second MCCT event of the season?

Jan-Krzysztof Duda is in a good position to win Aimchess Rapid 2022 | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Duda - Mamedyarov: 3-1

Jan-Krzysztof Duda struck first in the second game, after the first one against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov ended in a draw.

Duda - Mamedyarov, Game 2

Position after 28.fxe5

28...Bd5 protects the e6-pawn and keeps things balanced. 29.Bc4 would have been met by Ra8 and everything is fine. However, Mamedyarov went for the adventurous 28...Rxd2 29.Bc4 Rd1+ 30.Rf1 Rd2 31.Bxe6+ Kh8 32.Rfa1 Rg2+ 33.Kf1 and things turned completely in White's favor. Duda won the game in the next few moves and gained a 1.5-0.5 lead in the first set.

The third game was an exciting draw. Duda won again in the fourth game.

Duda - Mamedyarov, Game 4

Position after 24.Nxd6

The correct response to 24.Nxd6 for Black was Ne5 25.Nxb7 Qxb6 26.axb6 Nxd3 27.d6 Rb8. Black played 24...Rxd6 directly and White gained a decisive advantage immediately 25.Rxb7. The key difference is, Black can no longer get rid of the d5-pawn, there is no counterplay too. Thus, Duda won the first set of the Finals 3-1.