Generation Cup R9-12: Carlsen regains his sole lead, Arjun Erigaisi firm second

by Shahid Ahmed - 21/09/2022

Magnus Carlsen dominated the third day of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Julius Baer Generation Cup to reclaim the pole position. He is back at the top 25/36 after beating Ivan Saric, Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Boris Gelfand. His sole draw of the day was against the evergreen maestro Vasyl Ivanchuk. The world champion was winning in that game too. However, his miss allowed the former World Rapid champion to build a fortress, something the world no.1 has little belief in. Arjun Erigaisi is in sole second position, breathing down Carlsen's neck at 24/36. Praggnannadhaa is tied at fourth place 19/36 along with Keymer and Duda. The final day of Prelims, Round 9 starts tonight at 9:30 p.m. IST. Photo: ChessBase India live stream

Ivanchuk makes Carlsen a believer in fortress

It is well-established by now that Vasyl Ivanchuk can still hang with the very best of the world. Despite living in uncertain times, the Ukrainian is continuously delivering some stellar games, one after the other. He is currently tied at ninth place with Christopher Yoo and Radoslaw Wojtaszek, at 15/36 each.

The 122-move Ivanchuk-Carlsen encounter was absolutely a treat to the chess universe | Photo: ChessBase India live stream

Arjun Erigaisi is in a good place to advance to the Knockout stage | Photo: chess24

Round 9: Arjun Erigaisi - Ivanchuk: 3-0

The former World Rapid champion, Vasyl Ivanchuk went wrong in a position which one may assume to have arrived from Philidor Defence.

Position after 14.Bxf7+

13...Nde5 would have been fine for Black. 13...Nb6 allowed 14.Bxf7+ Kxf7 15.Qxg4 Bxc3 16.bxc3 Qf6 17.Qh5+ Kf8 18.Nxd6 and it's over for Black.

Vasyl Ivanchuk shakes his head after blundering against Arjun Erigaisi | Video: ChessBase India

Round 10: Praggnanandhaa - Liem: 1-1

Former World Blitz champion went for a rook and minor piece chain exchange which computer might evaluate as an incorrect decision. However, it is not easy to figure out where the advantage lies for a human.

Position after 30.fxg3

Computer does not like 30...Rxd2. It prefers 30...Ra1 for Black instead. The game continued 31.Rxg7 Kxg7 32.Qxd2 Rxf1+ 33.Nxf1. There is no definite plan for White to seize the advantage which the AI believes White to have.

Saric - Adhiban: 0-3

B Adhiban scored his first win of the event against the Croatia no.1, Ivan Saric

Ivanchuk - Carlsen: 1-1

Vasyl Ivanchuk and Magnus Carlsen certainly had a game of the day and probably, a good contender for game of the tournament too.

Position after 42.Kf2

Carlsen showed his prowess by improving the position of his bishop. Which is the best diagonal for it? Hint: It is certainly not the long diagonal where it currently is.

Position after 47.Rc1

Find out the only winning continuation for Black after 47.Rc1. Of course Carlsen found it and later missed a simple fork too. After all, he is a human. Ivanchuk eventually managed to hold a fortress to salvage a draw.

Position after 83.Rg2

White has achieved a fortress! There is no practical way for Black to make a breakthrough in the position. The game ended in a draw after 122 moves.

Magnus Carlsen misses a win against Vasyl Ivanchuk | Video: ChessBase India

Anish Giri is shocked that Wojtaszek hanged a mate in one | Video: ChessBase India

Round 12: Yoo - Arjun Erigaisi: 0-3

Arjun Erigaisi lost to Jan-Krzysztof Duda in Round 10. Then he drew the following game against Boris Gelfand. In the final round of day 3, he defeated Christopher Yoo.

Position after 18.Qb1

White needed to retreat his queen to d1. 18.Qb1 invited trouble Nc5 19.0-0 Nb3 20.Ra2 and the rook could not participate in the entire game. When it actually got freed, it was too little too late. With this win, Arjun finished the day with 24/36 at the sole second spot.