Vignesh B holds Cheparinov to a draw in round 1 of 9th HDBank International 2019
by Shahid Ahmed - 07/03/2019
Top two seeds GM Wang Hao and GM Ivan Cheparinov had a less than desirable start as both of them were held by much lower rated opponents IM John Miciano Marvin of Philippines and untitled Vignesh B of India. IM Rakesh Kulkarni defeated GM Alexander Predke of Russia, WIM Priyanka Nutakki held GM Wen Yang of China. Reigning National Blitz champion IM D K Sharma drew with GM Tranh Tuan Minh, IM Vignesh N R lost to WIM Nandhidhaa P V among the notable upsets. The report contains photos, games and videos from Round 1 and inauguration ceremony. Photo: Shahid Ahmed
Indians make a good start in round 1
Both Wang Hao and Ivan Cheparinov were not expecting a start like this | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
19-year old IM Miciano John Marvin exchanged pieces at a regular interval in King's Indian Defence. The resultant Rook-Knight endgame was easy enough for Black to hold a draw.
Untitled B Vignesh of India scored a comfortable draw against GM Ivan Cheparinov of Georgia in Two-Knight's Defence.
Former Asian Junior champion WGM Mary Ann Gomes managed to get an equal endgame against GM Anton Demchenko but his King march proved to be too strong | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
After getting this position Black can be comfortable about holding a draw but Demchenko had something else in his mind
GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son was held to a quick draw by his compatriot IM Duong The Anh | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
Venezuela's no.1 GM Iturrizaga Bonelli Eduardo won his game with ease | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
Dutch legend GM Loek Van Wely started with a clinical victory | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
IM Rakesh Kulkarni caused the only GM defeat of the day when he beat GM Alexander Predke | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
Predke panicked and sacrificed an exchange here with 19...Rxd3. What should he have played instead?
WIM Priyanka Nutakki drew with GM Wen Yang of China | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
Reigning National Blitz Champion IM D K Sharma held local favorite GM Tranh Tuan Ming to a draw | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
Both GM Sandipan Chanda and GM Gukesh D picked up their respective victories after a 3-hour long grueling battle | Photo: Shahid Ahmed
IM Vignesh N R lost to WIM Nandhidhaa P V | Photo: Shahid Ahmed