Can Radjabov win Champions Chess Tour Airthings Masters?

Dubov and Vachier-Lagrave play decisive games

An Armenia vs Azerbaijan match can be compared to an India vs Pakistan or Australia vs England (Ashes series) in Cricket, Brazil vs Germany or Manchester United vs Arsenal football match. In case you are wondering, Armenia and Azerbaijan rivalry has been there for quite sometime, recently things escalated about the Karabakh conflict where both Armenian and Azerbaijani chess players were vocal about their support. Armenia did not take part in Baku Olympiad 2016. The last game they played in an over-the-board tournament was in 2017. This is not the place to talk about which side is right but still mentioned these things just to put things into perspective. Anyway after three draws, Aronian did not want to repeat moves to make another draw and eventually lost the game. Meanwhile, Dubov and Vachier-Lagrave traded two wins each without making a single draw in their battle for third-fourth place.

Radjabov - Aronian: 2.5-1.5

First game did not yield a result. It was a well contested draw.

The second game was a tepid draw.

Third game started in the same way as the first game. However Aronian deviated from it with 17...Bd7.

Radjabov - Aronian, Game 3

The result did not differ, as it turned out to be another draw.

Aronian could have repeated moves and settled for a draw in the fourth game. However, he overstretched his pawns and created lots of weaknesses.

Aronian - Radjabov, Game 4

23.f6 does no good for white. In fact, it only helps black as Radjabov correctly found a better placement of his e8-bishop to e6. Aronian frantically pushed a lot of pawns and created further weaknesses, eventually losing the game.

Dubov - Vachier-Lagrave: 2-2

Dubov in his usual style made a sound exchange sacrifice in the first game. It turned to be in his favor eventually as it was difficult for his opponent Vachier-Lagrave to find the defence.

Vachier-Lagrave - Dubov, Game 1

It may not look like 22...Rxf3 to be crushing for white immediately, however Dubov knew that he can make something out of it and he did in the game.

The game continued with 28...Rxf2, however there was a better continuation for black here. What was it?

Dubov won the second game comfortably after Vachier-Lagrave made a strange king move.

Dubov - Vachier-Lagrave, Game 2

18...Kd7 was completely uncalled for. Find out what black could have done and the best plan for white in the above diagram.

In the third game, Dubov made a strange sacrifice in the opening.

Vachier-Lagrave, Game 3

9...Nxe4 does not help black in any way, if anything then it helps white as it completely destroys black's pawn structure on the queenside and creates weaknesses. Eventually white created a passed pawn on the queenside which became a deciding factor for Vachier-Lagrave to score his first win of the day.

Vachier-Lagrave got himself in deep trouble in the fourth game but Dubov did not manage to realize his advantage.

Dubov - Vachier-Lagrave, Game 4

18.Qf3 was not the best move. What was the better continuation for white which could have possibly led to a different outcome?

Replay all Final Day 1 games

Replay the live stream

Final Day 1 results

Schedule

Everyday game starts at 7:30 p.m. IST

Prizes

Links

Official site

Tournament Regulations

Related news:

	Ding Liren clinches Chessable Masters 2022, Praggnanandhaa delivers stupendous performance @ 27/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters 2022 F1: Ding Liren gains advantage @ 26/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters 2022 SF: Praggnanandhaa knocks out Giri, will face Ding Liren in the Final @ 25/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters 2022 QF: Praggnanandhaa eliminates Wei Yi, set to clash with Giri in the Semifinal @ 24/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters 2022 R13-15: Praggnanandhaa advances to the Quarterfinals @ 23/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters 2022 R9-12: Anish Giri climbs to the top @ 22/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters 2022 R5-8: Praggnanandhaa beats Magnus Carlsen again @ 21/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters 2022 R1-4: Wei Yi takes an early sole lead @ 20/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Vidit, Harikrishna and Praggnanandhaa will duke it out with World's best at Chessable Masters 2022 @ 19/05/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Jan-Krzysztof Duda halts Carlsen's hat-trick, wins Oslo Esports Cup @ 29/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Oslo Esports Cup R6: Duda denies Praggnanandhaa @ 28/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Oslo Esports Cup R5: Minimalist Praggnanandhaa strikes again, regains sole lead @ 27/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Oslo Esports Cup R4: Carlsen crushes Praggnanandhaa, joins the lead @ 26/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Oslo Esports Cup R3: Fiery Praggnanandhaa bests Liem, scores a hat-trick @ 25/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Oslo Esports Cup R2: Praggnanandhaa superb against Shakh, gains sole lead @ 24/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Oslo Esports Cup R1: Praggnanandhaa beats Jorden van Foreest @ 23/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Praggnanandhaa gets a Wildcard to the Oslo Esports Cup @ 22/04/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Magnus Carlsen wins Charity Cup in a thrilling Final @ 27/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस कार्लसन नें जीता मेल्टवाटर चैरिटी कप @ 27/03/2022 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Magnus Carlsen on the verge of winning the Charity Cup @ 26/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Charity Cup SF: Carlsen will face arch rival Duda in the Finals @ 25/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Charity Cup QF: Carlsen, Duda and Ding Liren storm into Semifinals @ 24/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Charity Cup R13-15: Heartbreak for Praggnanandhaa and Vidit @ 23/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Charity Cup R9-12: Vidit beats Duda @ 22/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Charity Cup R5-8: Praggnanandhaa stuns World no.3 Ding Liren @ 21/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Charity Cup R1-4: Vidit makes an unbeaten start 8.0/12 @ 20/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	चैरिटी कप D1 : विदित गुजराती की अच्छी शुरुआत @ 20/03/2022 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Vidit, Harikrishna and Praggnanandhaa to face Carlsen and world's best at Charity Cup @ 18/03/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Magnus Carlsen wins Airthings Masters 2022 @ 27/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters Final 1: Four exciting draws @ 26/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters SF: Magnus Carlsen set to face Ian Nepomniachtchi in the Finals @ 25/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters QF: Vladislav Artemiev eliminates Ding Liren @ 24/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters R13-15: Nepomniachtchi tops the Prelims @ 23/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters R9-12: Carlsen is down with Covid, still climbs to second spot @ 22/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters R5-8: Praggnanandhaa beats Magnus Carlsen for the very first time @ 21/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters R1-4: Ding Liren takes sole lead 10.0/12 @ 20/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Praggnanandhaa set to clash with Carlsen and world's best at Airthings Masters @ 19/02/2022 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस कार्लसन बन ही गए चैम्पियन चैस टूर विजेता @ 07/10/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	CCT Finals: Magnus Carlsen wins the first-ever NFT trophy @ 05/10/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	CCT Finals R8: Aronian beats Carlsen @ 04/10/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Magnus Carlsen clinches Meltwater Champions Chess Tour with two rounds to spare @ 03/10/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	CCT Finals R6: Carlsen beats Giri, on the brink of winning the Tour @ 02/10/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	CCT Finals R5: Carlsen annihilates Nakamura @ 30/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	CCT Finals R4: Artemiev beats Carlsen @ 29/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	CCT Finals R3: Carlsen beats Vachier-Lagrave in tie-breaks @ 28/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	CCT Finals R2: Carlsen wins a thriller against Mamedyarov @ 27/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	CCT Finals R1: Carlsen and So make a dominant start @ 26/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Magnus Carlsen wins Aimchess US Rapid with a dominant show @ 06/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Carlsen is poised to win Aimchess US Rapid @ 05/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aimchess US Rapid SF2: Artemiev will face Carlsen in the Finals @ 04/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aimchess US Rapid SF1: No advantage for anyone @ 03/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aimchess US Rapid QF2: Carlsen avenges his World Cup loss against Duda @ 02/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aimchess US Rapid QF1: Carlsen and Firouzja blaze Duda and So @ 01/09/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aimchess US Rapid Day 3: Duda-Carlsen rematch in the Quarterfinals @ 31/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aimchess US Rapid Day 2: Artemiev's hat-trick springs him to the top @ 30/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aimchess US Rapid Day 1: Carlsen makes a narrow escape against Vidit @ 29/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Vidit stars with Carlsen, Duda, Giri, MVL in Aimchess US Rapid starting today @ 28/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Wesley So wins Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters @ 09/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	So on the verge of winning the Chessable Masters @ 08/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters SF2: Phenomenal Liem will face So in the Finals @ 07/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters SF1: Advantage Liem and So @ 06/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters QF Day 2: Liem storms into Semifinals @ 05/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters QF Day 1: Jorden ends So's unbeaten streak @ 04/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters Day 3: So tops the Prelims @ 03/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters Day 2: So remains unbeaten in the first ten @ 02/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Chessable Masters Day 1: So takes an early sole lead 4.0/5 @ 01/08/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Harikrishna, Humpy and Adhiban will feature in Chessable Masters @ 31/07/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Levon Aronian wins Goldmoney Asian Rapid @ 05/07/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Aronian is one step closer to win the Goldmoney Asian Rapid @ 04/07/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Goldmoney Asian Rapid SF Day 2: Aronian knocks out Carlsen @ 03/07/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Goldmoney Asian Rapid SF Day 1: Advantage Carlsen and Ding Liren @ 02/07/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Goldmoney Asian Rapid QF Day 2: Arjun's dream debut comes to an end @ 01/07/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Goldmoney Asian Rapid QF Day 1: Arjun Erigaisi ends Aronian's unbeaten streak @ 30/06/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Goldmoney Asian Rapid Day 3: Magnificent Arjun Erigaisi qualifies to the Quarter-Finals @ 29/06/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Goldmoney Asian Rapid Day 2: Arjun Erigaisi continues to impress @ 28/06/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Goldmoney Asian Rapid Day 1: Arjun Erigaisi surprises Dubov @ 27/06/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Vidit, Adhiban, Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi will feature in Goldmoney Asian Rapid @ 25/06/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Carlsen finally beats So in the Finals to win FTX Crypto Cup @ 01/06/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	FTX Crypto Cup Finals Day 1: Carlsen-So put up a good fight while Radjabov draws the ire @ 31/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	FTX Crypto Cup SF Day 2: Carlsen vs So III in the Finals @ 30/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	FTX Crypto Cup SF Day 1: So wins the first set against Nepomniachtchi @ 29/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	FTX Crypto Cup QF Day 2: Carlsen eliminates Nakamura in an exciting thriller @ 28/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	FTX Crypto Cup QF Day 1: Carlsen and Nakamura engage in a brutal slugfest @ 27/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	FTX Crypto Cup Day 2 and 3: Caruana wins the Prelims 10.0/15 @ 26/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	FTX Crypto Cup Day 1: Giri in the sole lead 4.0/5 @ 24/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Carlsen will face Nepomniachtchi in World's first Bitcoin chess tournament - FTX Crypto Cup @ 23/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Arjun Erigaisi beats Adhiban to win the Indian Qualifier @ 11/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	अर्जुन नें साधा इंडियन क्वालिफायर खिताब पर निशाना @ 10/05/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Adhiban and Arjun Erigaisi qualify to the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour @ 10/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	अधिबन - अर्जुन मे होगा इंडियन क्वालिफायर फाइनल @ 09/05/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	CCT Indian Qualifier QF: Adhiban eliminates Praggnanandhaa @ 09/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	इंडियन क्वालिफायर - अधिबन नें प्रग्गा को किया बाहर @ 08/05/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	CCT Indian Qualifier Pre QF: Mitrabha stuns Sasikiran @ 08/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	इंडियन क्वालिफायर - निहाल और शशिकिरण हुए बाहर @ 07/05/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Adhiban starts as the top seed in Indian Champions Chess Tour Qualifier @ 07/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	इंडियन चैस टूर क्वालिफायर - अधिबन होंगे टॉपसीड @ 06/05/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Magnus Carlsen ends his championship drought by winning New in Chess Classic @ 03/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic Finals Day 1: Carlsen wins the first set @ 02/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic SF Day 2: Carlsen and Nakamura setup an epic clash in the Finals @ 01/05/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic SF Day 1: No one is invincible @ 30/04/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic QF Day 2: Carlsen, Aronian, Mamedyarov and Nakamura advance @ 29/04/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic QF Day 1: Advantage Aronian, Mamedyarov and Nakamura @ 28/04/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic Day 3: Praggnanandhaa impresses Carlsen @ 27/04/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic Day 2: Carlsen takes sole lead 7.0/10 @ 26/04/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	New in Chess Classic Day 1: Praggnanandhaa makes a brilliant start 3.0/5 @ 25/04/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Vidit and Praggnanandhaa set for Meltwater Champions Chess Tour New in Chess Classic @ 17/04/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	अनीश गिरि बने मेगनस इनविटेशनल विजेता @ 22/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Anish Giri deservedly wins Magnus Invitational @ 22/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल - नेपो और अनीश ? कौन बनेगा सरताज ? @ 21/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Giri or Nepomniachtchi - Who will win the Magnus Invitational? @ 21/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Magnus Invitational SF Day 2: World Champions Carlsen and So get eliminated @ 20/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Magnus Invitational SF Day 1: World Champions in peril @ 19/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल SF1 - नेपो नें कार्लसन को दिया झटका @ 19/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Magnus Invitational QF Day 2: Carlsen, So, Giri and Nepomniachtchi dominate @ 18/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल : कार्लसन ,नेपो ,सो और गिरि सेमी फाइनल मे @ 18/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Magnus Invitational QF Day 1: Advantage Carlsen and So @ 17/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल QF - कार्लसन -सो की आसान जीत @ 17/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Magnus Invitational Day 3: Carlsen tops the Prelims @ 16/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल D3 : कार्लसन की शीर्ष पर वापसी @ 16/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Magnus Invitational Day 2: Giri maintains his sole lead @ 15/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल D2 : अनीश का जलवा बरकरार @ 15/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल D1 : अनीश नें दी कार्लसन को मात @ 14/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Magnus Invitational Day 1: Giri beats Carlsen @ 14/03/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल - राउंड 1 सीधा प्रसारण : LIVE @ 13/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	मेगनस इनविटेशनल - क्या अब जीतेंगे कार्लसन ? @ 11/03/2021 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	Does Wesley So have Magnus Carlsen's number? Sagar and Amruta try to find out! @ 15/02/2021 by Satanick Mukhuty (en)
	Wesley So beats Carlsen in the Finals and wins Opera Euro Rapid @ 15/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid Finals: Carlsen and So poised for a thrilling finish @ 14/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid SF Day 2: Carlsen and So set up a rematch in the Finals @ 13/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid SF Day 1: Carlsen beats Vachier-Lagrave, Radjabov struggles against So @ 12/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid QF Day 2: Dubov pushes Carlsen to his limit @ 11/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid QF Day 1: Advantage Carlsen, Vachier-Lagrave and So @ 10/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid Day 3: Vidit misses against Carlsen @ 09/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid Day 2: Vidit beats Dubov @ 08/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Opera Euro Rapid Day 1: Carlsen takes sole lead 4.0/5 @ 07/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Vidit Gujrathi returns to Meltwater Champions Chess Tour in Opera Euro Rapid @ 05/02/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Radjabov reigns supreme in Champions Chess Tour Airthings Masters @ 04/01/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters SF Day 2: Radjabov and Aronian rush to the Finals @ 02/01/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters SF Day 1: Radjabov and Aronian win the first set @ 01/01/2021 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters QF Day 2: Dubov eliminates Carlsen @ 31/12/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters QF Day 1: Advantage Aronian and Vachier-Lagrave @ 30/12/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters Day 3: Harikrishna, Grischuk, Giri and Anton get eliminated @ 29/12/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters Day 2: Carlsen joins the six-pack lead @ 28/12/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Airthings Masters Day 1: Harikrishna holds Carlsen to a draw @ 27/12/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Harikrishna will star in the Champions Chess Tour Airthings Masters @ 25/12/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Wesley So wins Champions Chess Tour Skilling Open @ 01/12/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Can Carlsen win Skilling Open on his 30th birthday? @ 30/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Skilling Open SF Day 2: So sets up a clash with Carlsen in the Finals @ 29/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Skilling Open SF Day 1: Advantage Carlsen and So @ 28/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Skilling Open QF Day 2: Nepomniachtchi, So and Nakamura make epic comebacks @ 27/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Skilling Open QF Day 1: Advantage Carlsen, Aronian, Radjabov and MVL @ 26/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Champions Chess Tour Skilling Open R11-15: Carlsen tops the preliminary stage @ 25/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Champions Chess Tour Skilling Open R6-10: Anish Giri maintains his sole lead @ 24/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Champions Chess Tour Skilling Open R1-5: Anish Giri takes sole lead @ 23/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	Vidit Gujrathi will star in the Champions Chess Tour Skilling Open @ 22/11/2020 by Shahid Ahmed (en)
	भारत से विदित गुजराती हुए चैम्पियन चैस टूर मे शामिल @ 15/11/2020 by Niklesh Jain (hi)
	मेगनस कार्लसन नें की चैम्पियन्स चैस टूर की घोषणा @ 06/11/2020 by Niklesh Jain (hi)