ČEZ Chess Trophy 2015

Long evening with a happy ending

[14.06.2015 00:00:00] - The second day of the CEZ CHESS TROPHY 2015 started with the book launch of the grandmaster David Navara’s book „Můj šachový svět“ (My Chess World). The best Czech chess player presented his book to the visitors, who completely filled up the room, and also explained how his first work came to life. The book stirred up everyone’s interest, which was apparent also from the long line of chess enthusiasts waiting for the author’s signature.

One hour later, the festival director Pavel Matocha commenced the opening game of the match. Playing with black pieces, the grandmaster So began with a great Sicilian Defence, which was evident to his opponent. “Somewhere at that point I was worried, that I might actually lose the first game,” said the Czech grandmaster when the game ended. The reason for the White’s difficulties might have been the 16.Jd4 move, with which the Czech player allowed the black queen to the dangerous a5 square and which posed a threat of worse-quality moves around the white king at c3.



And indeed, the black pieces started to move towards the white king and the Czech grandmaster had to solve the situation by simplifying the moves and choosing a worse endgame.



The black and white bishops give the White some hope, but the unequal activity of the rooks and also the worse pawn structure pose problems. The white pawns on the king’s right wing might be especially weak. Intending to compromise them immediately, Wesley advanced directly with 32…h5.

The game then turned into a difficult endgame of black and white bishops. Although the Black had a great chance to win, the Czech grandmaster’s chance to draw was not insignificant. But the grandmaster So could still win the game.



That would have happened if instead of moving the bishop to f5 in the 58th move he would have chosen the immediate 58…f3. After the wrong bishop move, the draw was inevitable, ending the dramatic game. The second game of the match will begin today at Michna Palace at 4 PM.



The line of people waiting for the author's signature had no end.



The opening moves of the first game of the match.



The grandmaster Viktor Láznička sharing his views on the game.


ČEZ Chess Trophy 2015 - schedule
Live 16.00 hodin
Results
Photogalery

| Václav Pech | visits(3354x)