Boris Gelfand Defeats Ernesto Inarkiev in Game 14

The score is 10.5-9.5 in favour of the Israeli grandmaster.

The Gelfand vs. Inarkiev match, which is a part of the Tower Concord Festival, is going on at the Palace of Culture of Nazran, the biggest city of the Republic of Ingushetia. On August 12, the grandmasters played the 14th game (the ultimate 6th game with the classical time control). Ernesto Inarkiev had the white pieces. 

The grandmasters continued their discussion in the Sicilian Sveshnikov variation, which had started in game 4. Inarkiev was the first one who turned aside but hardly took his rival by surprise: Boris was playing very quickly and surely, while Ernesto started to spend much time. On move 18 Black offered a pawn sacrifice, which more than likely should have been declined. Nevertheless, Inarkiev chose the most principal way and took the pawn, but the initiative was capruted by Black. White's move 29 happened to be quite unfortunate: after Black's reply he practically found himself in zugzwang. White had to give back an extra pawn and give up another one in order to untie his pieces. Gelfand confidently converted his material and positional edge in a queen vs. queen endgame. 



We recall that an original formula is being used at the match: the opponents will play 6 classical games and 12 rapid games (6 games are played with the time control 25+10 and 6 games - with the time control 10+10). On August 3-4, 7-8, and 11-12, the classical games are played, while the rapid games are taking place on August 5, 9, and 13. The points scored in both parts are summarized. The scoring formula for the classical games is 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, while in rapid a more standard chess scoring is used. 

The score is 10.5-9.5 in favour of Boris Gelfand (8-4 in favour of Gelfand in the classical chess and 5.5-2.5 in favour of Inarkiev in rapid). On August 13, the last four rapid games (2 games 25+10 and 2 games 10+10) will be played.  

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Tournament page

On August 12, the 3rd stage of the North Caucasian Federal District Cup started in Nazran, The event is a 9-round Swiss tournament. More than 100 players, including three grandmasters, are taking part in it. The tournament finishes on August 13. 

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Photos by Vladimir Barsky