Mikhail Botvinnik Memorial 2011
Viktor Korchnoi leading the seniors’ tournament after round six
The Russian Chess Federation is organizing a number of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the 6th World Champion Mikhail Moiseyevich Botvinnik (17 August 1911 – 5 May 1995).
Besides the grande event with the World’s top players and a strong open in Sankt Petersburg, the RCF is hosting a seniors’ tournament from 15th to 19th August in Suzdal-Vladimir Oblast. Legendary players from Botvinnik era compete in the round robin rapid tournament with the time control of 25min + 10 sec/move.
Former World Champion Boris Spassky was set to make an appearance but eventually GM Oleg Chernikov took his place.
After six rounds of play Viktor Korchnoi took a convincing lead with five points, full point and a half ahead of the group of players.
Chief arbiter is Yuri Averbakh. The prize fund is 14200 EUR.
Round 6 standings:
1. GM Viktor Korchnoi SUI 2553 – 5.0
2-4. GM Lajos Portisch HUN 2523, GM Evgeni Vasiukov RUS 2455 and IM Aleksander Nikitin RUS 2430 – 3.5
5-9. GM Oleg Chernikov RUS 2402, GM Wolfgang Uhlmann GER 2379, GM Borislav Ivkov SRB 2416, GM Igor Zaitsev RUS 2408 and IM Anatoly Bykhovsky RUS 2354 – 2.5
10. GM Mark Taimanov RUS 2386 – 2.0
Thanks to Mr. Alexander Kentler
Korchnoi still rocks.
Botvinnik was always opposed to these rapid events. In MGP V Kasparov recalls how the Patriarch did not want this event to be held in his name. Now that he is no more anything can be done in his name.This is nothing but disrespect to a great player.
Mark Taimanov is still alive! I’m amazed to see such line-up.. players that i often see in my old informator (chess informator/informant) book! It would have been great if Spassky took part as well as Jan Timman :)))
-Nayk Segismar (Philippines)
Mark Taimanov is still alive! I’m amazed to see such line-up.. players that i often see in my old informator (chess informator/informant) book! It would have been great if Spassky took part as well as Jan Timman :)))
-Nayk Segismar (Philippines)
You are wrong. Please, play game Mr. Korchnoy, Nikitin, Portish. It is the best respect to great man Mr. Botwinnik
I have nothing against rapid tournaments and I happen to be an admirer of veterans like Korchnoi and Portisch. However, Botvinnik was an austere man who insisted on careful play that demanded deep and serious thought. That requires proper time limit and only the classical format offers the same. I understand that there is going to be one more rapid event involving our supergrandmasters Surely they could have condescended to spend a little more time over the board in memory of the great man.It’s a question of propriety. You may love rock. But should you hold one in memory of Bach? I respectfully disagree.
Dear Sir,
Everything depend of the performance. There are a lot discs with Bach violin concert only for garbage can. But Yasha Heifetz, David Oystrakh it is an another issue. The same situation in rock. When Bobby Fischer with his mother the first time arrived in Moscow he demonstrated super class in blitz and the only Tigran Petrosian can stop him.
As I remember Mr. Botwinnik disapproved blitz game as a training methodology for young talented chess players – Do you remember of Mr. Korchnoi play blitz in 1954?
Thank you.
Dear sir,
If a great player is no more he should be left in peace. Why do something that he was opposed to and claim that it was in his memory and in his honour? Tal loved blitz. If a blitz tournament is held in his name it is appropriate. Can one hold a rock concert and claim it is honouring a Bach or Beethoven?