PTI | Apr 16, 2011, 10.14pm IST
DUBAI: Indian Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi defeated top seeded compatriot Krishnan Sasikiran to jump into sole lead after the conclusion of the sixth round of the Dubai International Open chess tournament.
On the only double round day in the event at Dubai Chess and Culture Club, Negi got the better of his higher rated opponent showing skills and the ability to handle pressure with his clock ticking away.
It was easily one of the memorable victories for the young Indian.
Negi took his tally to an excellent 5.5 points out of a possible six and is now a half point clear of nearest eight rivals with no Indian amongst them. The Indian next face Murtas Kazhgalyev of Kazakhstan in the next round.
Playing white, Negi went for the sharpest variation against the Sicilian Najdorf. Wild complexities ensued very early in the middle game itself and Sasikiran had to be cautious right through.
Negi sacrificed a piece early in the opening for two pawns but Sasikiran was alert and apparently prepared for that as he gave the piece back in quick time.
In the final stages of the middle game, the contest was interestingly poised but Sasikiran missed the thread after garnering two pieces for a rook. With correct play, a draw was much on cards but a brave Negi took his chances and was duly rewarded when Sasikiran blundered and walked in to a checkmate web.
More here.
Negi is for sure better than Anand. He’s the new face of India.
‘Negi for sure is better than Anand”. Which idiot said that? Best of luck to Negi but he has to climb Mount Everest to even get near Anand. Anand has stayed at the peak for decades – can any other Indian ever come close? That said,nice win against Sasi.
gimme a break; sole lead…Hammer has the same points!!!