Impressive performance by Aronian to win the Sochi Grand Prix. Needing only a draw to grab a share of first (which many players are happy to do), Aronian won a complicated game against early tournament leader Grischuk to win clear first. Congratulations to Levon!
GM Aronian (2737) – GM Grischuk (2728) [D47]
14.08.2008 / Sochi Grand Prix – Final Round
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.0–0 b4 10.Ne4 Nxe4 11.Bxe4 Bd6 12.a3 bxa3 13.b3 Nf6 14.Nd2 Qc7 15.Bf3 Bxh2+ 16.Kh1 Bd6 17.Nc4 Be7 18.Bxa3 0–0 19.Bc5 Rfd8 20.b4 Bxc5 21.bxc5 a5 22.Re1 Ba6 23.Nb6 Rab8 24.Rxa5 Bb5 25.Qa1 Nd5 26.Ra7 Rb7 27.Rxb7 Qxb7 28.Qa5 Qe7 29.Ra1 Qg5 30.Nxd5 exd5 31.Qc7 g6 32.Ra7 Qf6 33.Bg4 Re8 34.Kg1 Kg7 35.Bd7 Re7 36.Qd8 h5 37.Ra8 Kh6 38.Rc8 Kh7 39.Bxc6 Bxc6 40.Rxc6 Qxc6 41.Qxe7 Kg7 42.Kh2 White wins 1–0
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Levon is the real deal!
Wow. It looks completely wrong to allow black taking the h2-pawn with check, and yet it turned out well. Though I am not convinced yet that this temporary pawn sac was 100% correct is sure is pretty impressive. Kudos to Aronian!
Congratulation to Levon! Also impressive win in last round by Radjanov and Jakovlenko
Yes, Radjabov’s win over Karjakin in the Sicilian Dragon was super impressive. He improved over Carlsen’s game against Anand in Mainz and gained victory with a double exchange sacrifice. Now is the Dragon really sound?!?