Leko simply could not shake off the rust after a long layoff. After losing a game which he pressed hard to win yesterday, Leko tried again today with Black. Unfortunately, his position got so bad that he had to offer a draw to salvage rating points. Shankland now is off to the 2nd round.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
That’s too bad.
What’s too bad about it? His chess is a bore to play through. If he can’t beat Shankland in a two game match, he ought to throw in the towel. Don’t let the door slam on the way out.
He had a long layoff but he had his chance to shake off the rust at the world team championship which he did. In fact he did well there with a 2800+ performance. He just was not in his groove in the world cup.