Comments on: World Cup: Bu Xiangzhi, Movsesian, Efimenko & Sokolov eliminated

By: ChessGirl

ChessGirl — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:46:07 +0000

I agree on the will to save energy, Muadhib, but don´t you think it´s also quite logical to try to beat a tired opponent and, if successful, your chances of not having to play the tie-breaks increase considerably? Not having to play the tie-breaks is great, it´s one free day and more time to prepare for your next rival. However, it must have been a bit of a nuisance too not to be able to prepare for a particular rival yesterday, since by the time Tregubov and Akobian finished yesterday probably even the arbiter had gone to sleep

By: Muadhib

Muadhib — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:15:58 +0000

Yes.

By: Peter Doggers

Peter Doggers — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:15:03 +0000

Solved now?

By: Muadhib

Muadhib — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:57:55 +0000

Yes Peter, on IE8 everything is bold for days now. Like there would be [/B] missing somewhere.

By: Muadhib

Muadhib — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:56:19 +0000

KO’s are different than “normal” tournaments. The only thing that matters is advancing into the next round with as little effort as possible (for example Khalifman and Fier quickly drawn both regular games and first two rapid games, before they started to actually play). So Ponomariov might feel enough confident to win with the white pieces, and might be willing to accept a quick draw as black.

But of course it’s all speculation.

By: Peter Doggers

Peter Doggers — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:52:59 +0000

@Frits Not here (Firefox)!?

By: ChessGirl

ChessGirl — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:41:32 +0000

I don´t think Ponomariov follows that rule normally, Muadhib. Hopefully he will take the advantage to try to crush Akobian from the first game.

By: Frits Fritschy

Frits Fritschy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:31:38 +0000

Let’s all give ceann the love he obviously needs.

Something else: why are all comments in bold face?

By: Muadhib

Muadhib — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:31:14 +0000

Yep, they startted at 15.00 local time and finished at 00:43 !!!
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Akobian offers an early draw with the white pieces tomorrow. And Ponomariov (as black) might just accept it if he follows “draw with black, win with white” policy.

By: Crouchyboy

Crouchyboy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:04:50 +0000

Tregubov and Akobian played an absolute marathon! Right down to the very last pair of blitz games, with only two draws in the rapid set of four. Heroically well fought. Poor Tregubov must feel utterly disappointed to lose in such a way. Terrific entertainment for the fans though!