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Russian team defeats China

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Russian team defeats China

Russian team defeats China in the third round of the World Team Championships in Astana yesterday.  It was one of the most anticipated encounter in the Open section. Both teams with a rating average over 2700 faced each other in a duel which would be decisive for the World title.

Russian team defeat China. Sergey Karjakin sits opposite Ding Liren. Photo credit David Llada.
Russian team defeat China. Sergey Karjakin sits opposite Ding Liren. Photo credit David Llada.

How would China react after yesterday’s defeat against the United States?  Would they try and strike back immediately or rather play it safe?  It is hard to guess the pre-match strategy of each team, but Russia seemed to pin their hope on their white boards.

Ian Nepomniachtchi is always dangerous in such crucial matches and young rising star Vladislav Artemiev has scored two wins so far.  This strategy proved very useful, as Nepomniachtchi managed to put Yu Yangyi under unpleasant pressure and eventually won in less than 3 hours.

Ian Nepomniachtchi v Yangyi Yu

Vladislav Artemiev in action. Photo credit David Llada.
Vladislav Artemiev in action. Photo credit David Llada.

Artemiev also stood better at the start but then committed a mistake which put him in danger.  But his class and composure allowed him to save the game despite being a knight down.

Vladislav Artemiev v Xiangzhi Bu

For more details about his game, you may want to listen to his thorough after-game analysis on the YouTube channel of FIDE – Interview with Artemiev. .

The Chinese did not manage to create serious problems on their own white boards, so that Sergey Karjakin and Alexander Grischuk comfortably held against Ding Liren and Wei Yi.  With this second loss, it is clear that China will hardly be in contention for the gold medal any more.

Russia on the other hand are hunting for the gold medal to compensate for the bronze medal they won at the 2018 Batumi Olympiad.

England and the United States of America tied 2-2, Russia is now the sole leader of the open section.  India moves to joint second thanks to a 3.5 – 0.5 win against Egypt.

GM Adly Ahmed despite having a huge advantage on the board allowed GM Sasikiran Krishnan to obtain a draw after 101 moves!

Adly Ahmed va Sasikiran Krishnan

Abdihan (left) of India versus Africa's top player Dr Amin Bassem. Photo credit David Llada.
Abhiban B (left) of India versus Africa’s top player Dr Amin Bassem. Photo credit David Llada.

Ladies section

There were no big clash in the women’s section and the favourites overcame this 3rd round with a victory.  The young Kazakh team fought valiantly against China but eventually lost by a thread.  Lei Tingjie explains her nice victory – Interview with Lei Tingjie.

Russia and China are still in the lead with a perfect score, ahead of the Ukraine.

The fourth round will start on Wednesday March 8th at 3 pm in the Astana International Financial Centre.

Egypt lost 4-0 to Russia.

Links

Standings & Results.

Day 1 report – World Team Chess Championship.

Day 2 report – World Team Chess Championship.

World Team Championship Website.

Start of World Team Championship Championship.