Nine share lead in Dubai Chess

Top Stories

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

Vladimir Akopian beat Vahap Sanal.

Published: Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:38 PM

Last updated: Thu 14 Apr 2016, 11:42 PM

Former world championship finalist Vladimir Akopian of Armenia and eight others share the lead with perfect three-point slates in the 18th Dubai Open Chess Championship at the Dubai Chess Club in Dubai.
Akopian used the French Defence, Tarrasch variation, to beat IM Vahap Sanal of India in 32 moves. Tied with Akopian are grandmasters G.N. Gopal, the only one remaining from 12 Indian leaders, David Howell and Gawain Jones, both of England, Ivan Sokolof of the Netherlands, David Anton Guijarro of Spain, Mustafa Yilmaz of Turkey, Boris Savchenko of Russia and Zaur Mammadov of Azerbaijan.
Gopal crushed the Philidor Defence of Baadur Jobava of Georgia in 48 moves. Jones outplayed the King's Indian Defense of IM Mohamed Ezat of Egypt. Sokolov turned back the Giuoco Piano of Chakkravarthy Deepan of India in 44 moves.
Anton Guijarro smashed the French Defence of IM Mishra Swayams of India in 37 moves. Savchenko used the Nimzpovitch-Larsen opening to beat Shahin Lorparizangeneh in 63 moves. Yilmaz of Turkey used the Queen's Gambit to outmaneuver IM Robert Ris of the Netherlands in 74 moves. Mammadov outlasted the Sicilian Defence of Chanda Sandipan in a marathon 91 moves of a Rook and pawn endgame.
A record 189 players from 37 countries are competing in the nine-round Swiss System tournament. A strong field of 46 Grandmasters, 8 Woman Grandmasters, 39 International Masters, 5 Woman International Masters, 22 Fide Masters and 2 Woman Fide Masters are participating. Top prize is $13,000 out of a total of $50,000 in cash prizes up to 15th place with special prizes for best in category.