Aronian is one step closer to win the Goldmoney Asian Rapid

by Shahid Ahmed - 04/07/2021

Levon Aronian has all the momentum to win his first event at the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour. Previously he was in the Finals of Airthings Masters but he was unsuccessful to win it. The Armenian won the first set 2.5-1.5 against Artemiev. The debutant Russian must win the second set to force blitz tie-breaks. Carlsen won the first set against Ding Liren for the 3rd-4th place match. Ding Liren will also have to win the second set to force tie-breaks. Can Aronian win Goldmoney Asian Rapid or will Artemiev bounce back? Catch the Finals today LIVE from 4:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Can Artemiev make a comeback?

Aronian won the first set against Artemiev, however it was the Russian who had the opportunity to strike first in the second game, but he could not seize it. Carlsen started his day with a win for the second time in this event. Ding Liren landed himself in trouble in the second game but managed to get away. He got an opportunity in the fourth game but he missed that one.

Aronian is well on his way to win his first event, at the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Aronian - Artemiev: 2.5-1.5

First two games were drawn. The second game was much more interesting as Artemiev had a very good practical chance in the endgame.

Artemiev - Aronian, Game 2

Position after 43...a3

44.Kc4 was played and the game ended in a draw. 44.Kd3 would have kept White's winning chances. The score is level 1-1.

A series of dubious and inaccurate moves landed Artemiev in deep trouble in the third game.

Aronian - Artemiev, Game 3

Position after 22...g6

Black's final mistake in the game was 22...g6. Find out the finish for White. With this win, Aronian gained a 2-1 lead.

Fourth game was a well-contested draw which means Aronian won the first set in the Finals 2.5-1.5

Aronian is certainly playing fantastic chess in this event | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Carlsen - Ding Liren: 2.5-1.5

Carlsen started the day with a victory as Ding Liren blundered a piece.

Carlsen - Ding Liren, Game 1

Position after 29...Nxf2

The reason behind 29...Nxf2 is 30.Rxf2 does not work because of 30...Bxe3, Black recovers the piece and gains the upper hand. However, there is an intermediate move 30.Nc4 which pours cold water on Black's plans and loses material. Carlsen gained a 1-0 lead.

Second game was a solid draw, however, Carlsen could have stirred up trouble in the middlegame.

Ding Liren - Carlsen, Game 2

Position after 21.exd5

21...Nb4 was how the game went on, but there was an interesting continuation here for Black. Find out what it was. The game eventually ended in a draw and Carlsen maintained a 1.5-0.5 lead.

Carlsen made a comfortable draw in the third game. The score became 2-1. Ding Liren had his chance to make a comeback in the fourth game.

Ding Liren - Carlsen, Game 4

Position after 32...b3

What should have White aimed for in the above diagram? 33.Rc7 evaporated all chances for White to go for a win. The game was drawn after a prolonged battle and Carlsen won the first set 2.5-1.5