Chessable Masters Day 2: So remains unbeaten in the first ten

by Shahid Ahmed - 02/08/2021

Aronian made the biggest climb on the second day of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters. The Armenian scored a massive 4.5/5, jumping from tenth to second place. Former world blitz champion, Le Quang Liem is the second-highest gainer as he scored an unbeaten 4.0/5 to move to second position. Artemiev scored only 2.0/5. With five more rounds to go, both Adhiban and Harikrishna need to have their best day of the event so far to advance to the knockout stage. Round 11 starts today at 8:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Tough day for debutants

Adhiban scored 2.0/5 on the second day of the Chessable Masters. His sole win of the day was against Anton, faced internet issues against Nakamura. Harikrishna again scored 2.5/5 and Humpy made 1.0/5. Humpy drew with Adhiban and Jorden van Foreest.

So remains undefeated for the second consecutive day | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Round 6: Anton - Adhiban: 0-1

Adhiban showcased a brilliant positional play against David Anton Guijarro (ESP).

Position after 22.cxb5

Black is in complete control in the above position. Find out the correct plan for Black which Adhiban executed on the board.

Adhiban started the day with a nice victory | Photo: Niki Riga

Round 7: Adhiban - Nakamura: 0-1

Adhiban got disconnected and Nakamura left his chair, thinking he won, but then 'The Beast' reconnected and Nakamura returned to their game.

When Adhiban reconnected | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

The endgame seemed difficult for White to defend.

Position after 44...h5

It is certainly not easy for White to defend the above position. However, the rook needs to go to a8 to get ready for checks from the back rank. White eventually lost the game after both f2 and h3-pawns fell.

Firouzja - Harikrishna: 0-1

Harikrishna completely managed to turn things around 180-degree after his opponent Firouzja was unable to capitalize on his advantage and instead made a grave mistake.

Position after 28.f5

White could have played 28.a5 and everything would have been fine. Find out why 28.f5 is a big mistake.

One cannot relax for a moment against Harikrishna | Photo: Tata Steel Chess

So - Artemiev: 1-0

So and Artemiev had an interesting back and forth battle which ended in an anti-climactic way as Artemiev blundered his queen. He missed few good chances before that.