Chessable Masters SF1: Advantage Liem and So

by Shahid Ahmed - 06/08/2021

The first set of Semifinals at the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters witnessed Liem and So prevailing against their respective opponents. Aronian lost the first set against Liem by 1-3. Although he missed a few things and certainly was not in his best shape as he had shown in the earlier phase of the tournament. Meanwhile, So beat Artemiev by minimum margin 2.5-1.5. Both Aronian and Artemiev must win the second set of the Semifinals to force tie-breaks and keep their chances in the tournament. The second set of the Semifinals start today at 8:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Grand Chess Tour

Aronian and Artemiev on the brink of elimination

Liem continued his fantastic form as he beat Aronian in the first set of the Semifinals convincingly and played some exciting chess. Meanwhile, So scored only one victory and made three draws against Artemiev to win the first set.

Liem dominated Aronian | Photo: Grand Chess Tour

So - Artemiev: 2.5-1.5

First game was a draw. So had a decisive advantage for the better part of the second game.

Artemiev - So, Game 2

Position after 38.Bd2

The game continued 38...Rd4 39.Bxf4 Rxf4 40.Rxg2 and Black the crucial g2-pawn. Find out what was the better continuation for Black. The second game also ended in a draw, which means the score is still tied at 1-1.

So scored his first and only win of the day against Artemiev in the third game. The American showcased his technical skill in the endgame.

The fourth game ended in a draw by perpetual check. So could have pushed for another win but a draw also meant winning the first set. Thus, it did not affect the overall outcome. So won the first set 2.5-1.5.

Liem - Aronian: 3-1

First game was an absolutely exciting encounter which ended in a draw.

Aronian blundered in the endgame which cost him the second game. The win was not easy but Liem managed to convert it with accurate play.

Liem - Aronian, Game 2

Position after 35.Rb1

Black needed to get rid of the c6-pawn as quickly as possible to avert danger. 35...e5 woul have forced the removal of support by the d4-knight. Unfortunately for Aronian, he opted for 35...Kg7 and Liem got his opportunity 36.Rb7 and rest was just a matter of technique which the former world blitz champion had no trouble in converting. Liem gained a 0.5-1.5 lead.

Aronian made a 101-move long marathon draw with Liem, although he had his chance