Chinese Dragon Bounces Back

3rd India China Chess Summit – 2018

Report by I.A Suresh Chandra Sahoo

Team India suffered its first defeat at the 3rd India-China Summit, losing 0.5-3.5 against China in the fourth round at the International Chess Hall, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.

On top Board GM Shanglei launched a Spanish attack on Black. Srinath tried to open up the center early and even offered a piece sacrifice which was declined by Shanglei. Srinath tried to press further with a pawn sacrifice, but the Chinese counterpart systematically liquidated pieces one after another and won easily on 49th move.

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On second board Xiangyu surprisingly opted for Scilian Lowenthal variation which has a poor reputation in the Grandmaster level. Nevertheless, Aravind could not take Opening advantage. Eventually, the game drifted to a minor piece ending, where Arvind had double Bishop advantage. The Chinese GM defended accurately and draw was agreed on 83rd move.

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On third Board, in the game between two young Grandmasters Bai Jinshi and Aryan Chopra, the latter chose to exchange Queens early in Queen’s Gambit: Symmetrical Variation. The position soon turned into a passive position for Black. Bai Jinshi maintained his small initiative and managed to place both his Rooks on the 7th rank. To avoid deadly mating attack, Aryan had to concede material and eventually resigned on move 36.

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On 4th Board Murali Karthikeyan chose to play Reti Opening and faced solid London system against GM Xu Yinglun. After a hard fought battle, both the players reached a Knight & pawn end game. Neither side had any chance. But the Indian Grandmaster stretched too hard for a win and got punished. Xu Yinglun won on 63rd move.

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The fifth round begins at 15:30 hrs today.  Live Game will be available here.

Results of Fourth Round

           China                        3.5 – .5                     India