Adhiban stuns Russia’s Karjakin

The Indian Grandmaster played the French Defence for the first time in his life and beat  Karjakin. India’s No 2 player Pentala Harikrishna slumped to defeat against Wesley So, who took over the lead after the fifth round. Levon Aronian beat overnight leader Eljanov in the fifth round which was held in the Feyenoord Football stadium. 

After the game Adhiban tweeted. “Happy to have beaten the World Defense Champion! This victory came at the right time and it will be a huge boost for my next games! Thanks everyone for your support!.” 

Karjakin was in an aggressive mood giving up one pawn and sacrificing another to open more lines towards Adhiban’s King. Adhiban swallowed the pawns and co-ordinated his pieces perfectly. In the end Karjakin desperately sacrificed his rook. The Indian defended well and closed the game in 31 moves to reach two points. So has four points from five games, followed by Magnus Carlsen and Paul Eljanov on 3.5 points each. 

Carlsen had a chance to join the leader but he drew with Nepomniachtchi. The opening was not exactly conventional for Carlsen as he gave a pawn for piece activity. He used his development to keep white at bay and drew his game.