Nepo, Mamedyarov and Madaminov score
Three games ended decisively in Friday’s sixth round of the UzChess Cup in Tashkent, and the results left two Uzbek players tied for first place. Mukhiddin Madaminov defeated Vidit Gujrathi with the white pieces to catch Shamsiddin Vokhidov, whose run of three consecutive wins was halted by Nodirbek Yakubboev in a 27-move draw.
Vokhidov had entered the round as the sole leader after victories over Madaminov, Nikolas Theodorou and Ian Nepomniachtchi. Against Yakubboev, however, the two Uzbek teammates split the point relatively quickly, allowing Madaminov to join Vokhidov at the top of the standings. Madaminov remains drawless in the event, having collected four wins and two losses so far in the single round-robin.
After mastering positional play in Volume 1 and learning how to convert small advantages in Volume 2 of the Master Your Technique series, GM Mikhalchishin now presents Essential Techniques, covering topics from playing on the flank versus the center to maintaining tactical vigilance. In this volume, we dive into core aspects of chess technique. Smyslov taught the principle of tactical hierarchy, “checks, double attacks, and unprotected pieces”, and Mikhalchishin demonstrates how this method of calculation is vital. He shows how top players apply it, but also how even grandmasters sometimes miss critical resources, highlighting the necessity of developing a strong “tactical sense.” This approach encompasses tactical vigilance and scanning for sacrifices, but is also highly relevant to the second part of the course, which focuses on more strategic elements such as the use of heavy pieces and endgame technique.
Free Video Sample: Simple Tactics
Free Video Sample: Mating Net: Ne7+ Qxh7 Rh5+
The other drawn game was the longest struggle of the day. Hans Niemann and Nodirbek Abdusattorov played 61 moves out of a Sicilian Defence, with Abdusattorov, playing black, getting the upper hand in the middlegame. He later reached a rook and knight endgame with an extra pawn, but accurate defence by Niemann kept the balance.
The remaining decisive results were scored by Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Ian Nepomniachtchi. Mamedyarov defeated Nikolas Theodorou with black, while Nepomniachtchi beat Arjun Erigaisi with white in one of the day’s most anticipated pairings.
Madaminov and Vokhidov now share first place on 4/6. Abdusattorov, also representing Uzbekistan, stands alone in third place on 3½/6, while a five-player group is a further half point behind.
Vidit remains in last place on 1½/6 after another difficult result, having so far lost 14.1 rating points and fallen below the 2700 mark on the live ratings list.
Nepomniachtchi 1-0 Erigaisi
After mastering positional play in Volume 1 and learning how to convert small advantages in Volume 2 of the Master Your Technique series, GM Mikhalchishin now presents Essential Techniques, covering topics from playing on the flank versus the center to maintaining tactical vigilance. In this volume, we dive into core aspects of chess technique. Smyslov taught the principle of tactical hierarchy, “checks, double attacks, and unprotected pieces”, and Mikhalchishin demonstrates how this method of calculation is vital. He shows how top players apply it, but also how even grandmasters sometimes miss critical resources, highlighting the necessity of developing a strong “tactical sense.” This approach encompasses tactical vigilance and scanning for sacrifices, but is also highly relevant to the second part of the course, which focuses on more strategic elements such as the use of heavy pieces and endgame technique.
Free Video Sample: Simple Tactics
Free Video Sample: Mating Net: Ne7+ Qxh7 Rh5+
Ian Nepomniachtchi defeated Arjun Erigaisi in the battle of super-GMs | Photo: Official website
Theodorou 0-1 Mamedyarov
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Nikolas Theodorou played a brave opening line against the ever-fighting Shakhriyar Mamedyarov | Photo: Official website