Giri, MVL, Dubov, Radjabov, and Kosteniuk are out of the World Cup
Author: Maria Fragaki
It was an eventful Round 3 at the 2023 FIDE World Cup in Baku, with top-rated players getting eliminated both in the classical encounter – GMs Daniil Dubov, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave -, and the tiebreaks – GMs Anish Giri, Teimour Radjabov, and Alexandra Kosteniuk -.
In a series of intense encounters, noteworthy developments unfolded in the 2023 FIDE World Cup, showcasing remarkable displays of skill and tenacity among the competitors. Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov delivered a compelling performance, ousting Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the second game of round three. Similarly, Grandmasters Fabiano Caruana and Ju Wenjun, the Women’s World Champion, faced formidable challenges against their opponents, Grandmaster Yilmaz Mustafa, and International Master Fataliyeva Ulviyya, respectively.
Caruana demonstrated strategic acumen from the outset, applying pressure on Yilmaz in their 25-minute encounter. With the clock ticking down, Yilmaz mounted a tenacious defense, but Caruana’s adept maneuvering ultimately led to an endgame advantage, facilitated by his extra passed pawns, securing his victory.
Grandmaster Anish Giri, on the other hand, was unable to progress further in the event, as Grandmaster Nijat Abasov managed to capitalize on a well-played 25-minute game, which forced the match into subsequent tiebreaks. Despite drawing two 10-minute games, Abasov’s decisive strategy in the critical five-minute game led to his triumph over the formidable Dutch super-GM.
In a compelling upset within the Women’s section, International Master Teodora Injac displayed her prowess, requiring just the first rapid tiebreak to eliminate defending champion Grandmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk. Additionally, Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli encountered a grueling battle, playing eight tiebreak games before securing her spot in the fourth round.
Amidst these noteworthy events, International Master Eline Roebers stood out, maintaining an impressive perfect score of 6/6 after Round 3, exhibiting remarkable tactical finesse.
Overall, the 2023 FIDE World Cup has proven to be a stage of exhilarating challenges and exceptional performances, where chess enthusiasts worldwide witness the evolution of the game and the emergence of remarkable talents in both the Open and Women’s Tournaments.
