Vidit and Andreikin the early leaders of the FIDE Grand Prix 2022 in Belgrade
Day 1 of the FIDE Grand Prix 2022 in Belgrade ended with Andreikin and Vidit being the early leader of Groups A and C respectively.
The ceremonial first move was made in the Rapport – Fedoseev game by Dragan Lazic, president of the Serbian Chess Federation, and Vanja Udovicic, Minister for Sport in the Government of Serbia and one of the world’s most famous water polo players.
POOL A
Grischuk, who also played in Leg 1 of the Grand Prix, faced his compatriot Andreikin in a Scheveningen Sicilian game. Andreikin was building up the pressure and managed to find an impressive combination, winning a rook and two minor pieces for the queen. With this huge advantage, and Grischuk’s time trouble, the 32-year-old GM got his first win.
The Bacrot-Shankland game on the other hand was imaginative but balanced, and ended in an eventful draw. After Round 1 Andreikin is the early leader.
POOL B
The Harikrishna-Vitiugov game started with the four Knights Sicilian and escalated fast after a huge blunder by Hari on move 13. Vitiugov grabbed the opportunity and won a miniature in 26 moves with the black pieces.
Giri chose the Italian game for Round 1 against Tabatabaei, and introduced us to a novelty on move 10.b4! After missing a few early chances, Giri managed to win a long-winning game and co-lead Group B with Vitiugov.
POOL C
The classical variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defence was played on the Rapport-Fedoseev game. Moving closer to the move-40 mark the position looked equal but totally playable. Nonetheless, the two GMs decided to save their energy and drew the game. “Very early to agree a draw” GM Evgenij Miroshnichenko mentioned.
In Vidit-Shirov game the Najdorf Sicilian was initiated with Shirov playing boldly and provocatively! “Shirov is Shirov!” GM Evgenij Miroshnichenko commented. A while after Vidit found himself with an extra piece and a big advantage which managed to turn into a point! After Round 1 Vidit is the clear leader of Group B.
POOL D
The Yu-Mamedyarov game started with the Scotch Opening which reached a totally balanced position. After 36 moves the two GMs agreed to a draw.
The second game of the pool, Maxime Vacier-Lagrave against Alexandr Predke, was not so peaceful. The game started with the Ruy Lopez and Predke had an important advantage due to greater piece activity. Eventually, MVL managed to equalise the position and move to a drawn rook endgame.
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