Azerbaijan’s Muradli maintains lead at 24th Dubai Open Chess Championship

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Azerbaijani Grandmaster (GM) Mahammad Muradli maintained his lead in the 24th Dubai Open Chess Tournament 2024 after a draw with Turkish prodigy GM-elect Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus in the sixth round on Thursday night at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

Muradli has five points going into the seventh round, half a point ahead of Erdogmus and five other players.

In Category B, the UAE’s Fide Master (FM) Ahmed Fareed won over compatriot Saif Ahmed to grab a share of the lead with Libya’s Yousef A. Alhassadi, each with 5.5 points.

Fareed defeated Saif Ahmed, while Alhassadi’s five-game win streak ended with a draw with Kazakhstan's Bakhyt Temirov.

Muradli was put under pressure by his 13-year-old Turkish opponent, who managed to establish a protected passed pawn on the c-file. Erdogmus’ winning chances, however, dwindled after a series of exchanges that led to a theoretically drawn rook endgame. Both players agreed to split the point after 48 moves.

The sixth-round clash between Muradli and Erdogmus was a highly anticipated match, drawing considerable attention from fans.

 Both players showcased exceptional skill and strategic depth, resulting in a draw that demonstrated their mutual respect and understanding of the game.

Joining Erdogmus at joint second place with 4.5 points are GM Raunak Sadhwani, GM Pa Iniyan and IM Aronyak Ghosh of India, Serbia’s GM Velimir Ivic, and IM Sina Movahed of Iran.

Sadhwani bounced back from a tough defeat in the previous round to secure a decisive victory over compatriot GM S.P. Sethuraman.

Sadhwani, who faced a painful loss to the tournament leader, Muradli, showcased his fighting spirit and strategic acumen by overcoming Sethuraman.

Sethuraman, a seasoned and formidable opponent, employed the aggressive advanced variation against Sadhwani’s Caro-Kann Defence, hoping to gain an early advantage. However, Sadhwani's precise play and deep understanding of the opening neutralized Sethuraman's aggressive intentions.

From the outset, Sadhwani played with confidence, navigating the complexities of the Caro-Kann Defence with ease. The game transitioned into a middlegame where both players jostled for positional supremacy. Despite Sethuraman’s best efforts, he was unable to capitalize on his aggressive opening strategy.

Sadhwani gradually increased his advantage through a series of well-calculated moves. The turning point of the game came as they reached a rook-and-knight endgame. Sadhwani had managed to secure four pawns against Sethuraman’s two, a clear indicator of his superior position.

In the endgame, Sadhwani demonstrated exceptional technique. With a rook and knight each, the focus shifted to the pawn structure. Sadhwani's four pawns were strategically advanced and well-supported, creating a powerful force against Sethuraman’s two pawns. Through precise maneuvering and strategic planning, Sadhwani pressed his advantage, steadily increasing the pressure on his opponent.

Sethuraman fought valiantly, but Sadhwani’s relentless play left no room for a comeback. Eventually, Sadhwani converted his material advantage into a well-deserved victory, marking a significant comeback after his previous round’s setback.

Muradli will have the black pieces when he tries to protect his lead against Ghosh in the seventh round on Friday, while Fareed and Alhassadi will battle for the solo leadership in Category B.

Muradli is in a commanding position, but the competition remains fierce. Erdogmus, along with five other players, is trailing closely with 4.5 points each. The following rounds promise intense battles as participant’s battle for the coveted title.

The Dubai Open Chess Championship is renowned for attracting top class international talent, and the 2024 edition is no exception.

The tournament provides a platform for seasoned Grandmasters and emerging prodigies to compete at the highest level, offering both a prestigious title and a significant prize pool.

The nine-round tournament will continue until June 2 at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club, with games starting from 5pm, except in the final round on Sunday, which will start at 10am.

Each player is allotted a thinking time of 90 minutes, with 30 seconds added after each move. A total of $52,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.