Chess World Cup: Lagrave gets past Svidler

Peter Svidler’s defeat ended Russia’s challenge in the premier event.

Frenchman Maxime Vachier-Lagrave beat Peter Svidler in the second rapid game to post a 2.5-1.5 victory in their quarterfinal clash at the Chess World Cup. (File Image)

Frenchman Maxime Vachier-Lagrave ended Peter Svidler’s resistance in the second rapid game to post a 2.5-1.5 victory in their quarterfinal clash in World Cup chess here on Sunday. Lagrave won with black pieces in 34 moves after the first rapid game tie-break game ended in a draw. Svidler’s defeat also ended Russia’s challenge in the premier event. The result: Quarterfinal: Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra) bt Peter Svidler (Rus) 2.5-1.5. Semifinal line-up: Levon Aronian (Arm) v Maxime Vachier-Lagrave; Wesley So (USA) v Ding Liren (Chn).