Harikrishna goes down to Svidler in Moscow

Indian Grand Master Pentala Harikrishna suffered his first loss in the Moscow FIDE Grand Prix tournament, going down fighting to Russian GM Peter Svidler in third round here.

The World No. 16 Indian, playing in white pieces, started off aggressively and maintained pressure on his higher-rated opponent during the initial stage.

Indian Grand Master Pentala Harikrishna suffered his first loss in the Moscow FIDE Grand Prix tournament, going down fighting to Russian GM Peter Svidler in third round here.

The World No. 16 Indian, playing in white pieces, started off aggressively and maintained pressure on his higher-rated opponent during the initial stage of the game last night.

However, one miscalculated move mid-way into the tie saw Svidler seize the momentum and turn the tides on Harikrisha.

“The 19 Bg5 was a bad decision and it was after this move that black took the initiative and gradually went on to win the game,” a dejected Harikrishna said after the game.

With two draws and one loss, Harikrishna now has one point from three rounds in the nine-round Swiss tournament, which offers prize money of €130,000 as well as chance to qualify for the prestigious candidates tournament.

He will now take on Ernesto Inarkiev of Russia in the fourth round.