Tata Steel Masters: Hari, Adhiban escape unscathed

Harikrishna fought back twice from inferior positions against Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi and eventually forced a draw after 79 moves. B. Adhiban sat behind the black pieces and was precariously placed but fought gallantly to escape unscathed in 92 moves

Hari Krishna is on 4.5 points after nine rounds at the Tata Steel Masters Chess tournament.

P. Harikrishna fought back twice from inferior positions against Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi and eventually forced a draw after 79 moves in the ninth round of the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament here on Tuesday.

Like Hari, compatriot B. Adhiban sat behind the black pieces and was precariously placed but fought gallantly to escape unscathed in 92 moves against China’s in-form youngster Wei Yi.

When the action resumed after a day of rest, World champion Magnus Carlsen emerged as the round’s only winner. Playing white, Carlsen scored over Loek van Wely and moved to 5.5 points – half a point off leader Wesley So.

The results:

Ninth round: Ian Nepomniachtchi (Rus, 3.5) drew with P. Harikrishna (4.5); Wei Yi (Chn, 5.5) drew with B. Adhiban (5); Wesley So (US, 6) drew with Levon Aronian (Arm, 5); Magnus Carlsen (Nor, 5.5) bt Loek van Wely (Ned, 1.5); Dmitry Andreikin (Rus, 4) drew with Pavel Eljanov (Ukr, 5.5); Anish Giri (Ned, 4.5) drew with Richard Rapport (Hun, 3.5); Radoslaw Wojtaszek (Pol, 4) drew with Sergey Karjakin (Rus, 5).