Tata Steel Masters: Harikrishna holds Carlsen

P. Harikrishna posted the biggest result of his career by proving equal to World champion Magnus Carlsen in 57 moves in the 10th round of the Tata Steel Masters tournament here on Wednesday.

Published : Jan 25, 2017 23:44 IST

Magnus Carlsen was in a bit of a spot during the 10th round match against India's Harikrishna.

P. Harikrishna posted the biggest result of his career by proving equal to World champion Magnus Carlsen in 57 moves in the 10th round of the Tata Steel Masters tournament here on Wednesday.

On a day when leader Wesley So scored over Poland’s Radoslaw Wojtaszek to reach seven points, B. Adhiban drew with Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi in 45 moves.

With three rounds to go after Thursday's rest day, So enjoys a one-point lead over Carlsen and Levon Aronian (six each).

In a game that followed the opening lines of Four Knights Rubinstein, Hari played white and attained a comfortable position. The periodic exchange of pieces continued and eventually a draw was agreed when both players were left with a rook and four pawns each.

Adhiban needed 45 moves in Sicilian Najdorf to hold Nepomniachtchi after resorting to perpetual checks.

The results:

10th round: P. Harikrishna (5) drew with Magnus Carlsen (Nor, 6); B. Adhiban (5.5) drew with Ian Nepomniachtchi (Rus, 4); Wesley So (USA, 7) bt Radoslaw Wojtaszek (Pol, 4); Levon Aronian (Arm, 6) bt Richard Rapport (Hun, 3.5); Loek van Wely (Ned, 2.5) drew with Anish Giri (Ned, 5.5).