Aimchess US Rapid SF1: No advantage for anyone

by Shahid Ahmed - 03/09/2021

Aronian had a very good chance to create huge trouble for Carlsen in the second game of the first set of Semifinals in Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Aimchess US Rapid. Unfortunately for the Armenian, he was unable to seize, and the world champion went unscathed. Despite starting the day with a loss, Firouzja looked to create opportunities for himself in the second game. After two draws, he managed to beat Artemiev in the fourth game to tie the first set 2-2. Thus, Carlsen became the only one who has lost only one game in this event so far. Who do you think will advance to the Finals - Carlsen or Aronian, Artemiev or Firouzja? Second set of the Semifinals start today at 8:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Amruta Mokal

Exciting draws

Only two games out of the first eight games of the Semifinals ended decisively. However, no one won the first set which means the score will be reset to zero for the second set and the winner of second set will advance to the Finals.

Carlsen and Aronian had exciting games | Photo: Amruta Mokal

Artemiev - Firouzja: 2-2

Firouzja faltered in the rook and opposite color bishop endgame.

Artemiev - Firouzja, Game 1

Position after 52...Rc4

52...Rc4+ turned out to be the decisive mistake for Black. Instead, 52...Rf3+ 53.Ke4 fxe5 54.Kxe5 Bb3 and Black stays in the game. Artemiev gained a 1-0 lead.

Firouzja tried to create some chances for himself in the rook and same color bishop endgame, but it yielded only a draw.

Third game was a hard-fought draw.

Firouzja got himself in trouble in the fourth game.

Firouzja - Artemiev, Game 4

Position after 28.Nb6

28.Nb6 is not a good idea because of 28...Nxc5 which is what happened in the game. 29.Rd8 was played and now Black made the mistake of capturing it 29...Rxd8. Find out why it is a mistake and what Black could have done instead. Firouzja got an important win to tie the first set 2-2.

Firouzja is eyeing for his first Final appearance of the season | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour

Carlsen - Aronian: 2-2

Second game was an exciting draw. Aronian sacrificed an exchange which turned things in his favor.

Aronian - Carlsen, Game 2

Position after 26...Be4

Taking on g7 now could have made a lot of difference, however, White continued 27.f3 and it became a missed opportunity. The third and fourth game also ended in draws. Thus, the first set got tied at 2-2.