Negi takes sole Dubai lead

Negi beats Sasikiran to jump into Dubai Open sole lead
PTI | Apr 16, 2011, 10.14pm IST

DUBAI: Indian Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi defeated top seeded compatriot Krishnan Sasikiran to jump into sole lead after the conclusion of the sixth round of the Dubai International Open chess tournament.

On the only double round day in the event at Dubai Chess and Culture Club, Negi got the better of his higher rated opponent showing skills and the ability to handle pressure with his clock ticking away.

It was easily one of the memorable victories for the young Indian.

Negi took his tally to an excellent 5.5 points out of a possible six and is now a half point clear of nearest eight rivals with no Indian amongst them. The Indian next face Murtas Kazhgalyev of Kazakhstan in the next round.

Playing white, Negi went for the sharpest variation against the Sicilian Najdorf. Wild complexities ensued very early in the middle game itself and Sasikiran had to be cautious right through.

Negi sacrificed a piece early in the opening for two pawns but Sasikiran was alert and apparently prepared for that as he gave the piece back in quick time.

In the final stages of the middle game, the contest was interestingly poised but Sasikiran missed the thread after garnering two pieces for a rook. With correct play, a draw was much on cards but a brave Negi took his chances and was duly rewarded when Sasikiran blundered and walked in to a checkmate web.

More here.

Parimarjan Negi is National champion

Parimarjan Negi is National champion
Rakesh Rao
Special thanks to Jagdish Dube for sending us the article

NEW DELHI: Having done all the hard work in the days leading to the final round, Parimarjan Negi had it easy on the home-stretch. In less than 20 minutes into the 13th round, Negi claimed the title he had come for after a friendly 15-move draw with Tejas Bakre in the 48th National Premier chess championship here on Wednesday.

For the 17-year-old Negi from Bharat Petroleum and a student of Amity School, the title not only brought with it a glittering trophy and a cheque for Rs. 1.25 lakh but also an unexpected bonus of Rs. 50,000 from Delhi Chess Association President Bharat Singh Chauhan for being the first National champion from the Capital.

In addition, Negi also became the first Indian qualifier for the next year's World Cup to be held at Khanty Mansisyk, Russia.

“It obviously feels nice to win but many strong players don't play in the National championship any more,” said the champion, seeded two, while putting the triumph in perspective.

“I was one of the favourites to win and therefore, I am not overly excited about accomplishing what I was expected to. Had I won in 2008 (he had lost the final round when in sight of the title), it would have been special because someone like Surya Shekhar Ganguly was around and my game was not so mature.

“Still, being the National champion is a good feeling. Nothing more,” said the country's youngest Grandmaster, admired for his conduct, on and off the board.

For the record, an undefeated Negi tallied 9.5 points, one better than runner-up and top seed G.N. Gopal, outgoing champion B. Adhiban and former winner Abhijit Kunte.

In fact, Bakre and Negi were part of the National team title-winning Air-India squad in February. On Wednesday, an unbeaten Bakre was the first to congratulate Negi, on his fine ‘double'.

Besides Negi, another local boy, 13-year-old debutant Vaibhav Suri, came up with an inspired performance. He finished with an impressive tally of eight points after posting a stunning 21-move victory over M.R. Venkatesh for the 10th spot, ahead of several Grandmasters.

Gopal and Adhiban battled hard on the second board, each one thinking he had a better position, before settling for a draw.

Full article here.

Victorious Negi back in front

Victorious Negi back in front
Rakesh Rao
Tuesday, Dec 21, 2010

Gopal stays in title contention after win against M.R. Venkatesh
Vaibhav Suri gets past M.S. Thejkumar

NEW DELHI: In a tense battle of teens, Parimarjan Negi came up with an awe-inspiring bishop-sacrifice and went on to floor M.R. Lalith Babu, following a calculated assault in the 11th round of the 48th National Premier chess championship here on Monday.

The second seeded Grandmaster from Bharat Petroleum now leads the table with eight points, half a point ahead of fellow overnight leader Pravin Thipsay and top seed G.N. Gopal. Six players, including Lalith, follow with seven points. With two rounds to go, it is still anybody's race.

While Thipsay and S. Arun Prasad were preparing to sign truce following an equal battle in 39 moves, Negi was plotting the downfall of an unsuspecting Lalith. Though Negi had more attacking options on Lalith's castled king, he chose to make it dramatic.

Negi gave up his bishop while holding the chances of forcing a draw through perpetual checks. He won a crucial central-pawn and kept up the pressure with his active queen.

With Lalith's queen, rook and bishop away from the king, Negi pushed his central pawn to the seventh rank and threatened checkmate.
Lalith realised the futility of continuing the battle with a rook for a queen and surrendered in 39 moves.

Gopal stayed in title contention following a second successive victory. Playing with black pieces, he punished his BPCL colleague M.R. Venkatesh.

Full story here.