FM Raja Rithvik R produced a spirited performance to defeat GM Neverov Valeriy of Ukraine in the 5th round of the 11th Mumbai Mayor's International Chess Tournament today.
Ritvik (ELO 2296) started with Kings Knight opening. On the 19th move instead of exchanging the pawns, the Ukrainian blocked the position on the queen's side in the LIC-sponsored tournament being played at the Mount Litera International School, Bandra Kurla Complex.
Taking advantage of this Ritvik attacked from the king side.
On the 30th move, Valeriy tried to force a draw by repeating the position on board. After exchanging the queen, Ritvik got an active bishop in the end game.
At a crucial juncture in the game, Ritvik looked like he had a clear winning position but he was not able to go for the kill.
However, the Indian player got another shot at victory on the 73rd move when Valeriy lost focus and faltered on his move and this time Ritvik kept his composure and ultimately finished the game in the 76th move.
E Arjun continued his fine form in the tournament as he held the top seed Kravtsiv Martyn (ELO 2662, UKR) to a draw after 42 moves and both led the field jointly with four points apiece.
On the 2nd board, GM Tran Tuan Minh (ELO 2514, VIE), who started with Queens Indian Defence against GM Rozum Evan ( ELO 2581, RUS), could not find any openings against the strong defence of Rozum and this clash too was drawn after 73 moves.
Results (5th round): GM Kravtsiv Martyn (2662, UKR) drew with FM Erigaisi Arjun (2505, IND) 4-4; GM Tran Tuan Minh (2514, VIE) drew with GM Rozum Ivan (2581, RUS) 4-3; GM Amonatov Farrukh (2605, TJK) bt IM Tran Minh Thang (2383, VIE) 3-3; IM Siva Mahadevan (2346, IND) drew with GM Sandipan Chanda (2571, IND) 3-3; Neelash Saha (2333, IND) drew with GM Tukhaev Adam (2557, UKR) 3-3; GM Burmakin Vladimir (2528, RUS) drew with IM Sidhant Mohapatra (2370, IND) 3-3; FM Raja Rithvik R (2296, IND) bt GM Neverov Valeriy (2492, UKR) 3-3; FM Karthik Venkataraman (2475, IND) drew with Saravana Krishnan P (2359,IND) 3 1/2- 3.
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