India No.3 Vidit Gujrathi defeated Vasif Durarbayli 1.5-0.5 to achieve the quarterfinals of the FIDE chess World Cup right here on Monday.
The 26-year outdated Grandmaster got here up with a formidable show to tame his lower-rated Azerbaijan opponent, successful in 38 strikes in his fifth spherical encounter.
The two had performed out a draw within the first sport of the two-game mini match.
The world No.22 employed the Ruy Lopez Arkangelsk variation in opposition to Durarbayli and held his personal with black items to safe victory.
Vidit Gujrathi beat Vasif Durarbayli and progressed to the Quarterfinals of the #FIDEWorldCup. @viditchess strategically performed to limit White’s light-squared bishop all through the sport and ultimately managed to seize it. pic.twitter.com/lOzmfX8GiJ
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 26, 2021
It is a breakthrough efficiency by the Nashik-based Gujrathi as he had posted some good wins on the way in which to reaching the final eight. His victories got here in opposition to compatriot B Adhiban (spherical three) and Jeffrey Xiong (spherical 4).
In the quarterfinal, the Indian GM will face the winner of the match between Jan-Krzystof Duda (Poland) and Alexander Grischuk (Russia).
Gujrathi is the primary Indian to achieve the final eight since maestro Vishwanathan Anand emerged winner within the years 2000 and 2002.
Tournament favorite and world No.1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway was held to a draw within the second sport by Russia’s Andrey Espineko and can play the tie-break on Tuesday to find out who advances to the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, American Sam Shankland booked a final eight spot with a 1.5-0.5 win over Peter Svidler (Russia).