 60th Russian Championship Superfinal 2007
 Between 1920 and 1991 there were 58 editions of the iconic Soviet Championship:
an event that in its halcyon days - with past champions Alekhine, Botvinnik, Smyslov, Bronstein, Tal, Petrosian, Spassky, Karpov and Kasparov - was regarded as the most exacting on the planet.
Meanwhile, separate championships of the Russian
Federation had also been taking place; and in the post-Soviet world, these effectively supplanted the old event. But with widespread emigration and no necessity in a post-Soviet world for the top players to compete, these haven't ever
quite matched the standard of the old regime.
Three years ago, the Russian Championship was therefore revamped and upgraded to the title of “Superfinal”. The new format saw a top class field - which was stronger than most other
national championships - battling it out in a strong qualifier to join the elite seeded players in the Superfinal.
This year, the Superfinal has turned into the “Moooooorozevich Massacre”, as Alexander Morozevich remarkably
continues his winning run after a disastrous start of 0.5/2. After beating Alexasnder Grischuk in round seven, in round eight, the Muscovite fan-favorite notched-up his sixth consecutive win, this time blowing away another seeding rival
in 5-time Russian champion Peter Svidler with a trademark devastating attack, to move 1.5-points clear at the top with a 2900+ performance.
But Morozevich's amazing streak came to an end in round nine, as he went down in flames to Alexey
Dreev. He now goes into the penultimate round just a half point ahead of Evgeny Tomashevsky.
60th Russian Championship Superfinal - Crosstable after Round 9
| N |
NAME |
FED |
ELO |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
PTS |
PFM |
| 1 |
Morozevich, Alexander |
RUS |
2755 |
|
1 |
1 |
0 |
½ |
. |
0 |
1 |
1 |
. |
1 |
1 |
6½ |
2810 |
| 2 |
Tomashevsky, Evgeny |
RUS |
2646 |
0 |
|
0 |
½ |
. |
. |
1 |
½ |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
2773 |
| 3 |
Grischuk, Alexander |
RUS |
2715 |
0 |
1 |
|
½ |
½ |
½ |
½ |
. |
. |
1 |
½ |
1 |
5½ |
2734 |
| 4 |
Dreev, Alexey |
RUS |
2607 |
1 |
½ |
½ |
|
1 |
1 |
½ |
½ |
0 |
0 |
. |
. |
5 |
2708 |
| 5 |
Jakovenko, Dmitry |
RUS |
2710 |
½ |
. |
½ |
0 |
|
½ |
. |
½ |
½ |
1 |
0 |
1 |
4½ |
2657 |
| 6 |
Inarkiev, Ernesto |
RUS |
2674 |
. |
. |
½ |
0 |
½ |
|
1 |
½ |
½ |
½ |
½ |
½ |
4½ |
2643 |
| 7 |
Vitiugov, Nikita |
RUS |
2594 |
1 |
0 |
½ |
½ |
. |
0 |
|
. |
0 |
½ |
½ |
1 |
4 |
2627 |
| 8 |
Rychagov, Andrey |
RUS |
2528 |
0 |
½ |
. |
½ |
½ |
½ |
. |
|
1 |
½ |
½ |
0 |
4 |
2627 |
| 9 |
Svidler, Peter |
RUS |
2732 |
0 |
0 |
. |
1 |
½ |
½ |
1 |
0 |
|
½ |
½ |
. |
4 |
2599 |
| 10 |
Amonatov, Farrukh |
TJK |
2637 |
. |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
½ |
½ |
½ |
½ |
|
. |
1 |
4 |
2606 |
| 11 |
Sakaev, Konstantin |
RUS |
2634 |
0 |
0 |
½ |
. |
1 |
½ |
½ |
½ |
½ |
. |
|
0 |
3½ |
2585 |
| 12 |
Timofeev, Artyom |
RUS |
2637 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
. |
0 |
½ |
0 |
1 |
. |
0 |
1 |
|
2½ |
2488 |
|
More information
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Ronen's Winter Blunderland
 Sleigh
bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight. Walking in a winter....blunderland?? The festive fun starts here on ICC with a special two part holiday show from GM Ronen Har-Zvi.
We're all prone to blunders - even the greats such as Capablanca, Alekhine, Fischer, Kasparov, Karpov and Kramnik. But with a dash of seasonal spirit, Ronen explores famous blunders from some of the top players in the game, explaining
why we make them and what we can do to prevent them.
Click "Play Video" for a free 5 minute preview of part two of Ronen's Winter Blunderland. Click
here for a free 5 minute preview of part one. These videos are just one of the many benefits of being a full member of ICC - so, sign up for membership!
Pete Tamburro "The Sizzling Scandinavian: Part 1"
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The Scandinavian Defense (or Centre Counter) has risen in a relatively short time from being a theoretical backwater to a fully-blown main line opening. Its change in name to the Scandinavian came in the mid-1980s
with its rehabilitation at top level by Denmark's Bent Larsen. And its rise since then has been nothing short of meteoric, even being used with great effect by Vishy Anand in his unsuccessful 1995 world title match against Garry
Kasparov. |
The season of goodwill starts here on ICC as non-members get to view
for free part one of this five set video series on 2...Qxd5. This video is just one of the many benefits of being a full member of ICC - to view the other four in this series, sign up for membership!
GM Ronen Har-Zvi: "New Ideas in the Slav and Semi-Slav Defences"
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In a series of new opening videos for ICC Chess.FM, GM Ronen Har-Zvi investigates the latest developments and trends that will keep you up-to-date in the rock-solid Slav and Semi-Slav Defences.
Click "Play Video" for a free 5 minute preview of both of Ronen's latest videos. To listen to the full videos, sign
up for membership!
Sneak preview of part 4. |
Attack with LarryC!
 New
at ICC Chess.FM - Attack With LarryC! A weekly 30 min+ show on Wednesdays at 15:00 EST (and available on-demand thereafter for members), featuring three-time U.S. Champion Larry Christiansen, one of the most dangerous and
respected attacking players of his generation.
Larry is a feared competitor and attacker who authored two popular books that showcase his aggressive style: Storming the Barricades and Rocking the Ramparts. And each week on his show, Larry will feature various attacking
motifs and themes and showing you how best to play for mate.
Click "Play Video" for a free 5 minute preview of Larry's latest video. This video is just one of the many benefits of being a full
member of ICC - so, sign up for membership!
GM Joel Benjamin "Game of the Week"
 Three-time
U.S. Champion GM Joel Benjamin starts his weekly show every Friday at 15:00 Server Time. Click "Play Video" for a free 5 minute preview
of Joel's latest show. To listen to the full show, sign up for membership!
Joel is regarded by many as one of the best commentators and analysts' we have in the game today, and each Friday he will be giving us his insight and spin with his selection of Game of the Week.
This is a not-to-be-missed 30-minute video is exclusively for ICC members only -- so if you want to get ahead of the game, get ready to tune-in! By popular demand and requests from members, ALL
of Joel Benjamin's GOTW videos are available. Enjoy!
"Chess Talk" with IM John Watson
Tune-in for Chess Talk with IM John Watson on ICC Chess.FM. John's weekly 60+ minute show (members only) will feature an interview with leading chess personalities.
John Watson is on his holiday break and will return after Christmas with more topical guests for a Chess Talk. Throughout the holiday season though, we're re-running a "festive four" top GM interviews with Shirov, Timman, Short, & Nakamura.
His latest show features the return of leading chess interviewer and New In Chess editor-in-chief Dirk Jan Ten Geuzendam, who discusses the forthcoming 2008 Corus Tournament in Wijk aan Zee.
FREE PREVIEWS
Ask the Renaissance Man
 Tune-in
for "Ask the Renaissance Man" with National Master Dan Heisman every Thursday at 21:00 EST. You send in the questions and Dan provides the answers every week on his Q&A show. Questions on tournament rules, opening play,
chess books, chess politics, current events, and more!
Click "Play Video" for a free 5 minute preview of Dan's latest show. To listen to the full show, sign up for membership! |
Special Christmas Tourney Recap!
 In another excellent ICC sponsored event, damir1813 was
able to capture the victory on Christmas Eve, outlasting the competition with a score of 16/20! The 20 round 3 0 blitz event was very well attended with 137 players entering. Mossingen took 2nd place in the event with
a score of 13.5/20. LittleMaster was able to finish 3rd with a score of 13/20. Look for more exciting ICC events in future issues of Tomato Central!
Monthly Standard!
 Tomato presents a new type of tournament, suitable
for longer time controls. The tournament starts in the Slomato bot on the first Saturday of a month at 12 noon. As usual, you can join shortly before starting time by typing 'tell Slomato join' or clicking the item in your event list. On
each Saturday, three rounds of 15 5 (rated, Swiss parings) will be played. This gives a total of 12 rounds (in months with 4 Saturdays) or 15 rounds (in months with 5 Saturdays), thus a really long standard tournament which would be impossible
without breaks in between. Prizes are awarded and lots of fun is had… so don’t miss out on this month’s Monthly Standard!
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January Marathon!
 It’s Marathon time! Mark your
calendars for the weekend of January 12-13. Beginning at 12:00 noon on Saturday, and ending at 12:00 noon on Sunday, ICC is proud to host 24 consecutive hours of non-stop tournament action! There will be several categories being
contested. In 5 0 Blitz, there will be an u1600 section along with an over 1600 section. In 1 0 Bullet, there will be an u1800 section to go with the 1800+ section. Finally, there will be a 15 0 Standard section for all ratings. Prizes
will be awarded for best and most in all categories. See “help marathon” for full details!
 Tourney Tip of the Week:
How can I see the weekly or monthly standings in a scheduled series? The first thing you need to know is the “tag” of the series you’re looking for. “Tell
tomato series list” to see a list of all the current tags. When you’ve found your tag, you can then “Tell tomato series best <tag>” or “Tell tomato series most <tag>” to see who has scored the most points
or played the most games, respectively. Let’s use the weekday blitz mentioned above as an example. If you want to see the top point scorers for this month, you would type, “Tell tomato series
best mar07weekday”. Now
you can play in a scheduled series, track your progress and win prizes!
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ICC Quiz #5698
submitted by Hideaway
White mates in 3
To play this puzzle on the ICC type:
tell trainingbot number 5698
Then type: play trainingbot
ICC Quiz #5758
submitted by John3v16
White mates in 3
To play this puzzle on the ICC type:
tell trainingbot number 5758
Then type: play trainingbot |
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ICC Quiz #5741
submitted by PoisonIvy
White mates in 2
To play this puzzle on the ICC type:
tell trainingbot number 5741
Then type: play trainingbot
ICC Quiz #5856
submitted by S01D
White mates in 3
To play this puzzle on the ICC type:
tell trainingbot number 5856
Then type: play trainingbot |
Grandmaster Secrets: Winning Quickly at Chess - John Nunn
John Nunn selects 125 of the finest short decisive grandmaster games of the modern era.
For a grandmaster to lose a game in 25 moves or fewer takes something special, and club players can learn a great deal from studying these miniatures. Each of these games is a true battle, with the result often in doubt until near
the very end of the struggle. Read more
Price $27.95 - Buy
now!
Roman's Lab - Vol 46: Most Incredible Tactics and Combinations Ever in the Endgame
On this DVD GM Roman Dzindzichashvili will bring to you 13 of the most incredible tactical endgames ever. Some of these Tactical shockers will come out of nowhere demonstrating regardless how bad a position may look there may be
a hidden win or saving draw. Enlightened by these examples you will be able to apply these ideas to your own games. So before you resign in the endgame watch this DVD you may be able to salvage you game.
Read
more
Price $19.95 - Buy
now!
Roman's Lab - Vol 48: Complete Universal f4 System for White Against the Scillian Fianchetto and Non-Fianchetto variations
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 (g6, d6, e6, b6) 3. f4!! On this DVD Roman guarantees you a very playable position and some advantages for White against the Sicilian Defense. Roman will demonstrate to you easy to learn universal plans and ideas in the opening and
middle game. Roman shows you easy to remember setups and themes that will leave you very well prepared to meet the Sicilian and get an advantage over your opponent!!
Read
more
Price $19.95 - Buy
now!
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Grandmaster Secrets: The Caro-Kann - Peter Wells
The Caro-Kann is one of the most popular responses to 1 e4. Black stakes a claim to the central squares and seeks free development for all his pieces.
While solid, it is by no means a drawing weapon - the resulting positions generally
contain at least a degree of imbalance and the critical lines lead to sharp positions with chances for both sides. Many new approaches for both sides have been developed in recent years, and a good understanding of these ideas is vital for anyone
looking to handle either side of the Caro with success. Read more
Price $27.95 - Buy
now!
Roman's Lab - Vol 47: The Most Brilliant Squeezes Ever in the Endgame
On this DVD GM Roman Dzindzichashvili will show you brilliant positional squeezes in the endgame.
These highly instructional endgames were played on the highest level but very easy to understand so you can apply
these ideas and concepts to your own games. Some examples will cover good Knight vs. bad, opposite color Bishops, the Passive Rook and more. Read
more
Price $19.95 - Buy
now!
Roman's Lab - Vol 49: Magnificent Instructional Masterpieces in The King's Indian Defense
On this DVD Roman will explain move by move highly instructional and amazing Kings Indian games played by some of the world’s greatest players.
The games range from 1950 to the present and
includes gems from Bobby Fischer and Gary Kasparov.
GM Roman Dzindzichashvili ia a former two time U.S. Champion & Russian Champion World Open Winner, Writer & Teacher. Former Chess Coach & Trainer
for World Champions Gary Kasparov & Anatoly Karpov. Read
more
Price $19.95 - Buy
now!
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Solution to ICC Quiz #5698
submitted by Hideaway
1.Nf6+! Kh8 (...Qxf6 2.Qxh7#) 2.Rxh7+! Qxh7 3.Qxh7#
Solution to ICC Quiz #5758
submitted by John3v16
1.Re7+!! Kxe7 (...Qxe7 2.Qg4#) 2.Qg7+ Ke8 (...Ke6 3.Qf7#) 3.Rf8# |
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Solution to ICC Quiz #5741
submitted by PoisonIvy
1.Ne4!! d2 (...Kf3 2.Qg3!#) 2.Qxe2#
Solution to ICC Quiz #5856
submitted by S01D
1.Nxa5+! Ka7 2.Qxa6+!! Kxa6 3.Rxa8# |
Happy New Year To All at the ICC!
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