Russian Grandmaster Andrey Esipenko and Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria on Friday played a battling draw to lead a pack of six players with 3.5 points each at the Qatar Masters. Esipenko and Naiditsch are joined at the top of rankings by Armenian GM Shant Sargsyan, Iranian GM Pouya Idani, Indian GM Murali Karthikeyan and Iranian Bardiya Daneshvar after round four of the popular FIDE tournament at Aspire Zone Hall.
Sargsyan drew with Idani while Karthikeyan beat Iranian FIDE Master Reza Mahdavi on Friday. After the first two rounds, Mahdavi was in the lead, having stunned Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan.
Daneshvar on Friday beat Kazhgaleyev to join the group of six leading in Qatar. Also on Friday, top seed and tournament favourite Arjun Erigaisi of India played his second draw of the tournament when he shared points with Indian GM Munirethinam Pranesh. Erigaisi has 3 points in a group of 18 players with a similar tally.
In another all-India clash on Friday S L Narayanan and Rithvik R Raja finished with a draw. After his draw with Esipenko, Naiditsch said on Friday: “The competition is stiff, but that only excites me. With so many top-notch players, every match will be a test. But I’m ready. I’m here to compete, to win, and to leave my mark on this tournament. The next few rounds will be crucial, and I’m determined to seize the opportunity.”
He added: “I’m thrilled to be back in Qatar for my second tournament. The 2016 World Championship was a fantastic experience, and this event is no different. The organisation and technical aspects are top-notch, and the atmosphere is electric.”
Qatar Chess Association (QCA) President Mohammed al-Mudahka confirmed that the tournament is fiercely contested by top-ranked players.
“With four rounds completed, the race for the title is still wide open. The remaining five rounds will be crucial in determining the final standings,” al-Mudahka, who also serves as Director of International Relations at FIDE, said on Friday.
“The event features many experienced players, including Indian star Arjun and defending champion Nodirbek from Uzbekistan,” he said. “Let me tell you, the competition is heating up,” said al-Mudahka with a smile. “With four rounds down, we can expect some thrilling action.”
Al-Mudahka emphasised the importance of hosting the Qatar Masters in Doha for home players. “I have said this many times. This tournament is a great opportunity for our players to learn from and compete against some of the world’s best,” he added.
Key results
Armenian GM Shant Sargsyan drew with Iranian GM Pouya Idani
Iran’s Bardiya Daneshvar beat Murtas Kazhgaleyev of Kazakhstan
Indian GM Murali Karthikeyan beat Iranian IM Reza Mahdavi
Russia’s Andrey Esipenko drew with Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria
Iranian Bardiya Daneshvar beat GM Murtas Kazhgaleyev of Kazakhstan
Saturday’s clashes among the points leaders:
Andrey Esipenko vs Bardiya Daneshvar
Shant Sargsyan vs Arkadij Naiditsch
Pouya Idani vs Murali Karthikeyan
Other key games on Saturday:
• Surya Shekhar Ganguly vs Arjun Erigaisi
• Lorenzo Lodici vs Nodirbek Yakubboev
HE Sheikh Saud bin Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani makes the ceremonial starting move in the game between Russia’s Andrey Esipenko and Arkadij Naiditsch of Bulgaria at the Qatar Masters at Aspire Zone on Friday.
Salem Abdulrahman Mohamed Saleh (left) of the UAE is a picture of concentration during his game against Uzbekistan’s Abdimalik Abdisalimov.
Top seed Arjun Erigaisi of India played his second draw of the tournament when he shared points with Indian GM Munirethinam Pranesh. PICTURES: Anna Shtourman
