Julius Baer CCT Finals: Vincent Keymer eliminates Leon Mendonca in tie-breaks

by Shahid Ahmed - 16/10/2021

Leon Luke Mendonca put up a valiant effort against Vincent Keymer in the Quarterfinals of Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour Finals. Keymer made a comeback from being down by a full point to level the score 2-2 and force tie-breaks. The German was too proved to be stronger in the Blitz as he defeated Leon in the second game after their first encounter ended in a draw. Awonder Liang knocked out Nodirbek Abdusattorov without losing a single game. Keymer-Praggnanandhaa and Yoo-Liang Semifinal matches will take place today from 7:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lars OA Hedlund/TePe Sigeman & Co.

Liang too strong for Abdusattorov

After Volodar Murzin, GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov became the other player who was unable to register a single win in the Quarterfinals. He lost two games and managed to draw the remaining two against Awonder Liang.

Keymer vs. Praggnanandhaa in the Semifinals is a virtual final | Photo: Lars OA Hedlund/TePe Sigeman & Co.

Keymer - Leon: 3.5-2.5

Leon struck first against Keymer in the second game after the first game ended in a draw.

Keymer struck back in the second game after Leon had a momentary spot when he blundered a rook.

The fourth rapid game also ended in a draw, thus Blitz tie-break was enforced. The first tie-break ended in a draw. Keymer won the second topsy-turvy Blitz tie-break to advance to the Semifinals.

Replay all games of Quarterfinals Day 2

Replay the live stream

Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour Finals: Quarter Finals | Day 2 | Judit Polgar & Vladimir Kramnik | Video: chess24

Quarterfinal results

Keymer and Liang advanced to the Semifinals | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Brackets

Keymer-Pragg and Yoo-Liang will take place in the Semifinals | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Schedule

Every day between 14th and 17th October, game starts at 7:30 p.m. IST.

Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour schedule | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Format

The format for the final eight-player knockout will be four rapid games with 10 minutes per player for each game, plus a 5-second increment added each move. If the score is level at 2:2 a playoff will feature two 5+3 blitz games. If needed, there will be Armageddon to decide the winner of the match.