Vincent Keymer wins Kramnik Challenge

by Shahid Ahmed - 16/08/2021

Both Vincent Keymer and Awonder Liang scored 11.5/15, however the 16-year-old German clinched the Kramnik Challenge as he had a better tie-break score. He has earned himself a place in the next Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event. Keymer scored an important victory over Liang in the penultimate round, which turned out to be a key win for him. Abudsattorov secured the third position 11.0/15, followed by Yoo 10.0/15 and Tingjie at fourth and fifth places respectively. Leon managed to score only a half point on the final day which took his final score to 5.0/15. Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Team Polgar makes a hat-trick, beats Team Kramnik 63-57

Leon Luke Mendonca scored 0.5/4 on the third day. He had a good opportunity against Keymer, blundered against Daggupati and in the final game against Jiner, he missed a small window of opportunity.

Vincent Keymer will play in the next Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Round 13: Leon - Keymer: 0-1

Leon had a very good opportunity to create some trouble against Keymer.

Position after 23...Ned5

23...Ned5 created an opportunity for White. What was it? Although Leon provided a great fight but it was the sole opportunity he had in the game.

Round 14: Balaji - Leon: 0-1

Leon had a clear advantage against FM Balaji Daggupati (USA) when he made a blunder.

Position after 25...Rfe8

Find out why 25...Rfe8 is a blunder and what Black could have done instead.

Position after 29.Rf3

White is planning a checkmate along the h-file, however Black can defend this. How?

Round 15: Leon - Jiner: 0.5-0.5

Leon was better in the endgame, and he kept trying to create some chances for himself but to no avail.

Position after 30...Ke5

31.Rc5 attacks the a5-pawn but more importantly threatens Re4# which means White would have gained the a5-pawn which would have probably helped White to push for a win more.