Five in a row for Abdusattorov
Round six of the London Chess Classic produced two decisive games and three draws, with the standings taking clearer shape at the top as the tournament enters its final phase.
Among the three draws, the game most likely to yield a decisive result on paper was the meeting between Alireza Firouzja and Abhimanyu Mishra. The 16-year-old American showed ambition from the outset by choosing the Sicilian Najdorf against an opponent widely regarded for his tactical strength.
Mishra confidently showed his preparation, blitzing all his moves until playing the topical 14…Rxc3 exchange sacrifice.
Firouzja, already lagging on the clock, reacted pragmatically by steering the game into calmer waters: he offered a queen exchange and returned the extra material to restore full balance. The simplifications continued steadily, and the players agreed to a draw on move 33. Given the opening choice and the fact he was the one playing with the black pieces, it was a commendable performance by Mishra.
Round 6 results
The most relevant decisive result of the day saw Nodirbek Abdusattorov claim his fifth consecutive victory, further extending his lead at the top of the table.
Facing Sam Shankland with the black pieces in a Scotch Opening, Abdusattorov was put under genuine pressure early on. Shankland played assertively and built up both practical chances and a considerable time advantage. However, a single error on move 27 reversed the dynamic completely. Abdusattorov, in excellent form throughout the event, immediately seized the opportunity and converted with notable efficiency.
His win takes him to 5½ points, giving him a 1½-point lead with three rounds remaining. Firouzja, now on 4 points, is the only player positioned to challenge him. Four players share third place, sitting a full point behind the French representative. For Firouzja, the key moment will be his penultimate-round game against Abdusattorov (set to be played on Thursday, following the one rest day in the event) where he will have the white pieces.
Besides in-depth theory and exciting tactical exercises in the Scotch Game, this video course also includes a bonus section on the Scotch Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Bc4), a lively variation often leading to very dynamic positions.
The other decisive game featured Pavel Eljanov securing his first full point of the tournament by defeating Gawain Maroroa Jones. In a King’s Indian Defence, Maroroa Jones opted for an early pawn sacrifice, aiming for dynamic compensation. Eljanov’s subsequent play demonstrated that the compensation was insufficient, though the win did not come without practical challenges.
Despite a few inaccuracies along the way, the Ukrainian GM steered the game to a well-deserved victory in an instructive contest.
Standings after round 6
All games
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