European Club Cup 11-19 October 2018

[NickFaulks]

Another game that could be well worth keeping an eye on is Ding Liren v Svidler. Ding Liren is now unbeaten in 89 games.

While Svidler has of course lost his last two.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Carlsen's game is an exciting double-edged battle, with both players now short of time.

(Ding Liren close to winning against Svidler.)

[Mick Norris]

Magnus drew; his live rating lead over Caruana is now down to 4.3

DIng won to reach his highest ever live rating (again, it will be interesting to see how high he gets)

[Chris Rice]

Magnus drew; his live rating lead over Caruana is now down to 4.3

DIng won to reach his highest ever live rating (again, it will be interesting to see how high he gets)

Seems to be a bit of a dispute at the moment whether its 90 or 91 games unbeaten. Either way this year's performance so far from Ding has been sensational (+15 =31 -0) = 2847. Tal's streak of 95 is close and Tiviakov's of 110 within sight.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Well, we now perhaps have a better idea of why Svidler didn't play in the Olympiad

[John Moore]

Magnus drew; his live rating lead over Caruana is now down to 4.3

DIng won to reach his highest ever live rating (again, it will be interesting to see how high he gets)

Seems to be a bit of a dispute at the moment whether its 90 or 91 games unbeaten. Either way this year's performance so far from Ding has been sensational (+15 =31 -0) = 2847. Tal's streak of 95 is close and Tiviakov's of 110 within sight.

Chris - well there we are. I was unaware of Tiviakov's feat until you mentioned it.

[Nick Burrows]

Dings opponents are generally stronger. Hes looking like the next challenger right now

[John Moore]

I am mildly astonished by McGowan's 89 f5 against Chris Duncan.

[Chris Rice]

I am mildly astonished by McGowan's 89 f5 against Chris Duncan.

At one point McGowan was +54.98

[John Moore]

Disappointing outcome for him then but I still don't understand why anyone who has any endgame knowledge would play f5.

[Richard Bates]

Disappointing outcome for him then but I still don't understand why anyone who has any endgame knowledge would play f5.

Is it not already drawn at that point? If one is looking for candidates for mysterious decisions the 89th move would be very far down on my list!

[John Moore]

Richard - I came to the game late so didn't see all the other mistakes! The position is, I assume, drawn at move 89 anyway but you can still push or, if you don't fancy it, just offer a draw. I still think f5 is an odd move.

[Mick Norris]

round 5 pairings

Carlsen may well have black v Shak

25 Rehovot Chess School 4 : 4 3Cs 45
29 Wood Green 4 : 4 Bois-Colombes 54
37 SK Reval-Sport 3 : 3 Blackthorne Russia 34
36 Jetsmark 3 : 3 White Rose 44
42 Grantham Sharks 3 : 3 Hillerod Skakklub 49

[Brian Towers]

Disappointing outcome for him then but I still don't understand why anyone who has any endgame knowledge would play f5.

Is it not already drawn at that point? If one is looking for candidates for mysterious decisions the 89th move would be very far down on my list!

Surely swapping queens was a tacit draw offer? Very difficult to win after that.

[Alan Walton]

Disappointing outcome for him then but I still don't understand why anyone who has any endgame knowledge would play f5.

Is it not already drawn at that point? If one is looking for candidates for mysterious decisions the 89th move would be very far down on my list!

I think move 62 just taking on g7 would give a winning pawn endgame