Nalchik Round One
Round One of the latest Grand Prix has kicked off in Nalchik, with Alexander Grischuk (pictured) and Lev Aronian winning their first round games to take share the early lead.
Aronian brushed aside Mamedyarov with the black pieces when the latter tried the Vienna Game without much success. Grischuk continued his impressive recent form by beating Gelfand in a tough strategic battle.
The other games were not without interest, with plenty of effort from the players - especially Leko and Kamsky who fought out a 121 move epic, before finally laying down their swords.
Kamsky's skill at hanging on in difficult positions is one of his greatest assets.
The results in round 1:
| Grischuk, Alexander | Gelfand, Boris | 1-0 | Queens Gambit Tartakover |
| Alekseev, Evgeny | Svidler, Peter | ½-½ | Slav Defence |
| Karjakin, Sergey | Eljanov, Pavel | ½-½ | Ruy Lopez Chigorin |
| Leko, Peter | Kamsky, Gata | ½-½ | English Counter King's Fianchetto |
| Akopian, Vladimir | Kasimdzhanov, Rustam | ½-½ | Petroff's Defence |
| Ivanchuk, Vassily | Bacrot, Etienne | ½-½ | Queen's Pawn Opening |
| Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar | Aronian, Levon | 0-1 | Vienna Game |
