Gashimov Memorial, Final Round: Carlsen Wins Again
In the end, the 2019 Vugar Gashimov Memorial was a complete triumph for Magnus Carlsen. While everyone else was getting the tournament over with, Carlsen played for keeps against Alexander Grischuk, and won his third consecutive game and fifth overall to finish the tournament with an undefeated 7-2 score. As a result he won the tournament by two points, achieved a ridiculous 2988 TPR, gained 15.8 rating points* and now enjoys a 44.4 point rating lead over Fabiano Caruana. Order in the chess world has been re-established.
His victory over Grischuk was a masterpiece. It was hard to even figure out where Grischuk lost the game, both for Grischuk and this commentator. Carlsen's play was brilliant, most especially the pawn sacrifice set up by his 29th move. If you've ever wondered why GMs harp on the value of the bishop pair, this game offers a powerful demonstration of that theme. Have a look, learn, and especially enjoy - the game is here, with my comments. (The other games are there too, but without notes.)
Here are the final standings:
- 1. Carlsen 7 (of 9)
- 2-3. Ding, Karjakin 5
- 4-6. Radjabov, Grischuk, Anand 4.5
- 7-8. Topalov, Navara 4
- 9. Mamedyarov 3.5
- 10. Giri 3
* I'd say 16 points, but he's playing in the Grenke Chess Classic later this month, so it won't necessarily be rounded up.