Sent: Monday, February 24, 2003 2:54 PM
Subject: Linares 2003 in On!



First, a warm welcome to all those who have joined
this group since Wijk Aan Zee. 

Linares is on, folks and I hope you are watching as
many games as you can. Seven of the world's best in
what is often referred to as the unofficial "world
championship tournament."

Anand started off in great form. In Round 1, he
outplayed Ponomariov. I strongly encourage everyone
to take a look at this game. Pono has a reputation of
not resigning until the result is absolutely clear to
everyone and you can see that here. Anand's endgame
technique is flawless, and he grinds out a win!

In Round Two, Anand played the local Spaniard Vallejo
Pons. Vallejo handled the opening very well, parked a
knight that annoyed Anand for a significant duration
of the game. Finally, Anand sac'ed and exchange to get
rid of the offending knight. Vallejo saw no clear
chances and just before time control, he offered a
draw which Anand accepted.

But the most impressive performance in Round 2 was the
little kid Radjabov. He did something that not many
will even dare to do. He taunted Gazza Kasparov with a
tactical battle, offered a Knight sac(!) which
Kasparov refused, and then he got Garry to blunder and
squeezed out a win. The kudos are still
flowing.(Remember, that these two meet again in a
few days time in this same tournament with colors
reversed. Can't wait for that one!)

Anand has a bye today (Monday,no Round 3 for him).
More reports as and when I am able to.

Take care,
Ram