Generation Chess International


	Generation Chess International Tournament Round One

The Generation Chess International Tournament started with some inspired play and yes… fighting chess… three of the games were decisive and all featured exciting chess from start to finish.

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Krush-Akobian, 1-0. This game feature two of the brightest stars on the horizon. Krush and Akobian are émigrés from Ukraine and Armenia respectively, and have provided excitement with their fighting styles. This encounter featured a Stonewall Dutch and Krush emerged a pawn up after a tactical exchange out of the opening. She consolidated her position, won another pawn and fended off a drawing attempt after an exchange sacrifice by Akobian.

Christiansen-Muhammad, 1-0. This is a rematch from the 2003 U.S. Championship. Muhammad lost badly in that encounter and would look for revenge. Muhammad decided to forgo 7… Be7 and play more aggressively with an Open Ruy Lopez after 7… Nxe4. However, by the middlegame, Christiansen had an attack raging after 20.Qh6. Muhammad was unable to mount an adequate defense after a knight sacrifice shattered his king's position.


	Simutowe-Paschall, 1-0. During the recent Foxwoods tournament, Simutowe had talked about how he had longed studied 1.e4, but has been playing 1.d4 routinely. In this tournament, perhaps we will see a new style from the 21-year old Zambian star. The game evolved into a Closed Sicilian and a very interesting position occurred after 16.Qg3!? (diagram) A gradual attack was mounting and Paschall made a weakness after 16…Nd7 17.Bg5! f6. As a result, Simutowe eventually planted the knight on e6 and Paschall had to sacrifice the exchange. Simutowe then parried all of the threats of the slicing bishops and was able to simplify into a win.


	Ehlvest-Yudasin, ½-½. Another interesting battle. The Panov-Botvinnik Attack is usually a sign that some blood will be shed on the board. Although this game was drawn, it wasn't for the lack of fighting spirit between these two tenacious players. The game reached a critical point after 31…axb6. Ehlvest didn't opt for 32.Qxb6 because of 32…e3! 33.fxe3 Qf3! and black's attack is strong. After this tense moment, a dynamic equality was achieved and the subsequent rook and pawn ending was drawn. Bluvshtein-Perelshteyn, ½-½. Whenever a game features a Dragon, there will be "Fire on Board." The 15-year old Canadian was up to the task as Perelshteyn trotted out an Accelerated Dragon which featured a common pawn sacrifice after 10… Nd5!? This game was exciting from start to finish and in the middlegame scramble Bluvshtein went for 27.Bxf7+ but could not make use of the extra pawn and the game was easily drawn. Standings: Christiansen, Krush, Simutowe, 1; Ehlvest, Yudasin, Bluvshtein, Perelshteyn, ½; Akobian, Paschall, Muhammad, 0. Cross Table Round One Games (playable and downloadable) All Games (PGN download)


	Drum Reports


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