Russian Artemiev wins Katara International Chess in thrilling finish
Russian grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev became the 2021 Katara International Chess Tournament champion on Wednesday night, beating US GM Andrew Tang in a captivating final.
Artemiev won 7.5-6.5 via an “Online Bullet” tie-breaker while playing from their respective countries and watched live by over 4,000 spectators.
The former young prodigies have played a total of 11 Bullet games in total, winning five games each and scoring two draws each to be locked in at 6.5-6.5, forcing the tie-break.
Artemiev, 23, was one of the best young chess players, ranked fourth in the world for all players aged 25. A chess prodigy just like his latest opponent Tang, 21, Artemiev broke into the upper echelon of elite chess in 2019 becoming one of the top 10 chess players in the world.
Artemiev received 4000 USD first prize while Tang got 2000 USD.
Defending champion and seven-time world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway was beaten by Tang in the semifinals (7-4) while Artemiev beat compatriot Alexander Grischuk (7-1).
The $ 12,800 event had a total of 15 qualifiers, including wildcard Grischuk who reached the knockout final of the tournament which began on June 20.
Welcoming the success, HE Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara, said: “We are delighted with the exciting ending and the worldwide participation of the best players in the Katara International Chess Tournament. 2021. Katara as a cultural institution has always been to be supported and which also reflects the interest of the State of Qatar in sport.
“The organization of this online tournament emerged following the state’s precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) and the 2nd edition of the tournament has once again shown its popularity and stature as a global event, ”he added.
Mohamed al-Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Federation, who interacted with all participants before the final during the live broadcast, said: “The huge response from players around the world and the enthusiasm during their participation and interactive response from the chess community across the globe underscored the stature of this tournament. The smooth running of the event highlights the great cooperation between QCF and Katara Cultural Village Foundation.
“We are grateful to Katara for her gracious support in helping to spread the sport and culture of chess especially in Qatar.”
Tournament Director Hussain Aziz said the participation, dynamic play and involvement of chess fans was electrifying. “The finals lasted over four and a half hours. The time control format contests were exciting to watch. There was a lot of interaction between the chess community and expert commentators as they discussed the moves and details, ”he said.
A total of 5,143 entries, including the world’s top players ranked by FIDE, were received, with the four-day tournament drawing a global audience live on YouTube and other social media channels.
FINAL CLASSIFICATION:
Finalists: GM Vladislav Artemiev, RUS (winner $ 4000), GM Andrew Tang, USA (finalist $ 2000); Semifinalists: GM Magnus Carlsen, NOR ($ 1,000), GM Alexander Grischuk, RUS ($ 1,000); Quarter-finalists ($ 600 each): GM Olexandr Bortnyk, (UKR), IM Yoseph Taher (INA), GM Ray Robson (USA), GM Sergei Zhigalko (BLR); Round of 16 ($ 300 each): FM Jose Cardoso (COL), GM SL Narayanan (IND), Artyom Zubritskiy (RUS), Thomas Beerdsen (NED), GM Vugar Rasulov (AZE), GM Rasmus Svane (GER), GM Gyula Pap (HUN), GM Dmitry Andreikin (RUS).