Chess Analysis: GM Nakamura vs. GM Ponomariov

St. Louis International Matches – GM Nakamura vs. GM Ponomariov

This year’s 2011 St. Louis International Match features the world’s #5 player Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2774) versus the world’s #8 Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR, 2754) as well as 16 year-old GM Ray Robson (USA, 2522) Vs GM Ben Finegold (USA 2494). It’s an interesting exhibition match system, with a total of 10 games (6 classical time control, followed by 4 rapid time control games). As the classical portion of the match ended on May 22nd, Nakamura leads Ponomariov 3.5-2.5 and Robson leads 4-2 against Finegold.

This article is an abbreviated version of the Will’s article. Please visit Will’s site for the full version of Will’s article on the Hikaru Nakamura vs Ruslan Ponomariov St. Louis Chess Matches which includes full PGN’s and extra content.

GM Nakamura vs. GM Ponomariov, 2 of the best blitz players in the world

I have especially enjoyed the heavyweight match, as Nakamura looks to build world-class experience against Ponomariov, who won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2002 in a knockout match format. Ponomariov displayed excellent endgame technique to take down game #1. However, Nakamura made a fine opening adjustment to even the score in game 3 in a complicated King’s Indian Defense. The St. Louis resident went on to achieve a very fine positional victory against Ponomariov’s slightly inaccurate defense in Game 6, taking the lead going into the rapid portion of the match. While Ponomariov is a tough rapid/blitz chess he’s still no match for Nakamura who is one of the best blitz players in chess history. My prediction for the final score of the ten game match is Nakamura – 6.5 to Ponomariov – 3.5.

Chess Video – GM Ruslan Ponomariov vs. GM Hikaru Nakamura – Game #3

Game Description: 2011 St. Louis International Match: Game 3 – GM Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2774) Vs GM Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR, 2754) – Ponomariov opens with d4 and is answered by Nakamura’s King’s Indian Defense. In game 1, Nakamura lost by playing a line that involved 7. Nc6 and a long-term kingside attack with a later f5 and f4. However, in this game he went a different direction with 7. Na6 – looking for more play in the center as opposed to kingside expansion. Ponomariov played an interesting pawn sacrifice with 12. c5, however I believe it is objectively unsound as black is able to consolidate his position with an extra pawn and the 2 bishops. Nakamura showed some fantastic endgame technique, as he transformed his advantage of a pawn to winning an exchange, then sacrificing the exchange back to obtain a favorable Q+P endgame which he went on to convert in convincing fashion.

Chess Video – GM Hikaru Nakamura vs. GM Ruslan Ponomariov – Game #6

Game Description: 2011 St. Louis International Match: GM Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2774) Vs GM Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR, 2754) – Nakamura opens with the Queen’s Gambit as white, and deviates early from their game 4 line by playing 6. Qc2 instead of 6. e3. Ponomariov initiates an early queen trade with 8. …Qg6, which leads to a slight worsening of his position due to the cost of time and therefore space. Nakamura engages in subtle positional maneuvering which slowly builds a pressing advantage, as Ponomariov fails to sense the growing danger and continues making natural consolidating moves. 21. Rac1! marks the turning point in the game, as black’s pieces are simply too tied up to defend against white’s creeping attack. An excellent positional victory by Nakamura, not permitting the slightest counter-play by his former world champion opponent.

Thanks for reading, what are your opinions on the tournament?

By William Stewart. William offers more content as well as Chess Classes and Tutoring on his website. Please check his site out.