2012 Sydney International - Day 2

Day 2 of the Sydney International Open saw a number of interesting games at the top of the tournament. In the third round IM Junta Ikeda IM Moulthun Ly played the Kings Gambit against GM Levente Vajda, but despite coming under a little pressure, Vajda was able to consolidate and earn the point. FM Junta Ikeda also had hopes to collect a GM scalp in the form of Attila Czebe, but had to be content with half a point after defending a slightly worse ending. Round 4 saw the leaders clash on the top boards, with Doeberl Cup winners Vajda and Rathnakaran moving to 4/4. They were joind by Chinese IM Chongsheng Zeng,who scored an upset win over GM Adam Horvath. The most exciting game of the night was further down with Olympiad aspirants FM Max Illingworth and FM Junta Ikeda paired on board 6. Illingworth held an advantage for almost the entire game, but could not finish off the resourceful Ikeda. Then with both players in time trouble Illingworth made a fatal pawn push, and Ikeda found a forced mate. Rounds 5&6 are tomorrow, with play commencing at 10am. Live coverage of the top 8 boards is available from the tournament website.

Illingworth,Max (2352) - Ikeda,Junta (2373)
2012 Sydney International Open Parramatta, Australia (4.6), 12.04.2012