Champions Chess Tour FTX Crypto Cup

Match strategy is one thing and I can understand that Nakamura is making all those Berlin draws against opponents where is not a big favorite to begin with. On the other hand, what Radjabov is doing is a disgrace to chess. This guy should never be invited to any of these events anymore. Winning ugly doesn’t describe it. It’s just a joke, because these events are supposed to be an exciting show. It’s like watching gladiators fight in the arena, except only the little pieces die. That is what the sponsors are paying all the money for.

Right?

Well, he beat Pichot, who doesn’t belong there, Svidler, who is playing terribly as usual, and Nepomnichi, who either wanted to be creative or wasn’t keen on showing prep. Apparently that’s all you need to do to be in shared first place. Why spend more energy? In a way Radjabov is honest about his business. He doesn’t fake it.

 

Update: Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned his honesty because he lost an equal ending to Carlsen. On the other hand, losing equal endgames to Carlsen pretty much happens to everyone.

Update 2: No joke, I can’t watch this crap anymore. Carlsen is obviously dragging the matches into overtime only to finish off his opponents like it is no contest. I can be wrong, but the probability is low. Even if it isn’t rigged, it clearly feels like it. That’s sufficient in my book. In my view MC is playing for the gallery, for the show.