Biel International | Vidit Gujrathi wins tournament with a round to spare

The format of the Biel international was quite a unique one that is requiring the eight participants to play seven rounds of classical chess, seven rounds of rapid and 14 rounds of blitz before the winner could be decided. In total, one competitor had 49 points to be taken with a win in classical chess earning three points, two in rapid and one in blitz.

And Gujrathi played as if the format was made for him scoring 31 points and taking a lead of four ahead of his nearest competitor Samuel Shankland of USA. Gujrathi started strongly in the blitz format scoring 11 out of a possible 14 points before he scored eight points in rapid.

It was followed by an absolute domination in the classical section where he defeated Jorge Cori, Peter Leko, and Sebastian Bogner and shared points with Shankland, Nico Georgiadis, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. 

The India No. 3 would next be playing world junior champion Parham Maghsoodloo in the remaining round but with the championship settled, he would be aiming to extend his lead and earn valuable ranking points that could come in handy for the FIDE World Cup 2019.

“Every tournament victory is special. I am glad that I was able to win this strong tournament. The field consisted of players who are much stronger than what their ratings suggest. I was able to remain undefeated in the classical section and could score well in the blitz. Overall, I have been trying to experiment with my style of play by going for more active chess and taking more risks in the last few months and I am happy that this strategy is paying off,” said the 24-year-old from Nashik, reported Scroll.

Vidit thinks he has stabilized himself in the 2700+ zone and is now looking for the next leap. “I crossed 2700 Elo two year ago in 2017, and I have been getting used to playing strong opposition in many super tournaments in the last couple of years. I have been able to keep up my rating above 2700 consistently and this experience of playing against strong opponents will help me move positively towards 2750 mark,” he added.