Utut wins first game in Groningen<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Grandmaster Utut Adianto of Indonesia opened his
\nworld chess championship campaign with a victory, defeating GM
\nWang Zhili of China in Groningen, the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
Utut, who has an elo rating of 2,610, beat Zili in a three-
\nhour intense game Monday. Zili's elo rating is 2,520.<\/p>\n
Utut, playing with the white piece, used the Trompowski
\nopening. This surprised Zili as Utut rarely uses it.<\/p>\n
Utut pressed Zili throughout the game. On the 25th move, the
\nIndoneisian sacrificed his pawns in order to attack his opponent
\nwith a knight and rook combination.<\/p>\n
Zili could not counterattack against Utut's onslaught and
\nresigned on the 30th move.<\/p>\n
Chess pundits in the Netherlands considered the match
\nthrilling and very intense. Many of them had already predicted
\nthat Utut would win the game.<\/p>\n
Eka Putra Wirya of the Jakarta Enerpac chess school, who
\naccompanied Utut to the championships, said in Jakarta recently
\nthat he was optimistic Utut could beat Zili.<\/p>\n
\"I don't think Utut will have any problem with Zili,
\nconsidering their respective qualities,\" Eka said. His optimism
\nturned into reality with Utut's victory.<\/p>\n
Utut was scheduled to meet Zili again yesterday with Zili
\nplaying with the white pieces.<\/p>\n
If Utut were to lose yesterday's game, another game will be
\nscheduled to decide who will progress to the second round and
\nface Peter Svidler of Russia. Svidler has an elo rating of 2,520.<\/p>\n
Utut is now heavily favored to face Svidler.<\/p>\n
\"I will concentrate more on defense than offense. I hope to
\nsecure a draw with Zili in my effort to face Svidler,\" Utut said.<\/p>\n
Svidler is considered a tough opponent for Utut. But Eka is
\noptimistic that Utut can beat the Russian.<\/p>\n
\"Svidler is a tough player but I am optimistic that Utut can
\nbeat him,\" Eka said.<\/p>\n
Utut is representing East Asia and the Asia-Pacific zone in
\nthe competition.<\/p>\n
The world championships, which runs until Dec. 28, features
\n100 of the world's best chess players, all grandmasters. The
\nwinner will challenge FIDE world champion Anatoly Karpov of
\nRussia. (lnt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/utut-wins-first-game-in-groningen-1447893297",
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