Utut out of world chess c'ships

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto bowed out of the world chess championships in Groningen, the Netherlands Friday.

Utut was defeated by GM Peter Svidler of Russia following a loss on Thursday and a draw on Friday. Svidler scored 1.5 points while Utut only scored 0.5.

With the victory, Svidler, who is ranked 10th in the world, progresses to the third round. Svidler has an elo rating of 2,695 while Utut's elo rating is 2,615.

Utut was disappointed by his defeat but said that he had to learn more.

"Of course I am disappointed. My defeat means that I will have to learn more."

Utut, nevertheless, admitted that Svidler was a better player and that the Russian performed well on both days.

"Svidler really performed well. His tactics and strategies were good and hard to counter," added Utut.

Eka Putra Wira of the Enerpac chess school, who accompanied Utut at the championships, in contrast, was satisfied with his charge's play.

"Utut actually played very well. His tactics and strategies were also good, it was only that he faced a better player," Eka said.

Utut played white in the second game. He managed to lead until the 34th move. But on the 35th move he made a blunder by exchanging his knight with a Svidler pawn. Svidler later queened the pawn.

Utut had no choice but to avoid defeat by perpetually checking Svidler's King. Accepting that a checkmate was unobtainable in the circumstance, both players agreed on a draw.

Utut would have stayed alive in the tournament if he had beaten Svidler and forced a third game yesterday. A draw automatically eliminated him from the championships.

Utut came to Groningen as one of the representatives of the Asia-Pacific zone. His defeat leaves him now with nothing to do but watch from the sidelines. (lnt)