Utut out of world chess c'ships

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)