Giri overtakes Abdusattorov in a dramatic final round of the Tata Steel Masters to grab his first title - 13
Anish Giri won the Tata Steel Masters for the first time in the best result of the Dutchman's career. Giri started the round half a point behind Abdusattorov and afterwards was grateful to his countryman Jorden Van Foreest for going for a fighting game against the leader. Giri found a way to cause his opponent Richard Rapport problems, may have missed a chance but then his opponent played 34...Kg6 which turned out to be very bad indeed and he soon brought home the full point. Abdusattorov by this time was completely lost and he couldn't find any way to resist. Magnus Carlsen caught Abdusattorov but finished third on tie-break. Giri's consistency in this event has been remarkable and was in the right place to take his chance this time. Carlsen, who would know, said he was sorry for Abdusattorov as leading such events carries uniquely tough pressures, but he has certainly enhanced his reputation. This has been a fantastic event with the pace only slackening towards the end for those out of contention. Should be a great year.
Masters Final Round 13 Sunday 29th January 11am GMT: Praggnanandhaa draw So, Erigaisi 0-1 Carlsen, Aronian 0-1 Maghsoodloo, Keymer draw Gukesh, Ding Liren draw Caruana, Giri 1-0 Rapport, Abdusattorov 0-1 Van Foreest.
Masters Official Round 13 Standings: 1st Giri 8.5pts, 2nd Abdusattorov 8pts, 3rd Carlsen 8pts, 4th Wesley So 7.5pts, 5th Caruana 7pts, 6th Maghsoodloo 7pts, 7th Aronian 6.5pts, 8th Rapport 6.5pts, 9th Praggnanandhaa 6pts, 10th Van Foreest 6pts, 11th Ding Liren 5.5pts, 12th Gukesh 5.5pts, 13th Keymer 5pts, 14th Erigaisi 4pts.
Alexander Donchenko won his final round game against Velimir Ivic to finish on 10/13 a point clear of Mustafa Yilmaz. Donchenko will play in the Masters Group next year, he played a couple of years ago but was a last minute invitee then. Stefan Beukema won the Amateur section and will play the Challengers next year.