Harikrishna makes a stumbling start at Mainz Classic

Grandmaster Vlastimil Hort of Germany took the early lead against GM Lajos Portisch of Hungary in the seniors match while it was a 2-2 deadlock in the eves8217; match being played between Alexandra Kostenuik of Russia and German Elizabeth Paehtz.

Chess960, in which the position of the pieces is randomly changed before the start of the game, certainly did not suit Harikrishna as he might have liked even as the Indian could draw some solace from the fact that he had better positions in two of the four games played on the opening day.

However, as it turned out, Harikrishna ended on the losing side in the first two games itself giving his opponent vital lead in the 8-games match and a draw in the third was followed by another loss for the Indian to round up the day.

Unless there is a major turn around in the form and fortunes of the Hyderabad-based player, this match is as good as over as Naiditsch just needs one point in the remaining four games to become the first Chess960 junior champion of the world.

Anand started his campaign here with a fine display in the simultaneous exhibition scoring 35 points against 40 players.

Anand had it easy against most of his opponents including the Mayor of Mainz but was held to a draw by Finnish rock star Rocker Burton. Peter Backhaus was the 8216;lucky one8217; to beat the Indian superstar. For the record Anand won 31 games drew 8 and lost 1.

From tomorrow, Anand will take on Grandmaster Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan in an 8-game rapid match. The Indian will be looking for his sixth straight title on Mainz soil.

In the seniors8217; contest, legends Vlastimil Hort and Lajos Portisch played some interesting games. Hort was the winner of the first and fourth game while Portisch won the third game with one game ending in a draw.

Among the ladies, Alexandra Kosteniuk drew first blood, winning the first game against Paehtz, but the German fought back to equalise in the third game after the second ended in a truce. The fourth game also ended in a draw leaving the scores tied.

RESULTS Chess960 match

Junior 8212; P Harikrishna vs Arkadij Naiditsch 0.5-3.5. Ladies 8212; Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Elizabeth Paehtz 2-2. Seniors 8212; Vlastimil Hort vs Lajos Portisch 2.5-1.5.