Tag: ACPMastersCup2015

Semi-Finals:

The Semi-Final stage of the ACP Masters Cup Rapid 2015 proved to be an extremely exciting one. On one hand, Nepomniachtchi, known for his fast-chess skills, was easily overcome by Ivanchuk; while on the other, the Gelfand-Bacrot match-up went all the way down to the wire. In the end, it was Bacrot who came out on top to set up a finale against Ivanchuk.

Finals – Ivanchuk vs Bacrot:

Vassily Ivanchuk, just like in the Semi-Finals, put on a dominant performance in the Finals as well. Ivanchuk swiftly overcame Bacrot with a 2.5-0.5 scoreline, thus emerging victorious at the 2015 edition of the ACP Masters Cup Rapid. The creative Ukrainian went home richer by $ 10000.

The second day of the ACP Masters Cup Rapid 2015 saw Gelfand and Nepomniachtchi qualify for Semi-Finals from Group A while from Group B, Ivanchuk and Bacrot came out on top.

Group A:

Banking upon his dominant performance on Day 1, Nepomniachtchi easily qualified for the Semis, scoring a total of 3.5 points out of a possible 5. However, it was Gelfand who topped Group A, notching up 3.5 points and edging out Nepomniachtchi on Tie-Breaks. 

Results and Standings: Here

Group B:

Group B was largely dominated by Ivanchuk, who finished sole first in the group with 3.5 points. Meanwhile, the second spot was secured by Bacrot, thanks to his crucial last round victory over Smirin.

Results and Standings: Here

The Semi-Finals of this unique event will witness Gelfand taking on Bacrot and Ivanchuk clashing against Nepomniachtchi. With two high-profile encounters in store, Day 3 of this tournament promises to be an exciting one.

The ACP Masters Cup Rapid 2015 commenced yesterday in Ashdod, Israel. A total of 12 Grandmasters have been divided in groups of 6 each. The top two players from each group will qualify for the Semi-Finals, with the winners advancing to the Finals.

Group A 

The proceedings on the first day of Group A were dominated by the Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. Ian managed to notch up 2.5/3, followed by GMs Boris Gelfand and Samuel Sevian on 2/3. GM Kirill Georgiev, coming in as a last-minute replacement for GM B. Adhiban, had a tough day as he suffered three straight losses.

Results and Standings: Here

Group B

Group B, just like Group A, saw a sole leader emerge at the end of Day One. Amongst some strong competition, GM Vassily Ivanchuk managed to emerge as the front-runner, scoring 2/3. He is being followed closely on 1.5/3 by as many as four GMs – Eljanov, Bacrot, Rapport and Smirin.

Results and Standings: Here