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At mid-way to the first time control, games on all three boards are still on. GM Abhijeet Gupta is battling a difficult position against Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Sasi has quite a comfortable position against Korobov, and Negi is still in the opening struggle phase of the game against Alekseev.

The playoffs for the Russian Champion's title is today. If you remember (we'll excuse you for being engrossed in the WC), Jakovenko, Svidler and Alekseev tied for the first place. Svidler was lucky to be alive at this stage. His last ditch effort, beating Alekseev, fetched him a place in today's matchups. The players will battle over 6 games, double round robin (both colors) at 15 minutes+10 seconds increment times. Information is hard to come by. Here's what I could salvage. Alekseev vs Jakovenko 0-1 Alekseev vs Svidler 0.5-0.5 Jakovenko vs Svidler 0.5-0.5 Jakovenko vs Alekseev 1-0 Svidler vs Alekseev 1-0 Svidler vs Jakovenko 1-0 This means that Svidler must be the Russian Superfinals Champion. Jakovenko finished second and Alekseev third.

The news of Round no. 8 was of course Morozevich losing to Evgeny Tomashevsky. Just two mistakes sealed Moro's fate. With the first one, he lost the advantage, with the second, it was graveyard time. Tomashevsky must be given credit for the nice finish without giving Moro a second chance. As for the key game of the day, Svidler vs Vitiugov, it was drawn after 67 long moves just as we were about to stick our necks out and declare that it will be a draw. This means that Svidler retains the lead with 5.5 points with Alekseev, Vitiugov, and Timofeev hot on his heels with 5 points. Tomashevsky vs Morozevich Key Moments (See Diagram) 26. .... g5 (the simple 26 ... Ra8 actually is a slight plus for Morozevich. Be careful with your King pawn pushes, Moro. We know how many times you've shown magic with that though) 34. ... Na5 (handing the win on a platter. 34 ... Na3 35. Bxb6 Nxb5 exchanges pawns and is a draw with precise play.) Tomashevsky vs Morozevich 1-0 Standings: Svidler 5.5 Vi...

Svidler keeps the lead at the Russian Chess Championships. But the news was that Morozevich outplayed Jakovenko. A player to watch is Nikita Vitiugov, who is quietly beating the weaker players(unfortunately 2600 is weak in Russia in such championships!), and drawing the stronger players. If you think Moro only plays those come-back-from-dead openings and shocking moves, think again. Take a look at this game where he displays amazingly innovative technique to beat a top class Grand Master that Jakovenko is. Leaders Svidler 4 Vitiugov 3.5 Morozevich, Lastin, Alekseev, Timofeev 3

Peter Svidler seems to be in a hurry to reach back to where he really belongs. He's started with 3/3 in the gruellingly tough event, even beating World No. 2 Morozevich with black on the way. Watch the Morozevich vs Svidler game here. Leader Board after Round 3: Svidler 3 Lastin 2.5 Jakovenko, Vitiugov 2 Alekseev, Morozevich, Timofeev, Riazantsev 1.5 Sakaev, Tomashevsky 1.5 Maslak 0.5 Inarkiev 0

Magnus again showed his brilliance in beating Bulgarian Ivan Cheparinov at the World Cup Chess being held at Khanty Mansiysk. In the first game of the quarter-finals, playing a risky game in which both Kings were exposed, Carlsen simplified the position to a won ending. However, he made some mistakes but Cheparinov missed the right continuations. Alexei Shirov beat Dmitry Jakovenko with authority. Jakovenko misplayed the middle game to give Shirov the advantage. Shirov drove home the advantage to win. Jakovenko resigned when he was a piece down for a pawn. The other two games, Karjakin - Alekseev and Ponomariov - Kamsky were drawn. Karjakin did not press with the white pieces and the game was a draw by the time the middle game was reached. Ponomariov had good advantage but made mistakes. Kamsky too showed his determination. His fighting spirit is his main weapon. Tomorrow Kamsky gets to try with the white pieces.

The Quarter finals of the World Cup Chess have started. Carlsen-Cheparinov Karjakin-Alekseev Jakovenko-Shirov Ponomariov-Kamsky Carlsen, Karjakin, Shirov and Ponomariov are my picks. There were two 1. d4 Nf6 and two 1.e4 e5. Nice balance ! The last 8 players are mostly teens or early twenties guys and two veterans. Carlsen must now be one of the favorites to win. He already has a lot of experience at the top levels of chess. Cheparinov is a determined fighter and his results in the past year have been spectacular. According to discussions on blogs: Carlsen leads by +2-1=1 against Cheparinov in their head-to-head clashes. This includes a win to eliminate Cheparinov in one of the previous editions of the World Cup of Chess. The winner of the World Cup will not only qualify to play Topalov in Bulgaria, but the last four will also be eligible to be picked up for the FIDE Grand Slam of chess. We'll keep you updated.