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Evgeny Alekseev is in the sole lead with 7 points after 10 rounds at the Russian Superfinals. He beat Konstantin Sakaev in the 10th round. Favorites Svidler and Morozevich trail behind in 4th and 6th positions. Round 10 results Sakaev - Alekseev 0-1 Vitiugov - Timofeev 1-0 Tomashevsky - Riazantsev 1-0 Svidler - Jakovenko 0.5-0.5 Lastin - Morozevich 0.5-0.5 Maslak - Inarkiev 0.5-0.5 Standings after Round 10 Alekseev 7 Vitiugov 6.5 Jakovenko, Svidler, Timofeev 6 Morozevich, Tomashevsky 5.5 Lastin 4.5 Sakaev,Inarkiev 3.5 Maslak, Riazantsev 3

Timofeev upset Svidler at the Russian Superfinals. Svidler dug his own grave and now descends to the earth from the stratospheric heights that he used to reside at in the early rounds. He is now playing at his current rating strength. Svidler has now lost the lead to Alekseev and Timofeev. Somehow, Svidler manages to do this all the time. He did it at one of the last important tournaments and went on to finish badly. Hope he does something different after this round. We don't know if he can be excused for overlooking the Rook sacrifice. For us mere mortals, its OK to miss that move, but for Svidler it should have been fairly simple. Bad day at the office! Key Moments of the Game (See Diagram) 15 ... Kh8 (The simple h6 was enough.) 17 ... Rxd7 ?? With the white pieces all set to attack the King, Svidler completely missed the Rook sacrifice that Timofeev discovered. Svidler was right in all variations except the Rook sac. The best for white except the Rook sacrifice was Qd3 and Svidl...

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