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Qatar Masters. Esipenko first, Arjun is behind in FIDE Circuit
Winners, games, FIDE CircuitThese days opens can be very strong, everyone is fighting for FIDE Circuit points there (first one in Circuit ranking each year qualifies for Candidates tournament). Qatar 2300+ Open wasn't an exception, GM Andrey Esipenko (2682) got first in tournament, GM Arjun Erigaisi (2801) second and GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov (2777) third.
Andrey Esipenko 7,5/9
Great playing, making only 3 draws with Naiditsch, Daneshwar Bardiya and Erigaisi. Some time after this tournament, he gave an interview in Russian on Levitov Chess youtube. I'll quote him below a bit. Key games are probably his win against GM Shant Sargsyan in 7th round, who was in the lead having 6/7. Seemingly active 22...b3?! turned out to be a weakness.
"I don't understand these sayings, classical is dying, no point in playing etc. You can outplay anyone if you work on chess enough. We are not computers"
And hold off against Erigaisi in the last round, in a sharp variation of Ragozin
On important games: There were few times lately when I lost important final games, against Giri in Grand Swiss 2023 (where draw guaranteed candidates), on Aeroflot etc. Before I more set myself to make a draw, this time decided to play as principled as possible and see what happens.
On Arjun: He's very agressive, strong, I am really amazed with his opening preparation. I believe he maybe best in this part of the game.
Arjun Erigaisi 7/9
Arjun had an opportunity to take leadership in FIDE Circuit if he would've won this tournament, but his perfomance cannot be called bad, staying on 2800+ rating (Considering that he might as well fight for rating spot in the future). This Arjun's game, is very interesting. Shows how he can navigate in double-edged position
Nodirbek Abdusattorov 7/9
Tournament started with an upset, Abdusattorov lost to 2394 FM from Iran Mahdavi Reza. White had an advantage, but sacrificing a knight wasn't needed (22.gxf5 was more straightforward). 27.Bb5?? Also was critical mistake, King on h8 was surprizingly safe, discovering checks or not

Qatar Chess Website, Instagram
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