Doha: Former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik picked up his seventh successive win in the Qatar Masters Open 2014 to emerge as the sole leader here yesterday.
The Russian who lost his first round match now is half a point ahead of Yu Yangi and needs only a draw in today’s last round match against Yangi to annexe the title.
Kramnik has 7 points while his opponent today from China has 6.5 points. Top seed Anish Giri of Netherlands, who started with a flourish winning six matches on the trot, lost his match yesterday to Yangi and is in third spot along with two others, with six points.
The tournament is being conducted according to the Swiss System of nine rounds and if necessary a play-off. The total prize money is $110,000. The first place winner will get $25,000.
The Peninsula
Qatar Masters Open 2014
Standings after eighth round: Vladimir Kramnik (7), Yangyi Yu (6.5), Anish Giri (6), Zahar (6), Vladimir Akopian (6), Salem Saleh (5.5), Mikhailo (5.5) Andrei (5.5) Maxime (5.5)
Key eighth round results: Yangyi Yu bt Anish Giri 1-0, Valdimir Kramnik bt Salem Saleh 1-0, Vachier-Lagrave drew with Shankland, Tomashevsky drew with Volokitin, Adhiban drew Xiangzhi (0.5 pts each)
