After 94 moves of fighting chess, the game between Dinara Wagner and Elisabeth Pähtz ends in a draw. Wagner in particular misses a great opportunity.
The opening phase went according to Elisabeth Pähtz plan today. She reached a comfortable position with Black and Dinara Wagner had to invest a lot of thinking time. But then Pähtz made a big mistake and Wagner gained a material advantage. Shortly before move 40 there was a great opportunity to win, after the time control it was no longer so easy and Pähtz put up a great defence. Wagner tried until the end, but had to stop trying to win after 94 moves. So the score is 2.5 - 2.5 before the last game and both players can win the match on the final day with a victory.
Game: Lichess
The Saturday round was opened in a special way. Carsten Hensel and Stefan Koth were on the Alte Schmiede and were officially bid farewell (photo). Both are still active in the background for the organising association Initiative Pro Schach e.V., but have handed over their posts after more than 30 years of great commitment to the Dortmund International Chess Days. Long-standing friends said goodbye in emotional statements: GM Artur Yusupov on stage, and the two world champions and regular guests in Dortmund, Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik, via video message.
In sporting terms, Anton Korobov met the leader Vadim Petrovskyi on the top board of the A-open in the eighth round. Korobov was able to take the initiative early in the Italian opening and, after a long struggle, realised his material advantage. Things went faster at the second board: Frederik Svane took IM Stalmach by surprise with a king attack in the middlegame and won a remarkable attacking game.
Frederik Svane analyses his game afterwards: YouTube
The third player at the top of the table is Nico Zwirs. The Dutch International Master won against the German super talent Christian Glöckler and also has 6.5 points from 8 games. Behind him follows a group of players with 6 out of 8, so that the fight for the tournament victory of the 51st International Dortmund Chess Days is open before the final round.
The decision will be made on Sunday at 10.30 am. GM Artur Jussupow will be on site to commentate on the games. The award ceremony will take place at 5 pm and is also open to spectators as well.