Vassily Ivanchuk loses in 19 moves @ Grand Prix Thessaloniki Chess 2013

2013 FIDE Grand Prix Thessaloniki – Ivanchuk loses in 19 moves!
Round 6
C05 Closed Tarrasch Var., French
After a mere 75 minutes and 19 moves Ivanchuk resigned!

Again the game of Vassily Ivanchuk finished quickly, as the legendary Ukrainian fell down to his compatriot Ruslan Ponomariov.

The match started as French defence and the commentators were hoping that this was a signal of Ivanchuk’s desire to play for a win.

White responded with Tarrasch setup and the players went on to build the familiar pawn structures. Ponomariov kept his options open, with possibility to play on either of the flanks.

Ivanchuk underestimated white’s flexibility and carelessly castled longside. White immediately sprung into action and only three moves later the game was over. Black is losing a pawn and the King remains under constant attack.

Ivanchuk apologized to Ponomariov – “I am sorry that I played this bad”, and then resigned.

Ponomariov said that after five draws in a row he wanted to play for a win. Yesterday he missed some chances against Grischuk and is happy that today he won so quickly.

On question about opponent’s form, Ponomariov said that it would have been easier for Ivanchuk if this was a knockout event where – “…You lose and you go home, but here you have to stay until the end and suffer.”

About the World Championship match in Chennai, Ponomariov said – “Everyone is claiming that Carlsen is clear favorite to win the WCC match, but as you can see he also loses some games. Besides, the match is being held in India, so I don’t think everything is so clear.”

“Having been World Champion at the age of 18, I am always rooting for younger players, so I am Carlsen’s fan in this match.”