Game Of the Week: IM Smith vs. GM Grandelius

IM Smith vs. GM Grandelius

Opening: D58: QGD: Tartakower

Player(s): Smith, Grandelius

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An outsider stole the show and nearly the first prize in the traditional Sigeman & Co. tournament in Malmo, Sweden. Axel Smith, the only non-GM and lowest rated participant, led going into the last round, but suffered a heart-breaking loss at the hands of Nils Grandelius.

Laurent Fressinet took advantage to leapfrog into first in the abbreviated six-player single round robin event, his 3 and a half points edging out Smith's 3/5. Grandelius often plays quite wild games but here he built up his position slowly and methodically, perhaps expecting a long game to take a toll on Mr. Smith's nerves.