Smerdon Defeats Vovk

I'm getting nervous! Are you nervous? This is exciting stuff. Last night David Smerdon posted another win in the Pardubice Open. The 22 year old Queenslander defeated Ukrainian IM Andriy Vovk, rated 2513, in 81 moves playing the white side of a 2. c3 Sicilian.

According to my database David was the first to produce a novelty with his 13. Bg5. Vovk won the exchange early but his King remained in the centre for most of the game and this was skilfully exploited by David. A couple of cutesy attempts by Vovk to draw later in the game came to nothing.



Tonight's round will surely not be one to miss as our young IM makes an appearance on board number 1 to face off against third seed local GM Viktor Laznikca (2594).

Manuel Weeks is continuing his drawish run as he split the point again last night with Israeli Evgeny Karasik. The Aussie Men's Olympiad captain has 2 points and will play against Valery Zolotukhin next.

Seven players, among whom is David Smerdon, are leading on 4.5 points.