#iiflw Juniors 06-09: So Near yet so Far
Sport can be cruel sometimes. In fact, where there is a winner, there is a loser. There is someone in the dark corner crying his/her heart out because of that loss. The final round of the IIFL Wealth Junior Championship is in progress but we already have a winner. But it was not at all clear until a few minutes ago, if the winner would indeed win. Find out what happened.
#iiflw Juniors 06-09: So Near yet so Far
Maharashtra's Sankarsha Shelke had taken the early lead and was sitting pretty at the top. But to win the crown is one thing, to maintain it on your head is another.
Young Pranav V. of Tamil Nadu defeated Sankarsha in a crucial game on the top table in the eighth round. This made Pranav the leader with 7.5/8. Meanwhile, Manish Anto Cristiano, also of Tamil Nadu, was on a streak and was just half a point behind Pranav.
The final round clash between Manish with the white pieces and Pranav with black would decide the title.
Manish, who was white, needed to win this position to become the champion of the richest tournament in the world for juniors. The first move he played here was correct.
51.c7 is indeed is winning, and Black found the only move to keep going, which was 51...Bxc7+. Now, how will you continue as white?
Full report to follow.