Draws, draws, draws

The venue in Kazan
Another day with two draws. Alexander Grischuk and Vladimir Kamsky aren't exactly lighting up the chessboard in Kazan as they make another dull draw. On the other hand both Gata Kamsky and Boris Gelfand missed opportunities to win in an exciting tussle.

Both matches are finely balanced going into the last series of classical games.

The Petroff doesn't have a reputation as a spectator's favourite, and indeed after a solid display from both players another non-event draw was agreed. White had the nominal advantage of bishop versus knight, but Grischuk obviously decided that it wasn't enough.

My feeling is that a match of 'only' four games induces excessive caution from certain players who realize that a loss is tantamount to elimination.


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