The Semi-Finals have begun

Alexander Grischuk
In Kazan there were two quiet draws on the first day of the latest round of Candidates Matches. Alexander Grischuk wasn't able to get past Vladimir Kramnik's preparation before offering a draw, while despite trying for longer Gata Kamsky never really put Boris Gelfand's Najdorf under any pressure either.

The first game of the all-Russian battle was something of a damp squid.

Alexander Grischuk didn't really try very hard in a another dull Queen's Gambit. However, as he has shown his strength in defensive play, as well as at rapid chess, one could argue that the onus is on Kramnik to press tomorrow to make the difference.


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