The f-file in action in the fifth round

With only a few players at 100% and a good number with only half a point loss might be expected to show much in this 5th round, and that happened whatsoever. Interestingly many decisions at the top had a crucial role of the f-file.

We start on f7. GM Vyacheslav Ikonnikov soon won against the Young IM Migchiel. GM Vyacheslav Ikonnikov ended the game with 26. Bf7 +, seeing the material loss cannot be prevented, IM Migchiel resigned immediately.

On board 1 there was an IM Edwin van Haastert with brutal force searching for the King of GM Jan Smeets. The sacrifice was not hit justifiable and Jan Smeet could even win with 36 ... Rc1 + 37. Kh2 Rf1! and f6 pawn falls. However, with little time on the clock Smeets chose 36 ... Re6? and Van Haastert forced perpetual check.

GM Arkadij Naiditsch took the revenge of his fourth round game. With white against IM Twan Burg he had the initiative. After the blunder 15 ... f5? it was over. Naiditsch sacrificed quality and soon had a full point after 16. Rh5 gh5 17. Qh5 RF6 18.Qh7 + Kf8 19. Ne6 + Re6 20. de6 Qe6 21. Rg1. He lost half a point yesterday, come back with a full point to keep himself in the fight of the title, but that will become a bit clear in the sixth round.

We have now come down to f4. Yasser Seirawan let the spectators enjoy again, with his nice end game technique. Opponent Hagen Poetschliet after 57 ... f4 58. gxf4 + Kf5 find no way to escape and resign.

Among the other leaders both GM Konstantin Landa and GM Evgeny Postny had enough to maintain 100% score. In 6th round they may face each other on top board to decide the sole leader.

Translated by Waqar Ahmad Wadni (www.pakchess.org)