After round six, Jan Smeet joins the leaders of HZ chess Tournament 2011

The only two players, GM Konstantin Landa and GM Evgeny Postny entered the 6th round with 100% score. Both failed to maintain it as they drew their game after making early exchanges. In the chasing group at a disadvantage of just half a point, only GM Jan Smeets could win and joined the leaders. Evgeny Sveshnikov never compensated the loss of his c-pawn and eventually Jan Smeet forced him to surrender the full point.

The other pursuers signed the peace agreements. Top seed German GM Arkadij Naiditsch seemed to have the advantage, but with a good dose of willpower L'Ami made the things even with a plus-pawn. IM Edwin van Haastert drew with GM Yasser Seirawan. Seirawan tried, but the stubborn Van Haastert did not budge. GM Michael Hoffmann’s game "was not" a draw against close friend and housemate IM Thomas Henrichs. After this friendly draw two Germans drank a beer cozy.

IM Koen Leenhouts (2397) was badly punished. In a clearly advantageous position, he lost to Christopher Brookes 2056. This loss was compensated by Burger Henrik Porte. He defeated former winner the Young IM Migchiel convincingly (see diagram). White mates with g4+#!!

In 7th round Jan Smeets may in a direct duel with Russian GM Landa. The other leader Postny will have to defend against the cool playing Seirawan. The other masters with 5 points only receive a lesser opponent on paper, which is normally not a problem would materialize. In the past we have already seen something different.

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