Very strong 29th International Metz Open took place from 2 to 8 of May 2011. Participation of 13 GMs and 11 IMs amongst 38 players made this open similar to round-robin tournament. Fight was very tough and I was a bit lucky to score such a lot of points.  After a good start (victories against IM Sirazi, IM Spirin and FM Jolly) and two calm draws against GMs Eingorn and Malakhatko the decisive part of the tournament began because I was caught by GM Svetushkin who scored 4 consecutive wins after loss in the 1st round. I was able to win an equal endgame against him and in 7th round met the ELO favorite Indian GM Gupta. I took the initiative from the opening and pressurised him but the result was unclear until opponent’s mistake in mutual time trouble. The last challenge was 8th round game against GM Maiorov. I fell into difficult position after the opening  and was lucky to survive to the endgame with one pawn less. This endgame resembles a lot the 1st game of Candidates match Aronian-Grischuk which was played just couple of days before my game. And like Aronian my opponent failed to win it.  Moreover, trying to win already equal position he pushed too hard and lost! This result allowed me to secure the 1st place with one round to go.

Tournament table

Official website