Iranian Grand Masters Win World Chess Challenges
Tehran Times
June 21 2004
TEHRAN (IRNA) — Grand masters Ehsan Qaem-Maqami and Morteza Mahjub
from Iran celebrated their wins in the World Chess Federation (FIDE)
Championships in Tripoli, Libya, said the Iranian federation Sunday.
Qaem-Maqami stunned once world No. 3, Rafael Vaganian from Armenia,
who stood top in Russia’s Aeroflot event in 2004.
He displayed unexpected prowess against Vaganian in a queen’s Indian
defense after offering his opponent a draw, which was declined.
“The game was normal for first 18 moves. I offered my opponent draw
but he tried to win and did some bad moves,” said Maqami, who ranked
92 out of tournament’s 124 players.
Vaganian ranks 37 in the tournament.
Mahjub also starred in his first fight, beating Georgian grand master
Zurab Azmaiparashvili, the European holder in 2004, even though he
was playing his favorite line, the Pirc defense.
“Today I am so happy,” Mahjub told reporters after his match. “My
game was hard. I won in a hard position. He made some not so good
moves.”
The Iranian duo are one stalemate far from the next round.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress