Saravana Krishnan makes his second IM norm

Saravana Krishnan makes his second IM norm Welcome to a special feature on 8cross8. Saravana Krishnan made an

Saravana Krishnan makes his second IM norm

Welcome to a special feature on 8cross8. Saravana Krishnan made an International Master Norm in Mumbai Mayors Cup tournament that finished recently.  In this article, I’ll share a few interesting moments from his games. You can also read a quick Q & A at the end.

Black to move

Black to move

White to move
Find the best practical chance!

 

Game 1



Game 2



Game 3



SK managed to draw against GM Farrukh: 

Game4



In this game, I liked the way the black king got stuck in the centre:

Game 5



In the last game, SK employed an unusual variation in the Nd2-French. This is one of the greatest comforts enjoyed by the French players. They have a lot of dynamic options in every line and can choose & juggle!

*Game 6*

 

NN: Welcome to 8cross8’s Quick Questions, Saravana Krishnan. How are you feeling right now?

Saravana Krishna:  Thank you! I feel that I performed well after a long time in norm tournaments.  I had been doing well in open FIDE rated tournaments, but not so well in the norm events. I have not been meeting the expectations of FIDE, but I did meet it this time! Also, I made a norm after eight long years

NN: Oh, Wow! This is great. I have been a great fan of your playing style and have mentioned this in one of the articles too. What changes did you make in this event after the Orissa open?
SK:  Thank you, Niranjan. In Orissa, I lost the first round. I made a mental note of making a comeback, but it didn’t work out practically. I lost a few elo points too.  I took this as a completely new tournament. I knew I could play up to that (IM/GM) standard at least for a tournament, but one has to do it on that particular day/moment and that’s very important. I took it one game at a time, have always done so. Your mind doesn’t listen to you –always, but this time, it did.  Winning the first three rounds in accelerated pairing helped. I was able to save a few bad positions.

NN: Against?
SK: Against Khusenkhojaev Muhammad & Karthikeyan, I had to save worse positions. Against Amanatov, White had a slight edge, but I managed to hold. Draw against the GM gave me a lot of confidence. His games always inspire you.

NN: Did any of your previous preparation help you in this tournament?
SK:  Yes, it did. At least, the mental preparation. In rating tournaments, you have the same situation – although, it is not as important as this one. I have had situations where I had to win the last game to win the title in rating tournaments. Between my first norm & the second norm, I completed B.E, MBA & also completed few certificate courses. Most importantly, I got a job at Karur Vysya Bank and they have been supporting me a lot.

NN: So, all this added up?
SK: Yes, I must also thank my family and friends. They have been very supportive.

NN: Did you call them up? What are their reactions?
SK: Yes, I called them. They were very happy. They didn’t know about my results – all they ask is if I am good and healthy. When I told them that I made a norm, they were surprised and asked me why I didn’t inform them about the possibility earlier.

NN: Okay! Did you calculate the requirement for the norm prior to the game today?
SK: 
Yes, I did. Because I have done it before. I used to calculate it for my friends too. I know how to calculate it, referring the FIDE regulations.

NN: You had black pieces and needed a win in the last game. Right?
SK:
 I was black, yes. In the previous game, I needed a draw with white against Diptayan Ghosh, but couldn’t do it.

NN: So, you needed a win after losing the 9th game. I was in a similar situation in Orissa when I needed a win with black after losing with white in the previous round. What was your approach to this game?
SK:  I decided what to play and what not to do. The previous game taught me a good lesson. Although he is a very strong player, I had my chances as I was in a good form. He played my favorite opening – French defence. I could have employed a better strategy to equalize because I needed only half a point. So, the game revealed what I should not have done. The most important thing is that I didn’t have the afternoon round. The gap between Round 9 & Round 10 is not big and this factor is very ideal; smaller the break, better it is! I knew I could do it. I minimized the mistakes.

NN: Which is your next event?
SK: Haven’t planned yet. Will go home, spend time with family, do some office work and then think about the next event.

NN: Celebrate your victory! Congratulations on your second IM norm & the third norm is on the way. Thank you for the interview!
SK: Thank you!

 

 8cross8 published an exclusive interview with Saravana Krishnan last year: https://8cross8.com/swiss-king-saravana-krishnan/

Pin It

Leave a Comment