I have been studying the Grand Prix for the last two weeks. The systems I prepared worked and I managed to defeat the Sicilian with it the first time I played it! Finally a new weapon in my repertoire against c5.
Stjepan Tomic vs Sribar Peter, B25, Closed Sicilian
5th Cro. League, Round 5, 05/06/18
My team won 4.5-1.5 over six boards! We are now in first place in the league and we stand a great chance to advance to the 4th league next season. There are 4 more rounds to go and the two teams in first and second place advance! We were playing a much higher rated team, who were sharing first with us after 4 rounds and we were not expected to win. I turned out great and we managed to outplay them and win convincingly!
My opponent was Peter Šribar, about 200 fide points higher rated than me. I prepared the Grand Prix for two weeks, since I knew he plays the Sicilian 90% of the time. I got exactly what I was preparing for and managed to outplay him in the opening and get an almost winning position! I lost my initiative briefly but dominated until the end and I won 3 pawns, which was even materially winning. One move before he resigned I thought I’d missed a win for him, but after checking with an engine it turned out my move was ok after all!
The Spring part of the league is over, and it will continue in the Fall. Until then I will try to play as many tournament as possible, hopefully 3-4, so I will be covering those games.