Leko blitzes Grischuk in the final

Peter Leko of Hungary pipped Alexander Grischuk of Russia (3-2) in a battle which tested the luck, guts and the ability to cope with the pressures of rapid chess.

In the end Leko emerged supreme, riding on luck with two seconds remaining in the sudden death, to lift the UAE Grand Prix title at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club yesterday.

With both players refusing to take risks, the door to victory remained closed for four games till they were forced to race against time in the sudden death.

Leko, who has never been comfortable in this format of the game and has been a victim of sudden death repeatedly, lived up to the challenge to walk away with the winner's trophy and $43,200. Grischuk had to be content with a purse of $ 22,800.

The day's action began with Grischuk and Leko drawing their first game. Playing with white, Grischuk tried to attack the king but Leko defused the attempt. After a few moves they reached a position from where a draw seemed the logical conclusion.

In the second game, Grischuk started off with the disadvantage of having to win with black. Initially, Leko moved into a strong position but Grischuk consolidated. With time running out, both players were hesitant to make drastic moves and again agreed to a draw.

Grischuk had the edge in the first tie break. Towards the end he even strengthened his position by reaching a stage where he could have pushed further.

Grischuk may have continued to push further had his opponent been weak. But it was not to be as both finalists agreed for a draw again.

In the second tie break, Grischuk again attacked to reach a comfortable position.