Levon Aronian Wins Karen Asrian Memorial

Peter Leko finished second after losing to Alexander Morozevich

Incredible turnover on the final day of the Karen Asrian Memorial allowed Levon Aronian to claim the first place, half a point ahead of the earlier leader Peter Leko. Aronian succeeded in beating Michael Adams' ultra-solid Queen's Indian defence to win the mini match 1.5-0.5. Meanwhile, Leko took only half point against Alexander Morozevich who won another game with Black pieces, cruelly lecturing on tactical possibilities in the Sicilian Naidorf - English Attack.

Gabriel Sargissian, who held third place prior to the last day, went 0-2 down against Boris Gelfand and slipped back to the 6th place in final standings. Gelfand and Morozevich finished on tied third after trailing for the most of the tournament.

Karen Asrian Memorial will become traditional event in the memory of three-time Armenian champion and Olympiad gold medal winner who passed away on the first day of the tournament originally named Chess Giants Yerevan.

Vladimir Akopian and Levon Aronian

Peter Leko eventually 2nd

Akopian-Morozevich was played on Saturday

Final standings (14 rounds):
2. Levon Aronian 2763 - 8.5
1. Peter Leko 2741 - 8.0
3-4. Alexander Morozevich 2774 and Boris Gelfand 2723 - 7.5
5. Bu Xiangzhi 2708 - 7.0
6. Gabriel Sargissian 2643 - 6.5
6-7. Michael Adams 2729 - 6.0
8. Vladimir Akopian 2673 - 5.0

Tournament website