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  3. /Shirov, Alexei

Shirov, Alexei

modern era

Alexei Shirov is one of the most spectacular tacticians in chess history, a protege of fellow Latvian and former World Champion Mikhail Tal. His best games collection "Fire on Board" became a classic of chess literature, showcasing his brilliant sacrifices and combinational vision. Shirov defeated Kramnik in a 1998 Candidates match to earn a World Championship challenge against Kasparov, though the match never materialized.

Total Games

6011

Wins

2877

Draws

2020

Losses

1114

47.9% wins33.6% draws18.5% losses

Most Played Openings

B90 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation238C02 - French Defense: Advance Variation213C78 - Ruy Lopez: Brix Variation208B12 - Caro-Kann Defense202C42 - Petrov's Defense149D45 - Semi-Slav Defense: Main Line140B33 - Sicilian Defense: Open115C67 - Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Berlin Wall108C11 - French Defense: Steinitz Variation103D12 - Slav Defense: Quiet Variation, Landau Variation90

Most Faced Opponents

Anand,V63 gamesIvanchuk,V54 gamesTopalov,V48 gamesKramnik,V47 gamesKramnik, Vladimir46 gamesGelfand,B43 gamesIvanchuk, Vassily38 gamesLeko,P35 gamesAnand, Viswanathan33 gamesGelfand, Boris32 games

Featured Games

FCGFCG
1-0

Shirov,A vs Kotronias,V

WCC

2005

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FCGFCG
0-1

Topalov,V vs Shirov,A

FIDE WCh KO

2001

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FCGFCG
0-1

Shirov, Alexei vs Ivanchuk, Vassily

Linares 14th

1997

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FCGFCG
0-1

Hauchard, Arnaud vs Shirov, Alexei

Wch U20

1990

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FCGFCG
1-0

Kamsky, Gata vs Shirov, Alexei

Amber-rapid 5th

1996

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FCGFCG
1-0

Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Shirov, Alexei

Amber-blind 5th

1996

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FCGFCG
1-0

Gdanski, Jacek vs Shirov, Alexei

Wch U20

1989

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FCGFCG
1-0

Shirov, Alexei vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir

Amber-rapid 5th

1996

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FCGFCG
1-0

Shirov,A vs Rapport,R

42nd Olympiad 2016

2016

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FCGFCG
0-1

Rizouk,A vs Shirov,A

FIDE WCh KO

2001

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Games (6011)

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Shirov, Alexei vs Klovans, Janis
0-1
Riga 1986 C55
Rausis, Igors vs Shirov, Alexei
0-1
Riga 1986 B02
Shirov, Alexei vs Vitolinsh, Alvis
0-1
Riga 1986 A45
Lutsko, Igor vs Shirov, Alexei
0-1
Riga 1986 A11
Shirov, Alexei vs Akopian, Vladimir
1/2-1/2
SochiJ-B 1986 A45
Shirov, Alexei vs Zhuravliov, Valerij
1-0
Riga 1986 A80
Shirov, Alexei vs Petkevich, Jusefs
0-1
Riga 1985 C08
Saksis, Y. vs Shirov, Alexei
0-1
Riga 1985 B99
Shirov, Alexei vs Vitolinsh, Alvis
0-1
Riga 1985 B99
Shirov, Alexei vs Ozolinsh, Aris
0-1
Riga 1985 C29
Jakobson, I. vs Shirov, Alexei
0-1
Riga 1985 B90
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