Summary of Round 8

In the 8th round of the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Grandmaster norm tournament, the leader Vladislav Nozdrachev, playing with the white pieces, quickly drew against GM Levon Babujian. By securing 7 points, Nozdrachev fulfilled the International Grandmaster norm one round before the tournament's conclusion.

Another key game of the round, Robert Piliposyan vs. Arsen Davtyan, unfolded with intense and interesting play. Neither side managed to gain a decisive advantage, and they agreed to a draw on the 54th move.

To complete the Grandmaster norm, Arsen Davtyan needs to win in the final round.

In the 8th round of the Master norm tournament, the leaders Rudolf Pashikyan and Vahe Sukiasyan faced off. The opening left both sides with equal chances, but after the inaccuracy 18.a4, the initiative shifted to Black

18...Qc2! 19.Rc2 a5! 20.Nd2? ab

Despite some inaccuracies, Black successfully converted the advantage. Thus, Vahe Sukiasyan emerged as the sole leader of the tournament with 6 points out of a possible 8.