Alexei Shirov vs Ruslan Ponomariov
GM Alexei Shirov (2601) · GM Ruslan Ponomariov (2632)
Alexei Shirov and Ruslan Ponomariov have played 18 recorded games against each other, the first in Feb 2002 and the most recent in May 2026. Shirov leads 2 wins to 3 - trailing overall, with 13 draws (28% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Sicilian: Najdorf (4 games). The average game between them lasted 38 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Shirov | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shirov with White | 8 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| Ponomariov with White | 10 | 1 | 7 | 2 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Shirov | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 13 | 1 | 11 | 1 |
| Rapid | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Blitz | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Shirov | Draws | Ponomariov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B90 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| C67 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| B30 | Sicilian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| B30 | Sicilian: Rossolimo | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C05 | French: Tarrasch Variation | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C78 | Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| D12 | Slav Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| D16 | Slav Defense | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1/2-1/2 | English Opening | VII Coop Saaremaa Chess Festival Rapid Tournament |
| Jun 2025 | A Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | Coop Saaremaa Rapid |
| Dec 2016 | Alexei Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | ch-EU rapid |
| Apr 2012 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense | 19th chT-RUS |
| Oct 2011 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | Saratov Governor's Cup |
| Jan 2011 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | 73rd Tata Steel Masters |
| Aug 2008 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1-0 | Sicilian: Rossolimo | Moscow Tal Memorial 3rd |
| Nov 2007 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1-0 | Torre Attack | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| Nov 2007 | Alexei Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 0-1 | French: Tarrasch Variation | 2nd Wch Blitz |
| Sep 2007 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1/2-1/2 | Grünfeld Defense | Karlsbad Czech Coal |
| Jan 2007 | Alexei Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Corus |
| Nov 2006 | Alexei Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Moscow Tal Memorial 1st |
| Jun 2006 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1/2-1/2 | Slav Defense | Foros Aerosvit |
| Mar 2006 | Alexei Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Poikovsky Karpov 07th |
| Jan 2003 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 0-1 | Slav Defense | Corus |
| Dec 2002 | Alexei Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | Benidorm Bali |
| Mar 2002 | Alexei Shirov | Ruslan Ponomariov | 1/2-1/2 | Queen's Gambit Accepted | 19th Linares |
| Feb 2002 | Ruslan Ponomariov | Alexei Shirov | 1/2-1/2 | Sicilian | 19th Linares |
Interactive board, all 18 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Alexei Shirov and Ruslan Ponomariov?
In 18 recorded games, Alexei Shirov has 2 wins, Ruslan Ponomariov has 3 wins, and they have drawn 13 times.
How many times have Alexei Shirov and Ruslan Ponomariov played each other?
Our database records 18 games between them, from Feb 2002 to May 2026.
What openings do Alexei Shirov and Ruslan Ponomariov play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Sicilian: Najdorf (4 games), followed by the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense (2). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.