The Chess Mind

GM Vladimir Malakhov has again taken up the banner of Zvjaginsev's 2.Na3 anti-Sicilian, this time against Indian GM Krishnan Sasikiran. Sasikiran, as befits a grandmaster of his status, has devised a new, clever reply to the Na3 variation: 2...a6. This is a sensible idea: it prevents Bb5 lines, while allowing Black great flexibility in responding to whatever setup White chooses. Is this the cure? It's probably too soon to say with complete certainty, but it looks promising, both on general principles and in the workings of this game in particular.