Nakamura and Gukesh Close in on Nepomniachtchi in Open, While Tan Plays it Safe

The results were thrilling: Gukesh and Nakamura secured victories, while Nepomniachtchi settled for a draw. With 7.5 points each, the trio now shared the lead with just two rounds remaining. Fatigue was palpable in the Women’s section too, with Vaishali shining against Muzychuk, Koneru settling for a draw, and Salimova and Tingjie gaining ground. The battle for first place in the Women’s section narrowed down to Zhongyi and Tingjie, with Zhongyi maintaining a 2-point lead with 8 points, leaving the competition trailing behind with 2 rounds left.

In a gripping showdown, Nepomniachtchi, the frontrunner, extended his unbeaten run, reminiscent of his ironclad performance since his last defeat by Ding Liren in April 2021. His resilience was on full display. Employing a French Exchange with an early twist, the game swiftly descended into a material-equalizing exchange. Despite Nepomniachtchi’s crafty maneuvers to create opportunities, Praggnanandhaa, eager to bounce back from a recent setback, remained resolute in defense. With each move, he staunchly thwarted any chances, ultimately forcing a draw. While this outcome virtually quashed Praggnanandhaa’s aspirations for victory, it also denied Nepomniachtchi a clear path to dominance in the tournament. Their clash not only unfolded on the chessboard but also showcased the strategic prowess and determination inherent in competitive chess at this level.

In the latest round, Gukesh went toe-to-toe to outrun Neopmniachtchi tournament lead, and although facing Abasov with the black pieces might seem daunting, the rating gap hinted at decent chances. Gukesh threw a curveball with an early Nimzo-Indian novelty, setting the stage for a gripping battle. Despite enduring a cramped knight stuck on the back rank for a good stretch, Gukesh turned the tide by unleashing tactical fireworks, creating positional nightmares for Abasov with a ghastly pawn structure. Slowly but surely, Gukesh orchestrated a symphony of strategic maneuvers, liberating his beleaguered knight and tightening the noose around Abasov’s position. With relentless precision, Gukesh navigated the complexities of the endgame, squeezing out every last drop of advantage until Abasov capitulated. The victory catapulted Gukesh back into the limelight, reclaiming a joint lead with a stellar 7.5 points.

Nakamura has been on fire lately, scoring back-to-back wins in the tournament. Today was no different, as he dominated against a lackluster Firouzja, who was playing with the black pieces. They delved into a sharp and complex position, both renowned for their speed. Initially, Nakamura held a clear advantage, but a surprising mistake leveled the playing field momentarily. However, Firouzja’s luck took a turn for the worse as he blundered just after the time control, allowing Nakamura to reclaim his advantage. With this win, Nakamura has secured his third consecutive victory, now standing among the leaders with 7.5 points. Conversely, Firouzja seems to be struggling to find his footing in the Candidates format, marking a disappointing performance for the young talent.

Yet another thrilling match for American enthusiasts as Caruana opted for a Giuoco Pianio strategy against Vidit. Caruana exerted relentless pressure on Vidit, steadily gaining positional and material advantages. Despite a tense exchange of errors and miscalculations from both sides, Vidit seemed to hover on the brink of salvaging a draw, only to succumb to a series of critical blunders. The grueling tournament schedule appeared to take its toll, with fatigue potentially affecting the players’ decision-making. With this victory, Caruana now stands at 7 points, a mere half-point behind the trio of frontrunners. The leaderboard’s tight competition suggests that any of the top four contenders could seize the tournament crown.

Author: Praveen Sagar
FIDE Arena Grandmaster
Chief Coach & Mentor

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