The question now is whether Magnus Carlsen, the current world chess champion, will agree to play against Nepomniatchchi or will decline.
If Magnus declines, then the second place finisher in this tournament will challenge Ian for the WCC.
Challengers include Hikaru Nakamura, Ding Liren, Teimour Radjabov and Fabiano Caruana.
Looks like an exciting summer for the world of chess.
Challengers include Hikaru Nakamura, Ding Liren, Teimour Radjabov and Fabiano Caruana.
With his win over Duda today, Nakamura moved to 7 1/2. Ding's draw with Firouzja left Ding at 7. Ding and Naka play each other in tomorrow's final round (with Ding having the white pieces). With Radjabov and Caruana each at 6 1/2, second place must go either to Naka or Ding.
An impressive performance for Naka, who'd "retired" from professional chess, played at the classical time control, a couple of years ago to become a full-time "streamer." Naka has certainly enhanced his online brand as a consequence of his comeback in this Candidates.
I could have been the world chess champion, but they threw me out of the competition.
They said that I was cheating.
I told them that change happens everywhere in the world.
They didn’t like it when I introduced a new piece, the Cannon.
Blew my competitor into the next table.
Seems to me that Magnus won’t be able to resist thumping Nepo again.
The creme de la creme of the chess world in a
Show with everything but Yul Brynner
Once you go Qxc3 O-O, you never go back.
It’s disappointing that Nepo won the tournament. He got stomped in the last world championship match. I’d have much rather seen anyone else be the challenger. And I hope Carlsen decides to keep playing. World Champion should be the best, and Carlsen is definitely that.
Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Variation, thanks for the pgn.
I used to play in the Denver chess club. Got to play Victor Korchnoi in a simul. Was great, got to play him and get my score sheet signed by him and shake his hand, at the time it was before he was to play for world champ, he lost, but still #2. Hope Magnus does play. Thanks for the post!