Carlsen-Nepomniachtchi, Game 9: Nepo Blunders Again; Carlsen Leads 6-3

The drama is over. As in game 8, Ian Nepomniachtchi blundered in a perfectly healthy position, and with today's loss goes down three points with just five games to play. Up to that point it had been an interesting game, with Nepo enjoying a plus most of the way. Champ Magnus Carlsen had been under pressure both on the board and on the clock, but after 26.Bxb7 (perfectly fine) Ra4 27.c5?? c6 the game was essentially over, as the white bishop was trapped and would be lost by force. Nepomniachtchi found the trickiest possibility available, but despite Carlsen's relative lack of time he was able to work everything out and win the game just before the time control.

Will there be any real games the rest of the way, or will the match end with a series of pro forma draws? My guess is that Nepo will be satisfied with a draw tomorrow, if he can get to move 40 without blundering (Carlsen hasn't been pushing for a win the last couple of games; he's just taking advantage of Nepo's unforced errors), and will push one last time on Friday, after the rest day on Thursday.

I'll update the post with the game later today.