CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT Round 8 Update!
THE FIGHT TO PLAY WORLD CHESS CHAMPION MAGNUS CARLSON
CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT – June 17th to July 5th July 22 – Madrid Spain
Round 8 – Sun 26th June 22
UPDATE
What an 8th round in the candidate’s tournament! Leader Nepomniachtchi draws in double quick time, leaving the door open for Caruana to draw level! This will either be a mistake or turnout to be a very smart game plan!
The Nakamura v Caruana turned in to one of the best games of the candidate’s so far. In an unfamiliar complicated position for both players, Nakamura was in an attacking mood with double edged chances. Yes he had the extra piece/exchange for a few pawns, and Caruana`s white squared Bishop might have looked good on d3, but was in fact very passive and out of the game!
Having said that, Caruana fought tooth and nail against Nakamura, so much so that thinking the game was coming to an end, Nakamura put his jacket on, a trade mark move by him saying the game is over, resign! But for the first time ever in his carer, Nakamura had to put his jacket back on as Caruana kept putting the question to him! In the end Nakamura did finally force the resignation and bring himself back into the running. It was a blow for Caruana as he fall’s a point behind Nepomniachtchi with 6 rounds left.
RESULTS
Rapport 1 – 0 Duda
Nepomniachtchi ½ – ½ Ding
Nakamura 1 – 0 Caruana
Firouzja ½ – ½ Radjabov
STANDINGS (after 8 rounds)
1: Nepomniachtchi 6pts
2: Caruana 5pts
3: Nakamura 4½pts
4: Rapport 4pts
5: Ding 3½
6: Duda 3pts
7=: Radjabou & Firouzja 2½pts
ROUND 8 DRAW
Firouzja v Rapport
Radjabou v Nakamura
Caruana v Nepomniachtchi
Ding v Duda
Can Caruana with white pull out a win to bring Nepomniachtchi back into the field, or will he fall further behind. After a gruelling battle, will a draw be a good result? After all finishing second might get its rewards if Magnus Carlson refuses to play the winner of this candidate’s tournament and is stripped of his world title and the top two finishers in the candidates play for the World Championships!
Will Nepomniachtchi win back to back candidate’s and get another crack at Magnus?
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s matches!
BRING IT ON!
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