Chess: a historic rematch in the making

Russian chess GM Ian Nepomniachtchi clinched victory at the Candidates Tournament and the right to challenge afresh the world champion in a match by securing first place with a round to spare. 

With a draw in the final game, Nepomniachtchi finished undefeated on 9.5/14. In his speech, he thanked the former world champion Viswanathan Anand "for being an example" and helping him recover following his loss in the Dubai match for the world title Magnus Carlsen.

In a direct duel for second place, Ding Liren defeated Hikaru Nakamura, who was leading him by half a point. For the most part, the game was even but, in the advanced stage of the middlegame, Nakamura made a blunder with 35…Bd8 allowing White to keep his rook to the seventh rank.

Ding Liren played very tenaciously, not allowing Nakamura any chance of escaping. The American played on for over five hours but could not salvage the game.

Ian Nepomniachtchi at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2022 Closing Ceremony. Photo: FIDE/Stev Bonhage

Liren recovered from an abysmal start to the tournament to a second place, with an earlier win over Fabiano Caruana after six and half hours of play being key. Second place could become relevant...