Intense Battles Heat Up as Candidates Approach Final Rounds

With only four rounds left, every move is crucial, highlighted by standout performances from Nakamura and Caruana.

As I reviewed the matchups before the tenth round, it was clear that both Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana needed to aggressively pursue wins. With only four rounds remaining after this one, playing to win, I thought, doesn't necessarily equate to securing a win. However, the match of the day featured a clash between two relentless players, Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh, ending in a draw.

Indeed, both Nakamura (Naka) and Caruana (Fabi) secured victories, though they faced tough challenges, particularly Nakamura. The leaderboard is still topped by Nepo and Gukesh, who drew their game, but three players are now just half a point behind.

Results of the Tenth Round:

• Hikaru Nakamura defeated Nijat Abasov 1-0
• Fabiano Caruana overcame Alireza Firouzja 1-0
• Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Gukesh D ended in a 1/2-1/2 draw
• Praggnanandhaa R vs Vidit Santosh Gujrathi also resulted in a 1/2-1/2 draw

A grueling and lengthy battle unfolded between Nakamura and Abasov. For Nakamura's fans, it was crucial that he overcame his opponent! The game started with the same opening Nepo used against Nijat, but Nakamura played 8.c3!? White gained a nice position after 15.Ne5, although Black had counterplay on the queen's side. However, White's position was stronger, and if Nakamura had played 27.g5! he would have gained a substantial advantage. However, at some point, Nakamura made errors, maybe miscalculations, and even found himself in a worse position. He also suffered from time pressure. But Abasov, with about 18 minutes on the clock, played too quickly and blundered with 36...Qe7?? (should have played 36...Nc7!) and missed 37.Ne5! Nakamura then took control of the game. Black was forced to sacrifice material, leading to a very difficult endgame. Nakamura captured the key "a" pawn and defended against counterplay on the kingside, sealing the win. You can review this game here.

Nakamura's analysis of his game can be found here on YouTube.

Caruana played the Najdorf in his match against Firouzja, surprising everyone as early as the sixth move with 6.Rg1!? An interesting moment occurred after 11.Nb3 when Firouzja correctly captured on g5, transitioning into a relatively good endgame. However, a mistake soon followed when Firouzja played 13...Be6?, which Caruana failed to exploit. The position stabilized again, but the endgame was not easy, filled with tactical opportunities. Both players were low on time when Firouzja sacrificed a pawn, a reasonable decision, but his 30th move, 30...h4, was unsuccessful; he should have played 30...Qxd6 followed by ...Rd8. Perhaps Firouzja overlooked 32.Re5! attacking the f5 pawn. Although Caruana also didn't play precisely, the critical factor was that he managed to maintain more pawns, leading Firouzja into a difficult endgame. After the 40th move check, it was clear Caruana would win. He exchanged rooks and easily won the bishop endgame. You can review this game here.

An unexpected opening was seen in the game between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh D. Not referring to the Spanish :-) but a reaction to the Spanish. Gukesh opted for 4...Nge7!?, a rare choice in top-level chess. Nepo surprised too when he moved his queen to e3 in the eighth move. Gukesh correctly played ...b5 followed by ...Na5, eventually capturing White's light-squared bishop. Nepo moved his rook to g3, and Gukesh had to be careful. Nevertheless, his counterplay with ...c5 was strong. Black then captured on d5, and it was clear the game would end in a draw. You can review this game here.  

In the match between Praggnanandhaa R and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, the Berlin Defense was played again, a favorite weapon of Vidit. Pragg chose a system with d3. White exchanged on d6 and went for a thematic f4. However, Vidit played well, executed a queenside castling, exchanged queens, and comfortably drew the subsequent endgame where Pragg didn't have much. You can review this game here.  

Standings after the Tenth Round:

• GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, 2758 - 6 points
• GM Gukesh D, 2743 - 6 points
• GM Fabiano Caruana, 2803 - 5.5 points
• GM Hikaru Nakamura, 2789 - 5.5 points
• GM Praggnanandhaa R, 2747 - 5.5 points
• GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, 2727 - 5 points
• GM Alireza Firouzja, 2760 - 3.5 points
• GM Nijat Abasov, 2632 - 3 points

For more updates, check out Lichess broadcast and the official FIDE Candidates 2024 website with photos.