Gukesh enters the final round of the 2024 FIDE Candidates as the sole leader
In the 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament, 17-year-old Indian GM Gukesh D. seizes the lead after defeating Alireza Firouzja in a thrilling match. With experienced players like Caruana, Nakamura, and Nepomniachtchi trailing closely behind by just half a point, the competition is heating up as the final round approaches.
The FIDE Candidates tournament remains shrouded in uncertainty as Round 13 unfolds. While pivotal outcomes emerged in the penultimate round, the ultimate victor hangs in the balance as the final showdown approaches.
Gukesh emerges as the frontrunner, securing a commanding lead following a decisive victory over Firouzja, with Caruana, Nakamura, and Nepomniachtchi in close pursuit, trailing by a mere half-point. Anticipation surges as Nakamura gears up to challenge Gukesh in the ultimate clash, while Caruana squares off against Nepomniachtchi in what promises to be an electrifying finale, poised to make this edition of the Candidates one for the history books.
Hikaru Nakamura reflected on the high stakes, remarking, “Tomorrow is the only one (round) that you actually do pay attention (to the other games). If someone wins a game, then you have to go crazy... Tomorrow is the one day when I think everyone is going to be looking at the other games.”
Fabiano Caruana echoed Nakamura’s urgency, emphasizing, “I absolutely have to win tomorrow, and Ian has to go for a win as well. There is nothing else. Gukesh is the only one who should try to hold; the rest of us have to win at all costs. It is a very strange situation. I don’t think I have seen a tournament finish quite like this.”
Meanwhile, the two-time Challenger, Ian Nepomniachtchi, strategized for his upcoming match, noting, “I am having black tomorrow. I am a bit short on options, but I also think Fabiano would only need a win. It will be an interesting game anyway.”
In contrast, the 17-year-old sensation, Gukesh D., remained composed, affirming, “I will go (to the last round) with the same strategy: try and play a good game. I have managed so far, and hopefully, tomorrow as well, I will be able to follow the plan.” Despite acknowledging the challenges of his youth and relative inexperience, Gukesh expressed confidence in his ability to stay focused, highlighting the advantages of his age in such a demanding tournament.
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