Will Nepomniachtchi win his third Candidates Tournament?
Two wins and two draws for the two-time Candidates Champion Ian Nepomniachtchi at the FIDE Candidates 2024, after defeating Vidit Gujrathi in Round 4, which brings him clear first with 3/4 points right before the rest day!
Recognizing Vidit’s prowess in crafting formidable opening strategies as Black, Nepomniachtchi strategically guided his opponent into the Berlin Defense endgame, a scenario where White typically secures a dominant kingside pawn majority. In a pivotal moment during move 12, Nepomniachtchi introduced a theoretical novelty, prompting Vidit to deliberate extensively.
Prior to the commencement of the Candidates Tournament, it was evident that opening preparation would serve as a cornerstone for Nepomniachtchi’s campaign. Demonstrating his adeptness in the Ruy Lopez, the Russian GM opted to confront the notorious Berlin Defense endgame with fresh insights. While the positional outcome might not have been particularly breathtaking, Nepomniachtchi capitalized on his substantial time advantage, exerting considerable pressure on Vidit with his swift and incisive moves.
The precision and finesse exhibited by Nepomniachtchi throughout the game garnered praise from commentators, including GM Daniel Naroditsky, who lauded the elegance of his maneuvers.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to Nepomniachtchi’s stellar showing was his revelation that GM Jan Gustafsson, renowned for his collaboration with GM Magnus Carlsen during the 2021 world championship, is lending his expertise to Nepomniachtchi’s preparation for this significant event.
Will Nepomniachtchi have another chance with Ding Liren for the World Title?
