Chess: Caruana and Nepomnyashchij open the hunt for the best World Cup
The two former World Cup rivals Magnus Carlsen took first place in the chess tournament candidates. Fabiano Caruana and Jan Nepomnyashchij each won their respective games.
After the first day in Madrid, Caruana outperformed Nepomnyashchij by a better ranking. Both have lost their respective World Cup matches against Carlsen in 2018 and 2021.
Caruana beat American compatriot Hikaru Nakamura with white pawns, while Russia’s Nepomnyashchij played with black players when he defeated Ding Liren of China.
Jan-Krysztof Duda (Poland) – Richard Rapport (Hungary) and Teimur Radjabov (Azerbaijan) – Alireza Firouzja (France) both ended in a draw.
It is very uncertain whether Carlsen will come to the WC next year as a title defender. He states he is not tempted to ask for a sixth time, but is open to doing so if Firouzja becomes the challenger.
This 18-year-old super talent is predicted by many to take over the chess throne when Carlsen steps down. He was born in Iran but represents France.
Carlsen has been the undisturbed world champion in long chess since 2013. The winner of the candidate tournament will be the title challenger. If Carlsen’s proposals got serious, the championship would probably be between those who ended up as the two best in Madrid.
The World Cup Hunt was played over 14 rounds, the last being added to July 4. The following day is set aside for a possible rematch in the event of a draw for first place. (NTB)
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