GMs Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh Dommaraju Maintain Lead in 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament

GMs Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh Dommaraju Maintain Lead in 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament

In the ongoing 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament, Grandmasters Ian Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh Dommaraju continue to dominate after round nine. The tournament has seen some intense battles and surprising outcomes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

GM Vidit Gujrathi emerged as the sole winner on Sunday, defeating GM Hikaru Nakamura for the second time in the tournament. This victory propelled Gujrathi into a strong position in the standings.

One of the highlights of the round was GM Alireza Firouzja’s game against Nepomniachtchi. Firouzja, known for his aggressive play, opted for the uncommon 2.b3 opening but was unable to break through Nepomniachtchi’s defense, leading to a draw. Post-game, Firouzja expressed his frustration with the chief arbiter on Twitter, adding a dramatic twist to the tournament.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s Candidates Tournament, GM Tan Zhongyi bounced back from a recent loss to secure a crucial victory in round nine. Her win propelled her back to the pole position, with GMs Lei Tingjie and Aleksandra Goryachkina closely following behind.

With round 10 scheduled for Monday, fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh, as well as other exciting matchups in both tournaments. The competition is heating up, and anything can happen in the remaining rounds.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament unfolds.