Champions Chess Tour 2024: GMs Caruana, So, Nepomniachtchi, Duda, and Andreikin Advance to Division I
The CrunchLabs Masters 2024 is heating up as GMs Fabiano Caruana, Wesley So, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and Dmitry Andreikin secured their spots in Division I after winning their matches on day two. They will join the likes of Alireza Firouzja, Magnus Carlsen, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the top division.
In Division II Placement, Azerbaijani GM Vasif Durarbayli showcased a brilliant rook sacrifice against GM Oleksandr Bortnyk to advance to Division II. Meanwhile, Serbian GM Velimir Ivic impressed with a 3-0 sweep in Division III to secure his spot in the next phase.
The tournament format saw players competing in two-match rounds, with the favorites mostly prevailing in round two. Notable matches included Jules Moussard’s victory over Hikaru Nakamura and Caruana’s dominant performance against Oparin.
The action continues with the first day of division play on Friday, July 19. Stay tuned for more exciting matchups and intense battles as the players vie for a spot in the prestigious CCT Finals.