Top GMs Nepomniachtchi, Nakamura, and Antipov Tie in CrunchLabs Masters Play-in, Nepomniachtchi Secures Best Tiebreaks

The CrunchLabs Masters 2024 Play-in event concluded with a three-way tie between GMs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Hikaru Nakamura, and Mikhail Antipov, all finishing with 7/9. However, it was Nepomniachtchi who emerged victorious with the best tiebreaks. Antipov, a Mizzou student and Collegiate Chess League star, reached Division I Placement for the first time, with his standout win against GM Jules Moussard being named the Game of the Day.

A total of 118 participants, mostly grandmasters, competed in the Play-in event, with the top 11 finishers moving on to Division I Placement, 18 to Division II Placement, and 40 to Division III Placement. The Division Placement stage is set to begin on Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m. ET / 17:00 CEST / 8:30 p.m.

The CrunchLabs Masters is the third of four online events leading to the in-person Finals at the end of the year. Notable players like Alireza Firouzja, Magnus Carlsen, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave have already secured spots in Division I based on their performances in previous events.

Nepomniachtchi’s performance in the Play-in event was highlighted by his fortunate escape in round eight against GM Frederik Svane, where he turned a seemingly lost position into a win. Nakamura also had a strong showing, remaining undefeated with five wins and four draws. Antipov bounced back from a loss to Caruana to secure his place in Division I Placement.

The event promises to be an exciting competition, with players vying for a spot in the prestigious Division I. Stay tuned for more updates as the Division Placement stage kicks off on Thursday.