Round 11 of the Candidates 2024 saw some feisty matchups on the cards but resulted in disappointment for the Indian contingent in the Open category at the Great Hall in Toronto on Wednesday. Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi lost their respective games while Gukesh’s draw against Fabiano Caruana saw him slip to the second spot in the standings.
Gukesh slips to second spot at Candidates 2024
D Gukesh was pitted against USA’s Fabiano Caruana. Despite his best efforts, Gukesh couldn’t secure a win and the game ended in a draw. This result meant that Gukesh slipped to the joint second spot in the tournament standings.
Vidit Gujrathi faced off against Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi. The game was a marathon battle, with both players showcasing their strategic skills. However, it was Nepomniachtchi who emerged victorious. This result had significant implications for the tournament standings, with Nepomniachtchi taking the sole lead.
R Praggnanandhaa, the youngest Grandmaster in history, had a tough day at the office. He was up against American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. Despite a spirited performance, Praggnanandhaa couldn’t secure a win and lost the game.
Praggnanandhaa could have gone for a draw several times in the game. Instead, he chose the more complex option whereas Nakamura was precise in converting his advantage, leaving no chances for counterplay for his Indian opponent.
After 11 rounds of the FIDE Candidates 2024 we have sole leaders in both sections – Nepo leads with 7.0/11, while Tan Zhongyi leads with 7.5/11.
Nepo beat Vidit to jump into sole lead. Overnight co-leader Gukesh drew his game with Caruana. The day also saw two more decisive… pic.twitter.com/htC21gN00s
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) April 18, 2024
Nepomniachtchi is the sole leader again on 7 points with three rounds to go. He is followed by Gukesh and Nakamura with 6.5 points. Nakamura still has two white games and will meet Nepomniachtchi with black in round 13 followed by Gukesh with white in the last round.
The results of Round 11 have shaken up the tournament standings. With just three more rounds left, the competition is heating up. The Indian contingent will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming rounds.
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