27 April 2020

Magnus Carlsen Invitational: The Plot Thickens

Hikaru Nakamura and Ding Liren join the world champion in the lead.


The fifth round of the Magnus Carlsen Invitational finished on Chess24.com on April 27. The Ian Nepomniachtchi vs. Ding Liren and Fabiano Caruana vs. Hikaru Nakamura matches were played. 

Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren started with a draw. The second game was won by the Chinese grandmaster but the Russian stroke back immediately. Still, Ding Liren won the fourth encounter and became one of the tournament's leaders.  

The American derby began with the victory of Caruana but Nakamura won back in the second game. Two draws followed, and the rivals had to fight in the Armageddon. The sudden death game finished in favour of Fabiano Caruana, who had the white pieces. However, Hikaru Nakamura has joined the leaders since he got 1 point after this match.

Standings:

1-3. Ding Liren, Hikaru Nakamura, Magnus Carlsen - 11
4. Fabiano Caruana - 10
5-6. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Ian Nepomniachtchi - 5
7. Anish Giri - 4
8. Alireza Firouzja - 3.

It is to be reminded that the top scoring players qualify for the Final Four knockout. 

Round 6 pairings:

Magnus Carlsen - Ian Nepomniachtchi
Alireza Firouzja - Anish Giri

Hikaru Nakamura - Ding Liren
Fabiano Caruana - Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

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