FIDE Candidates Round 12 Recap: Race Tightens as Nakamura and Gukesh Join Nepomniachtchi

As the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament nears its conclusion, tension mounts in both sections. Hikaru Nakamura and Gukesh D both secured key victories in the Open section to join Ian Nepomniachtchi in a three-way tie for first place. Meanwhile, in the Women’s Candidates, main favorites Tan Zhongyi and Lei Tingjie drew their games, which allowed the former world champion to maintain the half-a-point advantage over her compatriot Lei Tingjie.

Ian Nepomniachtchi, who had been leading the event prior to this round, faced Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in an Exchange variation that led to a stagnant position. Despite his efforts, Nepomniachtchi had to settle for a draw, opening the door for his rivals to catch up.

In turn, Hikaru Nakamura and Gukesh D didn't let this opportunity slide. Gukesh outplayed Nijat Abasov with black pieces, while Nakamura outmaneuvered GM Firouzja with the Exchange variation against French Defense, thus extending his impressive streak to three wins in a row. Let's revisit this crucial win.

On board 4, Fabiano Caruana defeated Vidit Gujrathi with the White Pieces, climbing to 4th place in the tournament standings. While he theoretically still harbors hopes of winning the tournament, his chances are slim.

The fourth board also saw an important game, with Fabiano Caruana clinching victory against Vidit Gujrathi to climb to fourth place in the tournament standings. Though his chances of winning the Candidates are relatively slim, his performance continues to influence the standings dramatically.

Switching to the Women’s section, Tan Zhongyi held her ground as the sole leader despite facing strong challenges. Her game against Nurgyul Salimova was fraught with missed opportunities by Salimova, allowing Tan to escape with a draw. This result kept Tan ahead in the standings, half a point clear of her closest competitor, Lei Tingjie.

Lei Tingjie, who could've caught up with the leader in case of a win, failed to convert a promising position against Kateryna Lagno and had to settle for a draw through a perpetual check. This missed chance may be crucial in the final tally of the tournament.

On board 3, Rameshbabu Vaishali celebrated yet another victory, this time against Anna Muzychuk, and climbed up the tournament ladder to outpass Nurgyul Salimova and Anna Muzychuk. Despite her setbacks in the middle of the tournament, she seems to be gaining momentum as the tournament nears its end.

Finally, Humpy Koneru chose to secure a draw against Aleksandra Goryachkina despite having good chances to press for a win. The game ended fairly fast, with the players deciding to repeat moves for a draw by move 25.

With only two rounds remaining, the air is thick with anticipation. Every move and decision carries weight, as the winner remains uncertain. See the standings after this round below.

OPEN

• 1. Gukesh 7,5
• 2. Nakamura 7,5
• 3. Nepomniachtchi 7,5
• 4. Caruana 7
• 5. Praggnanandhaa 6
• 6. Vidit 5
• 7. Firouzja 4,5
• 8. Abasov 3

WOMEN

• 1. Tan Zhongy 8
• 2. Lei Tingjie 7,5
• 3. Lagno 6
• 4. Koneru 6
• 5. Goryachkina 6
• 6. Vaishali 5,5
• 7. Salimova 4,5
• 8. Muzychuk 4,5

Game Annotations by Zaven Andriasyan

Photos by Michal Walusza / FIDE Flickr Page