Ian Nepomniachtchi triumphed on the Candidates Event in Spain
Ian Nepomniachtchi, the Russian Grandmaster and present seventh-ranked participant on this planet, will problem World Champion Magnus Carlsen in a 12-game match in November after he secured victory on the FIDE Candidates Event in Spain on Sunday.
Nepomniachtchi, 31, wanted a attract two rounds in Sunday’s play after stretching his benefit in latest days over Ding Liren and Hikaru Nakamura, and did so towards Richard Rapport to arrange a excessive stakes conflict with the world’s prime participant in late 2022.
‘Nepo’, as he’s identified to some, was authoritative all through, enjoying aggressively when he wanted to but in addition showcased his eager eye for figuring out threats towards him as he was compelled to defend positions on a number of events.
In the long run, the Russian Grandmaster – who was enjoying underneath a impartial flag to due sporting sanctions positioned on Russian gamers within the wake of the nation’s navy operation in Ukraine – was persistently head and shoulders in entrance of his competitors, a few of whom floundered at inopportune moments all through the occasion.
The Russian star ultimately achieved a rating of eight.5/12 with 5 wins, in addition to a 2792 dwell score – finally profitable the occasion with a spherical to spare.
He additionally gained the identical occasion final 12 months earlier than shedding 7½-Three½ to Carlsen.
"He was criminally underrated by pundits and betting odds, however I nonetheless thought that Ding or Fabiano have been even greater favourites. However kudos, he's carried out rather well!"@MagnusCarlsen on Nepomniachtchi's #FIDECandidates efficiency in discuss with @NastiaKarlovich for @STLChessClub. pic.twitter.com/o7cBLAjm7K
— Worldwide Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July Three, 2022
Nepomniachtchi summed up his win with typical extravagance: “As I stated two years in the past, it’s essential to strive not to lose. In case you don’t lose, it’s certainly going alright.”
Carlsen, in the meantime, praised Nepomniachtchi’s efficiency instantly after the event’s conclusion.
“He is enjoying very properly,” the Norwegian introduced. “He is profiting from his possibilities. There have been many attention-grabbing video games however he is transformed all of his benefits very properly and saved unhealthy positions, so he is been by far the most effective.
“No I did not anticipate [him to win] however he was criminally underrated by pundits and betting odds however I nonetheless thought that Ding or Fabiano have been even greater favorites.
“However kudos, he is carried out rather well.”