12:48 p.m
The Chinese is consolidating
With the move 27… d3, Ding Liren finally consolidates. This match should also end in a draw in perspective.
26
12:44
thing relies on activity
thing Liren
Instead of defending himself passively and artificially clinging to the a-pawn, whereupon Nepo could build up really dangerously with Nc5, Ding again relies on activity. 26… Rb4 is also objectively the strongest move.
12:41
More material disappears from the board
In addition to the queens, the white-squared bishops are now also disappearing from the board. So there isn’t too much going on in this game either, which is noticeably cooling down.
12:38 p.m
Advantage passé again
Resolving the tension in the center and taking the pieces off the board was exactly the wrong approach. Already the advantage of the Russian is passé again. According to the engine rating, this game is also completely balanced. Of course, there is still enough potential on the board so that both players can still make mistakes. There is still a long way to go for both sides until the next draw.
12:35 p.m
Slight advantage for Nepo
The move 20… Nd5 is at least to be interpreted as an inaccuracy, maybe even as a small mistake. In any case, Jan Nepomnjaschtschi now has a slight advantage, as long as he withdraws his dark-squared bishop and does not break the tension.
12:33 p.m
The tension remains
Several hit moves remain in the stance. Also any resulting tactics. But no one wants to break the tension. Instead, it continues with very calm and positional moves. Both players still have enough time to keep track of things.
12:28
Ding Liren offers pawns
As in the first game, Ding Liren now offers a pawn sacrifice by leaving the pawn on a6 unprotected. Again Jan Nepomnjaschtschi does not trust the roast and continues with the quiet move 18. Re1.
12:25
Exchange of two knights
The first two minor pieces are exchanged in the center, which gives the Chinese a double pawn on the d-file, but also opens lines for counterplay.
15
12:21
thing chooses the dynamic solutions
thing Liren
Ding Liren thinks for a while and then continues with the very dynamic move 15… c6. Again, the Chinese isn’t concerned about playing with bad structure or a pawn down if he gets dynamic counterplay in return. A strong decision.
12:18
thing under pressure
Jan Nepomnjaschtschi is very good at parrying the move Rb8 with Nxa4, after which Ding Liren continues with 14.Nd4 potentially a little too cockily. The computer engine already shows a small opening advantage for the Russian, who also has the clear time advantage on his side.
12:15 p.m
Nepo in the relaxation room
After both players sat at the board throughout the first game of today’s tie-breaks, Jan Nepomnjaschtschi has now retired to the rest room. Even a minute after his opponent’s move 13… Rb8 there is still no sign of the Russian.
12:13
Thing needs to think first
While Jan Nepomnjaschtschi has only flashed so far and instead of the 25 minutes start time now even has 25 minutes and 49 seconds on the clock, which was caused by the increment of ten seconds per move executed, Ding Liren now has to look deeper for the first time. The Chinese has been looking at the position for over four minutes.
12:09 p.m
Both players are moving fast
With 6. d3 there is another Spaniard in the Martinez Variation, which we saw several times on the board at the 2023 World Chess Championship. Both players move quickly and don’t let too much time pass. With 12… Nc6 they reach a new position for the first time.
12:05
Spanish on the board
Jan Nepomnjaschtschi also remains faithful to the Spanish game in rapid chess, which comes on the board again with 3. Bb5.
12:03
The players are back
After a short break, both opponents are now back at the board. Game two can start with it. Now the Russian moves the white pieces.
11:58
Let’s continue with the tie breaks
Today the decision will be made who will become the 17th world chess champion in history. The tie-breaks are now going on in quick succession. The second game in rapid chess will start in a few moments.