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← See today's latestSindarov holds; Giri hunts; Candidates tightens
Candidates R9: Giri climbs
Giri's second straight win narrows the gap.
The Dutch grandmaster defeated Fabiano Caruana with Black in Wednesday's ninth round at the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, moving into sole second place [Quelle: ChessBase]. Leader Javokhir Sindarov was held to a draw by Matthias Bluebaum after missing a concrete win, leaving him 1½ points clear. Five rounds remain, with Sindarov and Giri yet to face each other in round 13—when Giri has White, a critical moment in the title race.
The classical grind favors the hungry hunter.
American Cup: So and Lee advance again
Wesley So and Alice Lee repeat their Sunday blitz mastery.
Following up on last week's Championship Bracket drama, So is now set to face Levon Aronian (after Aronian beats Caruana in the Elimination Bracket) for the Grand Final, while Lee defends her fifth consecutive appearance by dispatching Carissa Yip in tiebreak chess [Quelle: ChessBase]. Both players have proven that blitz composure under pressure—not classical preparation—now divides elite American contenders. The Grand Finals arrive next weekend.
Momentum and nerve now collide.
Candidates: Sindarov's edge narrows
One decision cost Sindarov the title lead's buffer.
After Bluebaum held him to a draw in round 9, the Uzbek leader squandered his chance to extend his lead by playing the inaccurate 24...Bxa4? instead of the stronger 24...Qb7!, which would have preserved winning chances [Quelle: ChessBase]. Giri's relentless pressure—two wins in three rounds—has transformed the tournament from coronation into race. The penultimate round matchup looms as the tournament's decisive moment.
Preparation meets calculation now.
Candidates R9: Giri scores crucial win, now in sole second place4 hours ago ... YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you're taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can ...en.chessbase.com
American Cup: So and Lee win Championship Brackets - ChessBase8 hours ago ... The Championship Bracket finals at the American Cup concluded on Sunday at the Saint Louis Chess Club. In the open section, Wesley So recovered from a ...en.chessbase.com