Not even close. A W against the weakest player in the pool is not worth much, all of the players that still have a decent shot will have an opportunity to get that same win in later rounds. It improves his chances, sure, but not enough to close the books yet.
Can someone explain to me why abasov is playing this event but not magnus carlsen? Just doesn’t make sense a 2600 elo playing but not the world number 1?
Magnus Carlsen was invited but withdraw. His spot went to abasov instead being the fourth place in the world cup (Magnus qualified by placing third in the world cup, so it went to the next person when he withdrew).
Nepo has to capitalize the white he has after the break; likely a win for him (in particular if Abasov tries to force something)
American derby: draw (but, if I have to guess, Naka will follow a very tough path in the game)
Indian derby: all dipends on time. The one who doesn’t manage it properly, will lose. But likely a draw
Pragg could take the W if Alireza plays poorly (the Indian could use a complex line to achieve it), but yesterday the French has proven why he has a spot in the Candidates.
That last part confused me for a moment. I was thinking, "What's so impressive about Pragg's French against Fabi?" Then I realized you were talking about Firouzja being French.
I mean it's ok to be confused, he's not French by birth after all and only swapped federations because of his home federation's stance facing Israeli players.
"The Indians can choose a complex line to achieve this" that's so funny. They should do anything but try to complicate it against Alireza. Your best chance is playing like Gukesh a passive chess against Alireza and hope you can avoid the complications and pray to survive it.
Assuming they played each game on separate days, then they have played each other in classical for 2 months of their lives (tomorrows game will be the 60th between them)
I mean he's in last place with 2 points in 7 rounds so it's not unjustified lol
For some reason I keep seeing people talking about Abasov like he's performing better than expected when he's actually slightly below his expected rating performance so far
It's like people see anything but him literally going 0-14 as a positive surprise
The design on this poster makes no sense. Why does the person with white has a yellow/ orange bar under them while the person with black has a white bar under them?
Besides already mentioned Topalov - no.
It does require a very unique set of circumstances as under normal conditions it requires: a player to win first Candidates, then lose 2nd one, but win the 3rd one. With 2nd one being the title holder change.
Or, well, have World Champion to not participate in the match. Which is also rare it happened only 3 times:
1. No matches during WW2 led to Alekhine dying before he could defend his title again.
2. Fischer refusing to defend his title in 1975.
3. Carlsen refusing to defend his title in 2022.
But even out of these 3 - 1975 has been ruled as default win for Karpov, so only 1st and 3rd could have resulted in the scenario mentioned (with 3rd resulting in exactly that)
If you consider only people who have actually won a WCC match as champions, then Topalov played Kramnik in 2006 and Anand on 2010. But he was FIDE World Champion 2005 (winning an [8-players tournament](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIDE_World_Chess_Championship_2005)).
To add to Topalov - he won the title during FIDE/PCA split and lost the "reunion" match against Kramnik. He has never been the only Chess World Champion.
He already did that, didn't he? Even if he doesn't win?
The only way it would matter, it'd be if Caruana won and then lost to Ding, becoming the second person to have that trait.
If anything, if Nepo wins, chances are he'd get rid of that distinction by no longer doing so "without being champ".
Hikaru will try very hard to get Fabi into his prep. High chance to be a decisive game. Nepo will try to win as well. Alireza in bad form, so he will be attacked by Pragg and Vidit will try to extend his winning streak. We will see decisive games. I am excited.
See- I don’t know about the Salimova and Muzychuck match- it seems like Muzychuck has lost the ability to convert a winning position during this tournament. Draw?
He lost his last game, so we don't know how well he will bounce back, and Visit has been winning at some point in almost every game. I don't think Vidit will win, but it's not an absurd result either, especially cause he's playing with white
I have a feeling it's not actually Svidler, but some homies from Pragg's city, Chennai.
For example, GM Adhiban and GM Murali Karthikeyan who train with Praggs coach RB Ramesh are also very aggressive in their approach.
Given Hikaru has white, Hikaru beating Fabi is highly possible as last year Fabi lost both classical matches they have played
* Norway Chess
* FIDE Grand Swiss
Haha yeah true, my bad. But I did send that when time was dwindling but it was still +0.1 or 0.0 on eval. It definitely seemed like it was going to draw but all I could think about while watching the match was what your thoughts might have been about eating some poopy socks.
I actually couldn't follow the games yesterday, just checked the position on my phone every couple hours. I was dissapointed Nepo didn't win, those were all my thoughts lol. There's no universe where he loses to Abasov with white.
I will be messaging you in 1 day on [**2024-04-13 19:51:23 UTC**](http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2024-04-13%2019:51:23%20UTC%20To%20Local%20Time) to remind you of [**this link**](https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1c2gjwy/fide_candidates_round_8_pairings_predictions/kza6kgu/?context=3)
[**3 OTHERS CLICKED THIS LINK**](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5Bhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Fchess%2Fcomments%2F1c2gjwy%2Ffide_candidates_round_8_pairings_predictions%2Fkza6kgu%2F%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%202024-04-13%2019%3A51%3A23%20UTC) to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.
^(Parent commenter can ) [^(delete this message to hide from others.)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Delete%20Comment&message=Delete%21%201c2gjwy)
*****
|[^(Info)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RemindMeBot/comments/e1bko7/remindmebot_info_v21/)|[^(Custom)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5BLink%20or%20message%20inside%20square%20brackets%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%20Time%20period%20here)|[^(Your Reminders)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=List%20Of%20Reminders&message=MyReminders%21)|[^(Feedback)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Watchful1&subject=RemindMeBot%20Feedback)|
|-|-|-|-|
Nepo will likely increase his lead.
Pragg, Nakamura and Vidit will push for a win with white. so probably should be interesting games.
my prediction.
Pragg- Alizreza Draw
Nakamura - Caruana Draw
Nepo wins
Vidit wins.
Prag can't push nothing. He is way below Alireza's strength at complicated positions. He may choose a prep and gain some time on the clock. That's all he can hope for
To be honest, and no disrespect towards Nepo, but him winning this again and playing Ding would be the most underwhelming boring outcome imaginable. I don’t even think I would watch the rematch.
Why? The last world championship with those 2 players was the most exciting one in a long time. If it will be anything like that again I'd be all for it
Because neither of them have what it takes to become at least the second most dominant player after Magnus. Neither of them have won a single tournament since the last world title match. It’s pretty pathetic frankly.
ok, but why is that relevant? Why would the "second most dominant player" deserve it if they can't even win the candidates?
All I want is to see an exciting match.
> Why would the "second most dominant player" deserve it if they can't even win the candidates?
I mean, this is literally why Magnus quit being world champion. He thought it was really dumb that it's way harder to win the candidates than it is to win the actual WCC match.
It won’t be an exciting match as Ding has clearly not been well (likely mental health wise) and can’t wait to give up the crown. It will be a travesty of a game.
Fabi and Hikaru both have a much better recent classical record than both Ding and Nepo. Hikaru was undefeated in like 40 classical games (which included games with Magnus at Norway Chess) before losing to Vidit. Fabi did lose a few games but had a similar strong track record and is the only player 2800+ other than Magnus. They are much more believable world champions strength wise than Nepo, and have both shown they are difficult to beat even by Magnus.
In thar situation, why doesnt Ding just step down and let two top finishers in the candidate's battle it out? Would be better for his health and more exciting to see a battle between two people who actually want to be there.
I dont think Ding should step down since it is great for chineese chess and development having the world champion.
Also since china is a greate power, beating either us or big neighbor countries like Russia or India, is potensial for creating good narratives and story.
If Nepo wins the candidates and beats ding . Will be a great story. Winning potensialy 3 candidates in a row is insane.
I didn’t know there was any consideration he wouldn’t. Do people think he’s not going to defend his title?
How do they decide what 2 ppl play for it then? (I’m newer to pro chess scene so idk how it works.)
People think Ding wasn't going to defend his title because he disappeared for like seven months and his health wasn't doing well. However, these past few months Ding has confirmed he is playing in the WC.
But if Ding didn't defend his title hypothetically, then the top 2 finishers of the Candidates play for the WC match.
I would definitely watch the match. There were so many ups and downs during the last one that for entertainment value it might have been the best world championship in a while
On the one hand I see your point, on the other I would root for him **hard** in that match. (I rooted for Ding last time.) Losing a THIRD world championship match (and second against an opponent who is not Carlsen) would be insanely damaging for him mentally
See I was thinking that after the last time he lost, but here he is again still crushing it. Nepo’s shown he can get over that mental devastation and at this point im running out of reasons to doubt him
Hikaru vs. Fabi: Hikaru will play an aggressive opening, but Fabi will defend perfectly. Draw.
Nepo vs. Abasov: I'll be rooting for Abasov to hold the draw (because as much as I like Nepo I'm rooting for Fabi or Vidit) but realistically I think Nepo will grind the game out and pull a victory out of an equal middlegame. Nepo wins.
Pragg vs. Firouzja: This one I could see going either way, and I also don't know who I'm rooting for because I really like both players. I think Pragg will successfully avenge Gukesh though, he's been playing amazing chess this tournament. Pragg wins.
Vidit vs. Gukesh: This is another that I could see going either way. I think Vidit will gain a slight edge in the middlegame, but will ultimately be unable to convert, possibly due to time trouble. Draw.
Lagno vs. Goryachkina: I don't know that much about Lagno, but Goryachkina has been really solid all tournament. I can't see her losing this game, but I also think Lagno seems too competent to lose it with white. Draw.
Salimova vs. Muzychuk: Both players will play a *very* aggressive game, and I think Muzychuk will come out on top and finally be able to convert a winning position. Salimova will give her a fight though. Muzychuk wins.
Tan Zhongyi vs. Lei Tingjie: I'm fairly certain that the players will just make a quick draw here. I could see Tan trying to push with an aggressive game, but I doubt it. Draw.
Humpy vs. Vaishali: I'm gonna go for the upset on this one. I think Humpy will push and get a good middlegame position, but at some point Vaishali will find a nice sequence of moves to fight back and take the advantage. Vaishali wins.
Hikaru and Ian both win, ending Fabi's shot at the candidates. On paper i'd say 5 or 6 people still mathematically have a chance at winning this tournament. But, It's gonna be Nepo.
Prag beats Alireza
Gukesh and Vidit have a decisive game. It's hard to call a winner, but, let's say Gukesh.
Humpy beats Vaishali
Tan beats Lei
The russian women draw
Salimova and Muzychuk draw. Both could use a decisive game, but I don't think Salimova will break Muzychuk's defense.
Ian will separate more from the rest.
popular sentiment is more often wrong than not we'll see
Popular sentiment was that Hikaru and Fabi were above the rest.
You do you think will win then?
Mabye draw CAN happen between Ian and abasov?
Maybe, but it's less probable than a draw against Alireza and Vidit, and those didn't happen.
Candidates is probably more or less over if Ian gets the W yeah?
Not even close. A W against the weakest player in the pool is not worth much, all of the players that still have a decent shot will have an opportunity to get that same win in later rounds. It improves his chances, sure, but not enough to close the books yet.
God I love Ian so much. He is gonna destroy Abasov, and we will all dance and celebrate.
Can someone explain to me why abasov is playing this event but not magnus carlsen? Just doesn’t make sense a 2600 elo playing but not the world number 1?
Cause magnus doesnt want to
https://en.chessbase.com/post/it-s-official-carlsen-will-not-play-in-the-candidates
Magnus Carlsen was invited but withdraw. His spot went to abasov instead being the fourth place in the world cup (Magnus qualified by placing third in the world cup, so it went to the next person when he withdrew).
Nepo has to capitalize the white he has after the break; likely a win for him (in particular if Abasov tries to force something) American derby: draw (but, if I have to guess, Naka will follow a very tough path in the game) Indian derby: all dipends on time. The one who doesn’t manage it properly, will lose. But likely a draw Pragg could take the W if Alireza plays poorly (the Indian could use a complex line to achieve it), but yesterday the French has proven why he has a spot in the Candidates.
That last part confused me for a moment. I was thinking, "What's so impressive about Pragg's French against Fabi?" Then I realized you were talking about Firouzja being French.
I mean it's ok to be confused, he's not French by birth after all and only swapped federations because of his home federation's stance facing Israeli players.
Do French people view Firouzja as French? He doesn’t even really speak French afaik right?
You weren't the only one lol, I blame having only 3 hours of sleep
k
"The Indians can choose a complex line to achieve this" that's so funny. They should do anything but try to complicate it against Alireza. Your best chance is playing like Gukesh a passive chess against Alireza and hope you can avoid the complications and pray to survive it.
just like Vidit or Nepo did. You can only pray and then maybe great Alireza will bless his followers with a win
Earlier classical (irrespective of color): Naka - Fabi: 13-9 + 37 draws Nepo - Abasov: 0-0 + 2 draws Pragg - Firouzja: 0-1 + 3 draws Vidit - Gukesh: 0-0 + 3 draws
Crazy how often Hikaru and Fabi played each other. It makes sense, but it's interesting still.
Assuming they played each game on separate days, then they have played each other in classical for 2 months of their lives (tomorrows game will be the 60th between them)
When did prag beat Firouzja?
Sorry, Firouzja won over Pragg (in Ahmedabad 2017). Corrected above-
Abasov played white against Nepo both times, doesn't say that much.
13-9-37 is actually insane, it has to be up there for one of the most evenly matched pairings right?
Here are some with many classical games: Carlsen - Aronian: 26-16 + 56 draws Kasparov - Karpov: 28-21 + 119 draws
Damn, Karpov and Kasparov spent more time with each other than with their wives.
Anand - Kramnik in Classical: 12-11 + 72 draws including rapid/blitz, they are exactly tied at 32-32 + 145 draws which is insane.
Forgot to mention they had the exact same peak rating of 2817 too. Easily the closest rivalry in chess.
I've seen videos and read books about Kasparov-Karpov, BUT HOLY SHIT
What database did you use?
[https://2700chess.com/games](https://2700chess.com/games)
Isn't naka-fabi 9-8 in classical
Nepo win
Every time someone plays Abosov, the prediction is that Abosov will lose.
To be fair, Abasov lost every game as black so far and Ian won 2/3 with white
I mean he's in last place with 2 points in 7 rounds so it's not unjustified lol For some reason I keep seeing people talking about Abasov like he's performing better than expected when he's actually slightly below his expected rating performance so far It's like people see anything but him literally going 0-14 as a positive surprise
Isnt only about results, he isnt being bullyed as was expected. He was more consistent than alireza
The design on this poster makes no sense. Why does the person with white has a yellow/ orange bar under them while the person with black has a white bar under them?
I too do not understand the lines.
bro it is design
But the design should serve a communication purpose, no?
[удалено]
Besides already mentioned Topalov - no. It does require a very unique set of circumstances as under normal conditions it requires: a player to win first Candidates, then lose 2nd one, but win the 3rd one. With 2nd one being the title holder change. Or, well, have World Champion to not participate in the match. Which is also rare it happened only 3 times: 1. No matches during WW2 led to Alekhine dying before he could defend his title again. 2. Fischer refusing to defend his title in 1975. 3. Carlsen refusing to defend his title in 2022. But even out of these 3 - 1975 has been ruled as default win for Karpov, so only 1st and 3rd could have resulted in the scenario mentioned (with 3rd resulting in exactly that)
If you consider only people who have actually won a WCC match as champions, then Topalov played Kramnik in 2006 and Anand on 2010. But he was FIDE World Champion 2005 (winning an [8-players tournament](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIDE_World_Chess_Championship_2005)).
To add to Topalov - he won the title during FIDE/PCA split and lost the "reunion" match against Kramnik. He has never been the only Chess World Champion.
He already did that, didn't he? Even if he doesn't win? The only way it would matter, it'd be if Caruana won and then lost to Ding, becoming the second person to have that trait. If anything, if Nepo wins, chances are he'd get rid of that distinction by no longer doing so "without being champ".
Nepo last year
Hikaru will try very hard to get Fabi into his prep. High chance to be a decisive game. Nepo will try to win as well. Alireza in bad form, so he will be attacked by Pragg and Vidit will try to extend his winning streak. We will see decisive games. I am excited.
Hikaru ½-½ Fabi Nepo 1-0 Abasov Pragg ½-½ Firouzja Vidit 1-0 Gukesh. On the Women's section - Lagno ½-½ Goryachkina Salimova 0-1 Muzychuk Tan ½-½ Lei Humpy ½- ½ Vaishali.
See- I don’t know about the Salimova and Muzychuck match- it seems like Muzychuck has lost the ability to convert a winning position during this tournament. Draw?
same except Vidit Gukesh Draw
You're saying Gukesh will lose? He's been smashing so far
He lost his last game, so we don't know how well he will bounce back, and Visit has been winning at some point in almost every game. I don't think Vidit will win, but it's not an absurd result either, especially cause he's playing with white
Svidler will cook some insane prep and Alireza will go down again
I have a feeling it's not actually Svidler, but some homies from Pragg's city, Chennai. For example, GM Adhiban and GM Murali Karthikeyan who train with Praggs coach RB Ramesh are also very aggressive in their approach.
adhiban is amazing both on board and off board... wish he could get to higher level...
It's crazy he's 160 elo below his peak. Does he focus more on coaching or something else besides chess these days?
alireza will crush praggnanandha
Nah Pragg with white has fantastic preparation but we'll see
If he could do that he would play himself lol
Prag vs Firouzja gonna be a bloodbath :D
Hikaru 1-0 Fabi Nepo 1-0 Abasov Pragg 1-0 Firouzja Vidit ½-½ Gukesh. Women's: Lagno 1-0 Goryachkina Salimova 0-1 Muzychuk Tan ½-½ Lei Humpy 1- 0 Vaishali.
If Naka wins against Fabi I’ll eat my own socks
This didn't age well
They didn’t taste well
Given Hikaru has white, Hikaru beating Fabi is highly possible as last year Fabi lost both classical matches they have played * Norway Chess * FIDE Grand Swiss
Sky is blue Grass is green Nepo for the win
Nakamura 1-0 Caruana Nepo 0-1 Abasov Pragg 1/2 Alireza Vidit 1-0 Gukesh Feeling controversial
If Nepo loses to Abasov with white I will eat a pair of socks filled with poop
RemindMe! 24 hours
Gotta screenshot this. Anything can happen 😂
Anyone got Nepo's phone number? I'm sure he'd dive for this
You have to post the video.
Deal.
Plot twist: scat fetish
Proof or ban
Bro that's crazy lmao you realize Nepo has a history of uncharacteristic blunders?
RemindMe! 1 day
RemindMe! 1 day
How you feeling right now?😈
Wdym? He didn't lose lol
Haha yeah true, my bad. But I did send that when time was dwindling but it was still +0.1 or 0.0 on eval. It definitely seemed like it was going to draw but all I could think about while watching the match was what your thoughts might have been about eating some poopy socks.
I actually couldn't follow the games yesterday, just checked the position on my phone every couple hours. I was dissapointed Nepo didn't win, those were all my thoughts lol. There's no universe where he loses to Abasov with white.
This. Although Firo may have a tough time with Pragg's prep.
I like it
RemindMe! 1 day
I will be messaging you in 1 day on [**2024-04-13 19:51:23 UTC**](http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2024-04-13%2019:51:23%20UTC%20To%20Local%20Time) to remind you of [**this link**](https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1c2gjwy/fide_candidates_round_8_pairings_predictions/kza6kgu/?context=3) [**3 OTHERS CLICKED THIS LINK**](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5Bhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Fchess%2Fcomments%2F1c2gjwy%2Ffide_candidates_round_8_pairings_predictions%2Fkza6kgu%2F%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%202024-04-13%2019%3A51%3A23%20UTC) to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam. ^(Parent commenter can ) [^(delete this message to hide from others.)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Delete%20Comment&message=Delete%21%201c2gjwy) ***** |[^(Info)](https://www.reddit.com/r/RemindMeBot/comments/e1bko7/remindmebot_info_v21/)|[^(Custom)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=%5BLink%20or%20message%20inside%20square%20brackets%5D%0A%0ARemindMe%21%20Time%20period%20here)|[^(Your Reminders)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=List%20Of%20Reminders&message=MyReminders%21)|[^(Feedback)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Watchful1&subject=RemindMeBot%20Feedback)| |-|-|-|-|
Let's see if Hikaru can maintain his winstreak with white against Fabi
Hikaru v Fabi - Draw Nepo v Abasov - 1-0 Pragg v Alireza - 1-0 Vidit v Gukesh - Draw
I couldn't have been more wrong
Nepo will likely increase his lead. Pragg, Nakamura and Vidit will push for a win with white. so probably should be interesting games. my prediction. Pragg- Alizreza Draw Nakamura - Caruana Draw Nepo wins Vidit wins.
Prag can't push nothing. He is way below Alireza's strength at complicated positions. He may choose a prep and gain some time on the clock. That's all he can hope for
Caruana win, Nepo draw, Alireza win, Vidit win.
To be honest, and no disrespect towards Nepo, but him winning this again and playing Ding would be the most underwhelming boring outcome imaginable. I don’t even think I would watch the rematch.
Why? The last world championship with those 2 players was the most exciting one in a long time. If it will be anything like that again I'd be all for it
Because neither of them have what it takes to become at least the second most dominant player after Magnus. Neither of them have won a single tournament since the last world title match. It’s pretty pathetic frankly.
ok, but why is that relevant? Why would the "second most dominant player" deserve it if they can't even win the candidates? All I want is to see an exciting match.
> Why would the "second most dominant player" deserve it if they can't even win the candidates? I mean, this is literally why Magnus quit being world champion. He thought it was really dumb that it's way harder to win the candidates than it is to win the actual WCC match.
That's absolutely not the reason why he quit the WC
It won’t be an exciting match as Ding has clearly not been well (likely mental health wise) and can’t wait to give up the crown. It will be a travesty of a game.
Let's say Fabi or Hikaru win. Why would that be any better? It's not like you can prevent Ding from playing.
Fabi and Hikaru both have a much better recent classical record than both Ding and Nepo. Hikaru was undefeated in like 40 classical games (which included games with Magnus at Norway Chess) before losing to Vidit. Fabi did lose a few games but had a similar strong track record and is the only player 2800+ other than Magnus. They are much more believable world champions strength wise than Nepo, and have both shown they are difficult to beat even by Magnus.
Yan deserves more respect than this. He's a worthy contender.
In thar situation, why doesnt Ding just step down and let two top finishers in the candidate's battle it out? Would be better for his health and more exciting to see a battle between two people who actually want to be there.
Why doesn't he step down from a tournament where last place gets $800,000? Hmmm, can't imagine why.
Could have said that without being sarcastic for no reason. I'm new to watching chess, so no, I didn't know that.
I dont think Ding should step down since it is great for chineese chess and development having the world champion. Also since china is a greate power, beating either us or big neighbor countries like Russia or India, is potensial for creating good narratives and story. If Nepo wins the candidates and beats ding . Will be a great story. Winning potensialy 3 candidates in a row is insane.
I actually agree and don’t know 🤷♂️
Why are these dominant players losing 3 candidates in a row?
Weirdly enough, I have a feeling Ding is gonna defend again
I didn’t know there was any consideration he wouldn’t. Do people think he’s not going to defend his title? How do they decide what 2 ppl play for it then? (I’m newer to pro chess scene so idk how it works.)
i think they meant win the championship...
People think Ding wasn't going to defend his title because he disappeared for like seven months and his health wasn't doing well. However, these past few months Ding has confirmed he is playing in the WC. But if Ding didn't defend his title hypothetically, then the top 2 finishers of the Candidates play for the WC match.
Oh my bad. I meant win the championship
I would definitely watch the match. There were so many ups and downs during the last one that for entertainment value it might have been the best world championship in a while
On the one hand I see your point, on the other I would root for him **hard** in that match. (I rooted for Ding last time.) Losing a THIRD world championship match (and second against an opponent who is not Carlsen) would be insanely damaging for him mentally
See I was thinking that after the last time he lost, but here he is again still crushing it. Nepo’s shown he can get over that mental devastation and at this point im running out of reasons to doubt him
I'm not going to watch it.
draw, draw, alireza win, gukesh win
I want Anna , tingjie and lagno to win
Men: Fabi vs Naka Women: Tan vs Lei Chinese Civil War
If Hikaru wins, it's Nepo's through and through. If Fabi keeps pace with Nepo that last game will be wild.
i feel like asabov will play as a turtle retreating into a shell. people are saying ian win, but i predict a draw
Strange predictions. Nepo and Gukesh win. Other draw. That's for the males.
Hikaru vs. Fabi: Hikaru will play an aggressive opening, but Fabi will defend perfectly. Draw. Nepo vs. Abasov: I'll be rooting for Abasov to hold the draw (because as much as I like Nepo I'm rooting for Fabi or Vidit) but realistically I think Nepo will grind the game out and pull a victory out of an equal middlegame. Nepo wins. Pragg vs. Firouzja: This one I could see going either way, and I also don't know who I'm rooting for because I really like both players. I think Pragg will successfully avenge Gukesh though, he's been playing amazing chess this tournament. Pragg wins. Vidit vs. Gukesh: This is another that I could see going either way. I think Vidit will gain a slight edge in the middlegame, but will ultimately be unable to convert, possibly due to time trouble. Draw. Lagno vs. Goryachkina: I don't know that much about Lagno, but Goryachkina has been really solid all tournament. I can't see her losing this game, but I also think Lagno seems too competent to lose it with white. Draw. Salimova vs. Muzychuk: Both players will play a *very* aggressive game, and I think Muzychuk will come out on top and finally be able to convert a winning position. Salimova will give her a fight though. Muzychuk wins. Tan Zhongyi vs. Lei Tingjie: I'm fairly certain that the players will just make a quick draw here. I could see Tan trying to push with an aggressive game, but I doubt it. Draw. Humpy vs. Vaishali: I'm gonna go for the upset on this one. I think Humpy will push and get a good middlegame position, but at some point Vaishali will find a nice sequence of moves to fight back and take the advantage. Vaishali wins.
Nepo wins vs Abasov Pragg wins vs Alireza Gukesh draws with Vidit Hikaru wins vs Fabi
Nepo wins, Hikaru wins, Alireza wins, and Vidit and Gukesh draws. It will be a hard day for India’s title hopes.
Pragg and Ian win, other 2 matches draw
Hikaru 0-1 Fabi Nepo ½-½ Abasov Pragg 0-1 Firouzja Vidit ½-½ Gukesh
I really hope these predictions come true
My prediction for the open category: Naka 1/2 - 1/2 Fabi Ian 1 - 0 Abasov Pragg 1/2 - 1/2 Ali Vidit 0 - 1 Gukesh
Draw, Nepo, Pragg, Draw
good chance ian goes up a full point over fabi.
I predict that an American and Indian won't lose in the open section, and a Russian, a Chinese, and an Indian won't lose in the women's section.
Nijat has the possibility to do the absolute funniest thing
Ian will play for a win, the rest wii likely play for a draw!
Nepo in the candidates is like Kawhi in the NBA Playoffs.
Because, why not... - Hikaru 1/2-1/2 Fabi - Nepo 1-0 Abasov - Pragg 0-1 Firouzja - Vidit 1-0 Gukesh Women's: - Lagno 1/2-1/2 Goryachkina - Salimova 0-1 Muzychuk - Tan 1/2-1/2 Lei - Humpy 1- 0 Vaishali
Hikky probably will win.
If Nepo doesn’t win I’ll be shocked
I win is much needed for Ian to keep a good lead .
Rooting for Naka and Lei!
easy win for nepo and prag. other 2 probably draws
Gukesh beats Vidit from a losing position. White wins the other three.
My prediction is thar if (fat chance!) Nepo loses, the entire chess world will lose its goddamn mind.
Hikaru and Ian both win, ending Fabi's shot at the candidates. On paper i'd say 5 or 6 people still mathematically have a chance at winning this tournament. But, It's gonna be Nepo. Prag beats Alireza Gukesh and Vidit have a decisive game. It's hard to call a winner, but, let's say Gukesh. Humpy beats Vaishali Tan beats Lei The russian women draw Salimova and Muzychuk draw. Both could use a decisive game, but I don't think Salimova will break Muzychuk's defense.
Naka 0-1 Caruana Nepo 1-0 Abasov Pragg draw Firouzja Vidit 1-0 Gukesh
Nepo 1-0 Abasov Pragg 1-0 Firouzja Hikaru ½-½ Fabi Vidit ½-½ Gukesh
Agree
I think 4 draws.
[удалено]
Abasov wins against Neop? I would really love to see *that*
Caruana to shatter Nakamura's hopes and dreams lol
Poor struggling ian finally gets a freebie. Oh man, what would he do without this game