Two missed chances to keep the Candidates alive!

Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov drew in the Catalan Opening in a game where White held the initiative. The game lasted 58 moves. Sindarov called today’s draw against Caruana “one of the best defensive games of my life.”

Caruana played 31. g4 in this position opening g5, f4 and e3 squares to the black king. Other moves like h4 or Ke1 would maintain the slight advantage and chances to play for a win.

Meanwhile, around the same time, in the following position, Giri played 30. Nxe6 against Esipenko exchanging most pieces to a draw. Instead 30. f4 would had good chances playing for a win.

Have both won their games, the remaining 3 rounds would have been much more interesting. But now with the two-point lead, it’s just over!

https://criticalchess.substack.com/p/caruana-fabiano-vs-sindarov-javokhir