Challengers Fight, Firouzja Keeps Lead

In an all-draw day, GM Alireza Firouzja kept his half-point lead on the field at the 2024 Sinquefield Cup in round two. GM Gukesh Dommaraju generated the most winning chances as he clashed vs. GM Ian Nepomniachtchi in our Game of the Day. 

The Sinquefield Cup will continue with round three on Wednesday, August 21, at 2 p.m. ET / 20:00 CEST / 11:30 p.m. IST.

Standings After Round 2

Gukesh vs. Nepomniachtchi ½-½

In the middlegame, Gukesh advanced his kingside majority to gain a grip in the center vs. Nepomniachtchi. He shared about his state of mind after the game: "Throughout the game, I felt I was in complete control. Probably not winning, but it was very unpleasant for him." GM Rafael Leitao analyzes their spirited fight below.

Ever been so eager to talk to your opponent after a game ends? Both Gukesh and Ian Nepomniachtchi couldn’t wait to discuss the variations right after their game ended in a draw. #Sinquefieldcup #Grandchesstour #chess #gukeshd #IanNepomniachtchi #chessplayers pic.twitter.com/sa8NrTtIFj

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) August 20, 2024

Abdusattorov vs. Firouzja ½-½

GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov searched for winning chances in the Ruy Lopez, but Firouzja was able to hold off his opponent's attempts. The Uzbek grandmaster reflected on the encounter:

I prepared this variation against the Berlin, but I think he knew the details very well. I felt I might have something, but White has to play very accurately: engine-type accuracy. I didn’t manage to create pressure.

I think he knew the details very well.

―Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Giri vs. Ding ½-½

GM Ding Liren found a picturesque 17th move to force a perpetual check in a miniature vs. GM Anish Giri, proving equality with the black pieces.

So vs. Caruana ½-½

In their 50th classical game against each other, GM Wesley So hoped to press with his white advantage vs. GM Fabiano Caruana. Yet, their duel in the Nimzo Indian Defense ultimately remained very level throughout. So shared:

I didn’t really see much ideas, but I was hoping. Also, Fabi started using a lot of time, and he lost yesterday, so I thought: maybe, if I get lucky. But it’s not really.

Both players played quite accurately, so neither was able to tip the scales in their favor. 

Vachier-Lagrave vs. Praggnanandhaa ½-½

GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave tried to squeeze an edge out of the Italian game vs. GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. In the end, the 19-year-old grandmaster held the balance without any doubt. Vachier-Lagrave reflected:

Basically, it’s the Italian. You can play it a thousand times, but there is always some subtlety… It’s not much. I thought maybe I’d try and then I was like, yeah, try what?

Sometimes you want a slower game to provoke more mistakes. This is what I was trying to achieve.

Sometimes you want a slower game to provoke more mistakes. This is what I was trying to achieve.

―Vachier-Lagrave

In round three, Firouzja will have his first White of the tournament as he faces Vachier-Lagrave. We will see a battle between Indian prodigies with Praggnanandhaa vs. Gukesh. In addition, the world champion have the white pieces vs. So. 

The 2024 Sinquefield Cup is the last leg and final classical event of the 2024 Grand Chess Tour. Ten players compete in a classical single round-robin for their share of a $350,000 prize fund.

Previous Coverage

• Firouzja Bests Caruana, Gains Sole Lead
• A Taste of Gukesh vs. Ding at the Grand Chess Tour Finale