Missed Wins For Nepomniachtchi, Caruana

GMs Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana came the closest to scoring the first victories of the Sinquefield Cup 2023 on Wednesday. In his usual confident, fast-paced playing style, Nepomniachtchi pressed with an extra pawn for over five hours vs. GM Leinier Dominguez, narrowly missing a few winning opportunities. 

Caruana gained a dream strategic position vs. GM Levon Aronian with an intuitive exchange sacrifice, but Aronian found resources to keep fighting. 

The Sinquefield Cup continues with round three on Thursday, November 23, at 2:30 p.m. ET/20:30 CET/1 a.m. IST.

Standings After Round 2

Though he's not competing in this edition of the Sinquefield Cup, two-time winner, GM Magnus Carlsen reflected on a historic moment that took place 10 years ago: his celebratory dive after clinching his first-ever world championship crown. 

10 years ago today I went for a swim pic.twitter.com/HJho1unZrU

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) November 22, 2023

Round two featured four games instead of five. The matchup between GMs Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Richard Rapport was postponed to a later date because Duda was unwell. 

More info will come. https://t.co/xnUFTSnk1F

— Jan-Krzysztof Duda (@GM_JKDuda) November 22, 2023

Caruana vs. Aronian

With a timely exchange sacrifice, Caruana gained a dream position vs. Aronian as his centralized forces supported his advanced passer. Yet, Caruana struggled to convert his appealing position into a decisive advantage. As commentator GM Peter Svidler described: “The problem for White is everything looks perfect, but you still have to deliver a decisive blow to win.”

With 46.Qe2!, White would have had a winning position. But, running low on time, Caruana traded queens and the players repeated to a draw.#SinquefieldCup pic.twitter.com/AFxyU8eu4T

— chess24.com (@chess24com) November 23, 2023

After the game, Aronian shared: "I really underestimated the dangers of the position."

GM Levon Aronian gave his insights about the very tense game against GM Fabiano Caruana!👀#SinquefieldCup #GrandChessTour #STLChessClub pic.twitter.com/UdipLBtfgK

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) November 23, 2023

Nepomniachtchi vs. Dominguez

After gaining an extra pawn, Nepomniachtchi pressed vs. Dominguez in the fascinating and complex waters of a queen-and-minor-piece ending. Though Nepomniachtchi overlooked winning chances at a few critical moments, he had as much as a +4.15 advantage before he made the error that allowed Dominguez to reach a drawn position. 

Nepomniachtchi's near victory is our Game of the Day, with analysis by GM Rafael Leitao below.

Firouzja vs. Giri

As the two leaders by rating, GM Alireza Firouzja vs. GM Anish Giri was a significant encounter towards Candidates qualification. The opening featured a burst of fireworks on the kingside. After Firouzja's 15th move, Giri faced a pivotal decision: "I felt that he might have already pushed it too far, so I was trying to find an advantage here."

When asked if respect for his opponent influenced his choice in the game, Giri insisted: "Don't put words in my mouth. Zero respect for opponent. Just cold calculation."

Zero respect for opponent. Just cold calculation.

—Anish Giri

So vs. Vachier-Lagrave

GMs Wesley So and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave launched into dynamic play early in the game. By move 15, So faced a tempting yet inaccurate attacking possibility. What can go wrong if So tries 15.Qg7?

Black to move.

After a few accurate moves by both players, Vachier-Lagrave shared: "I felt it shouldn't be better for me, so I went for ...d5." This practical central break soon led to exchanges into an even ending. 

GM So Wesley shared his thoughts on Candidates' Qualification chances and his approach to the #SinquefieldCup games!🎯 #SinquefieldCup #GrandChessTour #chess #wesley pic.twitter.com/nn9eKQnkAX

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) November 22, 2023

Results - Round 2

Pairings - Round 3

How to watch the 2023 Sinquefield Cup

You can keep up with all the games and results of the tournament on our live events platform by following this link.

• Dominguez Presses vs. Caruana In Accurate Opening Round