SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia: Caruana forges ahead

Fabiano Caruana emerged as the sole leader after Round 6 of the Superunited Rapid and Blitz Croatia. After defeating Levon Aronian and Ivan Saric the #1 American player drew with Wesley So to finish the day on 9/12. Wesley So, trailing the leader by just a single point, had a good second day, beating Vidit and making draws with Nepomniachtchi and Caruana.

The current challenger Gukesh D picked up steam netting 5/6 on the second day of the competition. Alireza Firouzja turned in a solid performance winning one game and making two draws. The former leader Maxime Vachier-Lagrave slowed down a bit, scoring just 2/6. All three are tied for third place sitting on 7/12.

Round 4

The day started with a one-minute silence. The Grand Chess Tour commemorated the former world champion Magnus Carlsen’s mother who passed away at the age of 61.

It has been the most combative round so for with all the games ending decisively. Nepomniachtchi, Firouzja and Gukesh D scored their first victories in the event. Even more importantly the young Indian toppled the leader Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in a topsy-turvy game.

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave – Gukesh D

Maxime pressured his opponent most of the way, but after a series of mistakes he had to demonstrate accuracy with 43. Rf1! covering the critical f3-square. The Frenchman, however, played 43. Rh1?? and immediately resigned after 43… Qf3+ due to checkmate in four moves.

Round 5

Fabiano Caruana continued his impressive run and grabbed the lead after beating Ivan Saric. The home player maintained balance for awhile but eventually cracked under pressure.

Ivan Saric – Fabiano Caruana

32. g4? (32. h5 and 32. Rb1 were reasonable alternatives) 32… fxg4 33. Qxg4 Nc3 34. Nxc3? and after 34… bxc3 35. Qe2 Ra4 White’s position became hopeless. | 0-1, 38 moves.

All other games were drawn. Gukesh D had an overwhelming position against his countryman Vidit, but completely misplayed it and was losing.

Luckily for the current challenger, his opponent found the winning idea but chose a wrong move order and the game was drawn.

Round 6

Wesley So had a great chance to swap places with Fabiano Caruana but failed to convert his sizable endgame advantage.

Wesley So – Fabiano Caruana

After 82… Kg4 83. Kf2 Ra2+ 84. Kf1 Rb2 85. Bc7 Rb4 86. Be5 Rb3 Black would have been in full control. Wesley however removed the prop from under his knight with 82… g4? and Fabiano escaped with a draw.

Gukesh D scored his second win of the day after turning tables in a highly unpleasant position against Ian Nepomniachtchi.  

Photos: Lennart Ootes

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