The World Chess Championship game2: Nepo wins World Championship game at 13th attempt
Ian Nepomniachtchi has won a World Championship game at his 13th attempt to take a 1.5:0.5 lead over Ding Liren. Ding sprung a Richard Rapport-inspired near-novelty on move 4, but his first long think of the game on move 12 gave Nepomniachtchi the chance to launch a powerful kingside attack. Ding was soon lost on the board and on the clock and resigned on move 29.
Following a disappointing defeat, Ian Nepomniachtchi scored a remarkable win with white to regain the lead at the World Championship match in Astana. Once the Russian gained the initiative, he played flawlessly, making the most of his superior minor piece. Ding Liren will get a chance to bounce back in Sunday’s sixth game, when he will have the white pieces for a third time in the match.
In the third consecutive decisive game of the World Championship match, Ding Liren played the London System and beat Ian Nepomniachtchi to once again even the score in Astana. Nepo described the game as one of his worst ever, while Ding confessed that he had not prepared the line that appeared on the board. Game 7 will take place on Tuesday.
A dramatic seventh game saw Ian Nepomniachtchi taking the lead for a third time at the World Championship match in Astana. Ding Liren shocked the audience by playing the French Defence, which led to a double-edged position. While Ding managed to solve his problems and gain the initiative, he also got in deep time trouble. With only seconds on his clock and no increment, he blundered the game away.
Drama continues to unfold at the World Championship match in Astana. Following four decisive games, Ding Liren played enterprisingly with the white pieces and gained a decisive advantage. Amid a tactical middlegame, Ian Nepomniachtchi was resourceful in defence, as he also garnered a big lead on the clock. Nepo managed to escape with a draw and continues to have a 1-point lead on the scoreboard.