GM Magnus Carlsen and GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda are in a tie for first place on the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Finals as the one two gamers to win each of their matches 3-0. GM Anish Giri gained his second blitz tiebreak in a row, this time towards a GM Praggnanandhaa R.

Still not totally completely satisfied together with his play (“I’m simply lacking issues!”), Carlsen did get to an ideal begin on the second day as he defeated GM Arjun Erigaisi, who was taking part in 13 and a half hours later within the day. The world champion, nonetheless, gave a unique motive for why he has been beating the Indian rising star these days.

“I believe his openings aren’t ok,” Carlsen stated bluntly. “I believe lots of people, like Pragg for example, he at all times places numerous strain within the openings. Arjun does not appear to catch me there. Then it is not really easy.”

Carlsen gained each of his black video games and drew the one in between as White. The third recreation was affected by the rating, he argued. “The final recreation he did not need something too drawish so he performed for a win able that was a draw,” stated Carlsen. “Earlier, after I blundered, he performed very properly for some time so he was significantly better but it surely wasn’t simple to win.” 

Duda is the opposite participant on the total six factors, after one other strong match towards GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov the place the latter did not get many possibilities. “So far I’m fairly happy with my play, hopefully I’ll play like this until the very finish,” stated Duda. He does not thoughts taking part in late within the night in Poland (“I’m an evening owl”) as he is nonetheless considerably within the Toronto time zone, the place he performed the Chess.com Global Chess Championship Finals just lately.

With three attracts, Duda’s win in recreation two was the important thing recreation:

Giri collected 4 factors thus far, as he acquired two factors for every tiebreak win. Against Praggnanandhaa, that was rather more than anticipated as he misplaced the primary two video games. He gained third recreation, however Praggnanandhaa might have drawn the fourth recreation at a number of moments.

“I used to be after all very fortunate,” stated Giri. “Winning that’s not possible with out his huge assist.”

Even within the rook endgame Praggnanandhaa, who was awarded the distinguished Arjuna Award earlier within the day for his sports activities achievements, might have attract two moments: 

Meanwhile, GM Le Quang Liem confirmed that his fourth place within the present Tour standings isn’t any coincidence. He gained convincingly towards GM Wesley So, the latest winner of the Chess.com Global Chess Championship who continues to be on zero factors on this occasion.

“He’s simply very sturdy,” stated So. “He performed some superb strikes. I most likely ought to have gained recreation one, however apart from that, I believe Liem performed a near-perfect match.”

Here’s recreation three, one other instructive rook endgame the place So ended up taking part in till checkmate: