Video games 10 and 11 of the 14-game match between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren have simply been performed in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The winner can be topped as the brand new World Champion in classical chess, following Magnus Carlsen’s abdication of the title.

The schedule of video games might be discovered right here, with Lichess offering a dwell broadcast transmission of all video games. Learn under for detailed ideas and annotations on the video games from GM Harikrishna Pentala – one of many strongest gamers on the earth (FIDE Score: 2704, World Rank: 34) and a former world prime 10 participant with a peak ranking of 2770, together with extra common impressions on the event up to now.

At a Look

First time following the World Chess Championship match? Examine this helpful infographic to get to hurry:

The extra the graph is within the crimson, the higher the benefit Ding had. The extra the graph is within the blue, the higher benefit Nepomniachtchi had. The numbers on the underside of the graph, on the x-axis, correlate to the variety of strikes, and a +1 benefit on the aspect of the graph, on the y-axis, is roughly equal to changing the place to a win 50% of the time.

Sport 10

The annotations by GM Harikrishna Pentala are offered within the embed under, with a direct hyperlink to the total examine obtainable right here.

https://lichess.org/examine/SkQqKSso/wbRPyQMY

Coming off two attracts, Ding was some extent behind and his flip with white probably represents a chance to attract stage once more. 

As in Sport 4, Ding opened with 1. c4, deciding to attempt the English opening towards Nepomniachtchi once more. Ding diverged from Sport 4 – Nepomniactchi’s seconds have virtually definitely analyzed it extensively by now – and appeared extra hesitant along with his opening than Nepomniachtchi.

(Picture – FIDE / Stev Bonhage)

The depth of Nepomniachtchi’s preparation was obvious at a number of key junctures the place he remained assured in the perfect response to provide. By even round transfer 19, it was doubtless Nepomniachtchi remained in prep. 

Even at this fairly early stage of the sport, the place gave the impression to be heading in direction of a draw with queens already traded off and the gamers right down to rooks and a few minor materials. These have been quietly traded off with no uncomfortable surprises for both participant, and each gamers agreed to a draw.

Nepomniachtchi can be happy with this consequence – because it retains him within the lead and removes one other alternative for Ding to come back again. 

Sport 11

The annotations by GM Harikrishna Pentala are offered within the embed under, with a direct hyperlink to the total examine obtainable right here.

https://lichess.org/examine/SkQqKSso/oh9z5SOB

Nepomniachtchi has one other probability with the white items – and opens with 1. e4, the primary weapon he’s chosen on this match towards Ding up to now. Ding opted for a closed Ruy Lopez once more, reasonably than a Berlin protection. 

The primary actual query for Ding got here at transfer 15, with Nepomniachtchi being extremely nicely ready towards seemingly each eventuality. Nepomniachtchi appeared to be gaining momentum within the place and usually had extra attacking possibilities, however Ding discovered the perfect protection and Nepomniachtchi’s assault was efficiently diverted. 

(Picture – FIDE / Stev Bonhage)

Items have been rapidly traded off, and once more by transfer 25 or so it was clear that the most definitely end result for the sport can be a draw – and certainly on transfer 39 a draw was agreed. 

Snap verdict

If Ding’s openings have been found by Nepomniachtchi’s workforce, this might clarify why Ding has been enjoying extra cautiously. Ding’s seconds could also be attempting to purchase time whereas they put together new traces and new openings for Ding to play. 

In the meantime, Nepomniachtchi’s workforce – rumored to incorporate 14th World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, 2004 Vice-World Champion Peter Leko, the 2021 Russian Champion Nikita Vitiugov, and former European Champion Vladimir Potkin – has clearly ready Nepomniachtchi very nicely and in unimaginable depth. 

But even so, when Ding surprises him or the sport progresses past what Nepomniachtchi has ready with – Ding nonetheless appears to get good possibilities. The previous couple of video games characterize the ultimate few possibilities for Ding to attain a victory and push to the tiebreaks. He’s quickly operating out of video games, however has two possibilities left with white to equalize. 

On the similar time, this shouldn’t detract from Nepomniachtchi’s personal ability and skill. Getting ready so nicely is in itself a fantastic ability and skill, and he has prevented any actual wobbles within the opening. 

Lichess is frequently operating World Championship Thematic Arenas on the times of the event – with positions taken from the video games. Be sure to observe our social media to see when the subsequent one can be!

(Title photograph – FIDE / Stev Bonhage)