Ian Nepomniatchi is having another monster candidates tournament, sitting on 3 out of 4, and won a savage game against Vidit yesterday after playing what I understand is almost a novelty in the Berlin endgame(the very odd looking 11. f4, kicking the knight but making white’s king look super exposed).
I’m starting to think he’s a guy that should have been world champion already. He seemed to have the championship under control before Ding Liren’s comeback win last year, and of course he’s already won the candidates twice..
Is this finally his year? He is kind of fun to watch—plays very fast, takes tactical risks, and tries to use the clock to pressure his opponent through deep opening prep like yesterday. I’m turning into a fan.
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