Candidates R11: Nepomniachtchi and Tan back in sole lead

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Former World Championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi won the longest game of the round 11 of Candidates Chess Tournament to seize sole lead in the event with only three rounds to go.

The earlier co-leader Gukesh could not win against Fabiano Caruana, dropping half a point behind Ian and is now joined by Hikaru Nakamura who defeated Praggnanandhaa.

Alireza Firouzja scored a nice miniature win against Nijat Abasov.

In the Women’s section, former World Champion Tan Zhongyi scored a key victory against Kateryna Lagno to emerge clear leader once again. Half a point behind is Lei Tingjie, who narrowly escaped to a draw in game with Anna Muzychuk.

Former World Championship challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina is likely out of contention for the top spot after losing to Vaishali.

Humpy Koneru signed in a win against Nurgyul Salimova.

Watch the recap by IM Kostya Kavutskiy:

Standings after Round 11:

Open:

1. Nepomniachtchi – 7
   2-3. Gukesh, Nakamura – 6.5
2. Caruana – 6
3. Praggnanandhaa – 5.5
4. Vidit – 5
5. Firouzja – 4.5
6. Abasov – 3

Women’s:

1. Tan – 7.5
2. Lei – 7
   3-5. Goryachkina, Koneru, Lagno – 5.5
   6-7. Vaishali, A. Muzychuk – 4.5
3. Salimova – 4

Round 12 pairings:

Open:
Nakamura – Firouzja
Abasov – Gukesh
Caruana – Vidit
Nepomniachtchi – Praggnanandhaa

Women’s:
Lagno – Lei
A. Muzychuk – Vaishali
Goryachkina – Koneru
Salimova – Tan