Nakamura reduces the gap with Caruana, becomes World no.2 again

The fifth round witnessed two decisive Classical games. Hikaru Nakamura spoiled Aryan Tari's 24th birthday by defeating him. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov brought Fabiano Caruana's fantastic momentum to a halt. Nakamura is now a full point behind Caruana at 9.5/15.

D Gukesh bounced back well by winning the match against Abdusattorov

Abdusattorov - Gukesh: 1-1.5

The third Classical game of 2023 between D Gukesh (2732) and Nodirbek Abdusattorov (2731) ended in a draw. The former World Rapid champion brought a new move 10.h3 which put Gukesh in a think tank. However, the game did not have any fireworks, as their previous encounters have displayed. Gukesh was winning the Armageddon against Abdusattorov. However, he decided to repeat moves as he was playing with the black pieces which means a draw was enough to win the Armageddon and the match too.

Abdusattorov - Gukesh, Armageddon

Position after 33...Qe2

Black is completely winning the game. After 34.Rf2 Qd1+ 35.Rf1 Qe2 Gukesh repeated moves and drew the game via threefold repetition. 33...Qc1 34.Rb3 Qc2 35.Rb7 Qc3 36.Re1 Bb4 was one of the ways to win.

Gukesh claims the threefold repetition in Armageddon

Carlsen - Giri: 1.5-1

Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2853) will have to wait a little longer to beat Anish Giri (NED, 2768) in a Classical game as their Classical encounter at this event ended in a draw. The world no.1 won the must-win Armageddon to clinch the match.

The Classical win by Carlsen over Giri was exactly a year and a day ago at the same event on 3rd June

Caruana - Mamedyarov: 0-3

Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (AZE, 2738) hasn't beaten Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2764) in a Classical rated game since Superbet Chess Classic in June 2021. Mamedyarov won the Blitz game at this event on the very first day. That certainly gave him the confidence to bring Caruana's great momentum to a halt.

Position after 34...Qa1

The obvious move 35.Qd3 is what anyone would want to play to defend the pinned f1-bishop. However, it is incorrect. Try to find out why and what White should have done instead to stay in the game. This was Caruana's first Classical game loss since March this year.

Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is bound to be happy after beating the seemingly invincinble Fabiano Caruana

Hikaru Nakamura defeated Aryan Tari on his 24th birthday to become World no.2 again

Hikaru Nakamura is World no.2 again | Source: 2700chess.com

Wesley So (USA) - Alireza Firouzja (FRA): 1-1.5

Aryan Tari with his birthday cake
Replay the Live Commentary of Round 5 by Amruta Mokal | Video: ChessBase India

Highlights

Replay Round 5 games

Round 5 results

Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Hikaru Nakamura won their respective Classical games | Photo: Norway Chess

Standings after Round 5

Hikaru Nakamura reduces the gap with Fabiano Caruana | Photo: Norway Chess

Schedule

Blitz Round 1 starts on 29th May 2023. Round 1 starts at 7 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. IST. 

Classical games will be played from 30th May to 9th June 2023. Everyday game starts at 5 p.m. local time, 8:30 p.m. IST. 2nd and 7th June are the rest days.

11th Norway Chess 2023 Classical games schedule | Photo: Norway Chess

Tie-break schedule | Photo: Norway Chess

Links

Official site

Tournament Regulations