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World Fischer Random 2022 R1-2: Abdusattorov shines against Nepomniachtchi and So

by Shahid Ahmed - 26/10/2022

Reigning World Rapid champion, Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) made a fantastic start at FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship. He defeated the World Championship Challenger, Ian Nepomniachtchi 2-0 in Round 1. Then he beat the defending champion Wesley So (USA) in the second round. Hikaru Nakamura also both of his matches in the first two rounds. The second win was against Magnus Carlsen. The world champion left his rook unguarded and lost it in just a one move tactic without any compensation against the Speed King. Abdusattorov and Nakamura are the early leaders in Group A and B respectively scoring 4/4. Round 3 game 1 starts today at 3 p.m. GMT, 8:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/David Llada

Nakamura beats Carlsen, leads Group B

Reigning World Rapid champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov made great waves on the first day | Photo: FIDE/David Llada

World Fischer Random Chess Championship will take place 25th to 30th October 2022 in Reykjavik, Iceland | Photo: FIDE

Group A Round 1: Gretarsson - So: 0.5-0.5

Wesley So missed a couple of good chances to convert his decisive advantage into a win in the first game. However, he finished the second game in style in just 19 moves.

So - Gretarsson, Game 2

Position after 18...Ka7

Find out the beautiful finish for White which So executed in the game.

Abdusattorov - Nepomniachtchi: 2-0

Nodirbek Abdusattorov played fearlessly against Ian Nepomniachtchi. He made his intentions very clear early in the game when he sacrificed his knight to launch an attack on his opponent's stranded king in the center.

Abdusattorov - Nepomniachtchi, Game 1

Position after 12.exd5

12.exd5 is what can be called a statement to his opponent fxg3 13.Re1+ Kd7 14.hxg3 Nf5 15.dxc6+ bxc6 16.d5 Black's position is in shambles. White won the game in another six moves. Abdusattorov had to grind the second game until his opponent made a mistake in the endgame.

Round 2: Abdusattorov - So: 1.5-0.5

After a draw in the first game, Abdusattorov pushed for an advantage from the ver beggining against So.

Abdusattorov - So, Game 2

Position after 29.Bd6!

One does not need to know Fischer Random rules to appreciate the beauty of 29.Bd6. Black's rook at b7 is completely trapped. 29.Bd6 is a firm way to cripple it completely. 29...Bxd4 30.Ra8+ Kg7 31.Nxd5 Bc6 32.Bf8+ Kh7 33.Nf6+ Bxf6 34.Bxc6 and soon White liquidated into a winning rook endgame.

Group B Round 1: Bluebaum - Nakamura: 0.5-1.5

Hikaru Nakamura (USA) was winning against Matthias Bluebaum (GER) for the better part of the first game.

Position after 49.Qxa7

Black played 49...c3 which created some fighting chances for White. Eventually White even one opportunity to turn the tables but unfortunately for the Germany no.2 he missed it.

Round 2: Nakamura - Carlsen: 1.5-0.5

The world champion hung a rook completely for free against Hikaru Nakamura in the second game.

Position after 31.a6

31...Qe4+ and White lost the rook for no compensation. Nakamura converted his advantage into a win comfortably.

Nakamura had the last laugh against Carlsen in the second round | Photo: FIDE/David Llada

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich made the first move on Abdusattorov-So's board | Photo: FIDE/David Llada

Players and officials | Photo: FIDE/David Llada

Replay Round 1-2 games

Pairings

Group stage pairings | Source: Official site

The semifinals and finals will be elimination matches, and the final day will also see duels involving all the players to determine each of the prize spots, depending on where they placed earlier. Besides the FIDE world title at stake, the players will be competing for a purse of USD 400,000 and a hefty first prize of $150,000.

Semifinal and Final schedule | Photo: Official site

World Fischer Random Championship 2022 schedule | Photo: Official site

Links

Official site

Tournament Regulations