Superbet R&B 2023 Day 4: Carlsen slays sole leader Duda, reduces the gap
by Shahid Ahmed - 25/05/2023
When Magnus Carlsen decides that he will wreck through the competition, very few can stop him. The world no.1 started the fourth day of Superbet Rapid and Blitz with a three points gap 10/18. He scored 7/9, to reduce the gap to only a half point, finishing the day by beating the tournament sole leader, Jan-Krzysztof Duda. The rook and opposite color bishop endgame seemed to be heading towards a draw. However, Carlsen is well-known for grinding out these positions and squeezing a win. This was no different at all. After winning the game, he showed a huge sigh of relief as he managed to beat his Kryptonite Duda once in this event. Can he repeat it today and win the tournament? Blitz Round 10 starts today from 2 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Carlsen overcomes his Kryptonite
Time and time again, Jan-Krzysztof Duda has been Magnus Carlsen's biggest nemesis among all top players. Why? Because Duda has defeated at big stages and when stakes are high. The final day of the Blitz will have nine rounds but this game will once again be a highly anticipated encounter.
Magnus Carlsen is now just a half point behind the sole leader Jan-Krzysztof Duda | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Carlsen ends the Blitz day 1 with a 7/9 score | Video: Saint Louis Chess Club
Jan-Krzysztof Duda is still in sole lead 17.5/27
| Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Round 2: Wesley So (USA) defeated Magnus Carlsen (NOR) | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Wesley: Magnus got motivated after losing to me | Video: Saint Louis Chess Club
Round 3: Romania no.2 Bogdan-Daniel Deac drew with Magnus Carlsen | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Round 4: Carlsen still couldn't beat the Poland no.2 Wojtaszek
| Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Round 7: Magnus Carlsen saying talk to the hand after beating Anish Giri? | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Round 8: Jan-Krzysztof Duda defeated Radoslaw Wojtaszek again | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Round 9: It was a huge relief for Magnus Carlsen to beat Jan-Krzysztof Duda and reduce the gap to a half point | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Garry Kasparov's smile just lights up the day | Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Kasparov: Watch the player invited at the last minute | Video: Saint Louis Chess Club
Find someone who looks at you like Carlsen looks at Kasparov
| Photo: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Highlights of Day 4
Replay Superbet Rapid and Blitz Day 4 Live commentary by GMs Varuzhan Akobian, Cristian Chirila, Yasser Seirawan, IM Nazi Paikidze and WGM Anastasiya Karlovich | Video: Saint Louis Chess Club
Replay Blitz Round 1-9 games
Standings after Blitz Round 9
Carlsen reduced the gap to a half point| Photo: Grand Chess Tour
Superbet Rapid and Blitz 2023 schedule | Photo: Grand Chess Tour
Prize
The total prize fund for each of the Rapid and Blitz event is US$ 175000 with the first prize being US$ 40000.
