Chessable Masters Day 2: MVL and Giri lead Group B
The preliminary stage games of Chessable Masters continued with Group B starting off their tournament on Sunday. At the conclusion of Day 2 proceedings, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Anish Giri share the lead with 3.0/5, followed by Caruana, Ding Liren and Nepomniachtchi at 2.5/5 each respectively. Day 2 witnessed only 33.33% decisive games, out of which Caruana was involved in 80% of them. MVL made a beautiful combination in Round 3 to beat Caruana. Group B will resume their tournament on Tuesday 23rd June to play the remaining preliminary stage games. Top four in each group will advance to the knock-out stage. Photo: Niki Riga/World Chess
Day 2 witnessed only five decisive games
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Anish Giri shares the lead in Group B with 3.0/5 each respectively at the conclusion of Day 2 games in the preliminary stage of Chessable Masters. Day 2 witnessed only five decisive games out of 15 which speaks a lot about how close fight this group is going to witness. Out of the five decisive games Caruana was involved in 80% of them, although Caruana's winning percentage in that stats is only 50%. Caruana, Ding Liren and Ian Nepomniachtchi - all three are trailing by just a half point behind the leader at 2.5/5 each respectively.
Nepo scores the first win of the day
Ian Nepomniachtchi defeated Teimour Radjabov with his model display of technique in a Queen-Bishop vs Queen-Knight endgame in Round 1.
Nepomniachtchi - Radjabov, Round 1
White already has a clear advantage in this position, find out how white can increase his advantage.
Radjabov misses in the endgame
In Round 2, Radjabov had a completely winning position against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the Rook vs Pawns endgame but unfortunately for the Azerbaijan no.1, he missed the win perhaps due to time scramble and went on to draw the game.
Radjabov - Vachier-Lagrave, Round 2
Find out the correct way for white to win the game.
Caruana's sharp win
Former World Championship Challenger Fabiano Caruana provided the only win of Round 2 with his sharp play again Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Caruana - Nepomniachtchi, Round 2
It is evident that white's pieces are in perfect harmony, ready to strike and make things happen. Find out the correct continuation for white after 34...Nf6
Ding survives against Nepomniachtchi
Nepomniachtchi was completely winning against Ding Liren if only he liquidated into a favorable Queen ending in time.
Nepomniachtchi - Ding Liren, Round 3
The game continued with 33.Qe7 but what was the better continuation for white?
MVL's fabulous win over Fabiano
Arguably one of the best wins of the day was scored by the eventual leader at the end of Day 2, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave against Fabiano Caaruana in Round 3.
Vachier-Lagrave - Caruana, Round 3
Find out why 39...Nh5 is a mistake.
MVL found a beautiful combination after 45...Rc2, can you find out what it is?
Caruana fell for simple tactics
In the final round of the day, Round 5, Caruana fell for a simple tactics against Giri.
Caruana - Giri, Round 5
Position after 26.Nc4
Find out why 26.Nc4 is a blunder. Giri obviously found the correct move without any difficulty which made Caruana resign immediately. After the game Giri posted this diagram in his instagram story too.
There is a well-known joke that the Group B players are (mostly) comprised of Candidates 2020 and Peter Svidler tweeted about it
Replay all Group B games on Day 2
Schedule
Tournament Rules
Group B Standings after Day 2
