Levon Aronian became the second player to grab a win in the Sinquefield Cup, as he beat Alireza Firouzja with the white pieces in round 5. This result allowed Wesley So to overtake Firouzja in the live ratings list, while it also reduced the rating gap between Firouzja and Anish Giri. The three players are fighting to get one of the two remaining spots in the 2024 Candidates one will be granted via the ratings list and the second via the FIDE Circuit. | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Following three rounds without decisive games, an exciting fourth round in the Sinquefield saw the draw streak being broken. Wesley So was the first to grab a win in the classical tournament, as he got the better of an adventurous Richard Rapport, who employed the King’s Indian Defence with the black pieces. | Photo: Lennart Ootes
No decisive games have been played in the first three rounds of the Sinquefield Cup, despite players entering fighting lines out of the opening more often than not. In other news, Jan-Krzysztof Duda withdrew from the tournament due to health issues, and his round-1 game will be taken out of consideration for the final standings. | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Balanced, well-played games were seen on all five boards in the first round of the Sinquefield Cup. Leinier Dominguez was the one closest to getting a win on Tuesday, as he put pressure on top seed Fabiano Caruana with the black pieces. In the fight for the Candidates spots still up for grabs, a crucial encounter will be seen in round 2, when Alireza Firouzja will have the white pieces against Anish Giri. | Photo: Crystal Fuller
The Sinquefield Cup is taking place on November 21-30 at the World Chess Hall of Fame in Saint Louis. The 9-round classical tournament is the last event in this year’s Grand Chess Tour. It also plays a key role in the fight for the last two spots still up for grabs in the 2024 Candidates Tournament. | Follow the games live with expert commentary starting at 20.00 CET (14.00 ET, 0.30 IST)