Fabiano Caruana regained momentum and joined Wesley So at the top of the standings after a powerful attacking win over Hans Niemann with the black pieces. Clearly determined to put behind him the missed mating chance against So a day earlier, Caruana entered the game with aggressive intent. The opening developed into a sharp Italian Game with 3...d6, with Caruana signalling his ambitions by playing 4...f5, 6...f4, 8...g5, 10...g4 and 11...h5.
Niemann's decision to castle on move six allowed the ensuing pawn storm to hit with full force. Although the 21-year-old initially defended resourcefully, the balance soon tilted in Caruana's favour. His kingside pawns advanced relentlessly, opening lines toward White's monarch. Once the attack broke through, Caruana reached a forced checkmate sequence - a notable contrast to his missed opportunity from the previous round.
The victory marked Caruana's fifth classical win against Niemann in six encounters, and could prove crucial in the race for the title.
Hans Niemann | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Wesley So kept pace with top seed Caruana by defeating Andy Woodward, ending the teenager's two-game winning streak. Playing white, So achieved a stable advantage early on when Woodward lost a pawn soon after the opening.
The 15-year-old's decision to prioritise creating a passed pawn rather than seeking counterplay backfired, as the pawn quickly became a liability. So converted methodically, securing his third win of the tournament.
Wesley So | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Elsewhere, Sam Shankland and Sam Sevian both returned to an even score after posting victories, while Ray Robson and Levon Aronian drew the day's only peaceful result. The draw allowed Aronian to climb into a share of third place alongside Niemann on 4 points, half a point behind the leaders.
With four rounds remaining, Caruana and So share the lead on 4½ points, followed by Aronian and Niemann on 4. In Monday's eighth round, Caruana will play white against Robson, while So will have the black pieces against Awonder Liang.
Sam Sevian | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Alice Lee moved into sole first place in the women's championship after defeating Atousa Pourkashiyan with the black pieces. Former co-leader Anna Zatonskih remained unbeaten but was held to a draw by Tatev Abrahamyan. With four rounds remaining, Lee now leads on 5 points, half a point ahead of Zatonskih and Anna Sargsyan.
Lee's game against Pourkashiyan was evenly balanced for much of the middlegame battle. The double-rook ending that arose appeared destined for a draw until a critical decision in time pressure changed the outcome. With four minutes left for two moves, Pourkashiyan captured a pawn where a tactical resource could have secured equality immediately.
Lee, who described the game as very difficult, seized the opportunity and created connected passed pawns that decided the contest.
Alice Lee | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Sargsyan kept herself within striking distance of the lead by defeating Thalia Cervantes. The Armenian-born player capitalised on her opponent's mistake in severe time trouble.
Cervantes' 30.Bg3? allowed 30...Rxe3 31.Bf2 Nd3+ and Black is clearly for choice.
The correct move, 30.Bd4, would have held the balance. Once ahead, Sargsyan showed composure in converting her advantage.
After seven rounds, Lee leads with 5/7 points, followed by Zatonskih and Sargsyan on 4½, and a five-player chasing group on 4 points.
Anna Sargsyan | Photo: Lennart Ootes
| Advertising |
.jpeg)
