12/17/2020 – After beating Ian Nepomniachtchi in round 9, Daniil Dubov also beat Sergey Karjakin, the second rating favourite, to decide the title race in the open tournament — in favour of Nepomniachtchi. The women’s championship was decided in a playoff. Aleksandra Goryachkina defeated long-time leader Polina Shuvalova in Armageddon. | Photo: Eteri Kublshvili

12/16/2020 – The Russian Chess Superfinals (Open and Women’s) are taking place at the Central Chess Club in Moscow on December 5-16. Both events are 12-player single round robins. Top seeds in the open event are Ian Nepomniachtchi (2784), Sergey Karjakin (2752) and Peter Svidler (2723); the highest-rated participants in the women’s section are Aleksandra Goryachkina (2593), Alina Kashlinskaya (2494) and Natalija Pogonina (2474). All rounds start at 3 PM Moscow time (13:00 CET, 7:00 ET). | Photo: Russian Chess Federation

12/15/2020 – Due to a loss against Daniil Dubov, Ian Nepomniachtchi gave up the sole lead in the open section of the Russian Superfinals — Sergey Karjakin, who drew Vladimir Fedoseev, caught up with ‘Nepo’ atop the standings. In the women’s tournament, Polina Shuvalova saved a draw and is still in the lead. | Photos: Eteri Kublashvili

12/14/2020 – In Round 8 of the Russian Championship Sergey Karjakin immediately redeemed himself for his previous loss to Ian Nepomniachtchi with a win over Peter Svidler. As Nepomniachtchi had to settle for a draw against Vladimir Fedoseev, Karjakin is now only half a point behind the leader. In the women’s tournament, Polina Shuvalova, who continues to lead the field, suffered her first defeat. | Photos: Vladimir Barsky

12/13/2020 – A big point for Nepomniachtchi. In Round 7 of the Russian Superfinal, Ian Nepomniachtchi won the top match against Sergey Karjakin in fine style. With 5½ points, the leader now has a full-point lead over Karjakin, who despite the defeat managed to hold on to second place for the time being. In the women’s competition, Polina Shuvalova did not win for the first time in Round 7, as she “only” managed a draw against Leya Garifullina. | Photos: Eteri Kublashvili

12/11/2020 – After six rounds Sergey Karjakin and Ian Nepomniachtchi continue to share the lead in the Superfinal of the Russian Championship - both won their games in round 6. In the women's tournament Polina Shuvalova continues to win and with 6.0/6 she is now 1½ points ahead of the field. | Photos: Eteri Kublashvili

12/10/2020 – Round 5 of the Open Tournament of the Russian Championship brought five draws and one win: Maksim Matlakov defeated Maksim Chigaev but this did not affect the standings at the top. With 3.5/5 Ian Nepomniachtchi and Sergey Karjakin still share the lead. In the Women's Tournament Polina Shuvalova extended her winning streak and won her fifth game in a row and now leads with with 5.0/5. | Photos: Eteri Kublashvili

12/9/2020 – After four rounds Ian Nepomniachtchi and Sergey Karjakin share the lead at the Russian Superfinals. In round 4 Nepomniachtchi scored a fine win with Black in the Najdorf, while Karjakin drew. In the Women's Tournament Polina Shuvalova continues to win and now leads the field with 4.0/4. | Photos: Eteri Kublashvili