” I’ll be playing the last round with the same strategy as always: try to play a good round. I’ve managed to do that so far, and I hope it will be the same tomorrow. (this Sunday), that I will follow the plan “. At the age of 17, Gukesh Dommaraji is one game away from the right to compete for the world championship, but he’s keeping a cool head like an old hand.
Taking the scalp of Alireza Firouzja in round 13, the Indian with 8.5/13 took the lead over Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamaura, who were on his game before neutralizing each other with a draw. The Russian and the American obviously remain in the running, as does Fabiano Caruana who joined them at 8/13 after winning against Praggnanandhaa!
So the final wrap-up is far from over in Toronto, as in round 14, Nakamura with the whites challenges Gukesh while Caruana will face Nepo. ” Tomorrow (sunday) it’s the only day when everyone will watch the other games “declared Nakamura. For his part, Nepo, winner of the last two Candidates and who therefore relinquished control before the final round, is fatalistic. ” With the blacks, I’ll have a few fewer options, but Fabiano will only be playing for victory. It’ll be an interesting game “. Caruana confirms: ” I absolutely have to win and Ian is in the same position. Gukesh is the only one who could play for a draw, and the other three have to do whatever it takes to win. It’s a very strange situation. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tournament end like this. “.
